LIMPETS: Long-term Monitoring Program and Experiential Training for Students

Ocean Beach

GPS coordinates:

37° 44.5’ N, 122° 30.2’ W

LiMPETS monitoring site since:

2001

Directions:

Ocean Beach is a long beach on the western edge of San Francisco. It stretches five miles from the Cliff House to Fort Funston. There are four survey areas on this beach at the following locations: 1) the northern end of the beach, across from the Beach Chalet at Fulton Ave, 2) Judah, 3) Riveria and Taraval (37° 44.5’ N, 122° 30.2’ W), and 4) Sloat Ave.

Restrooms:

Bathrooms are available at each of the four locations along the beach. However, at the northernmost site, note that bathrooms are located on the first floor of the Beach Chalet, across the Great Highway from the monitoring site.

Site description:

High-energy beach that is characterized by large waves and strong currents. Beach is used heavily by migratory shorebirds as a stopover point during fall and spring migrations along the Pacific Flyway. The threatened snowy plover winters here. Beach is used heavily by surfers, beachgoers, and fisherman (who often collect sand crabs for bait). Sources of pollution at this beach may come from the ebbing tides that bring water out of the San Francisco Bay or from the sewage treatment plant that can overflow during heavy storms. The sewage overflow receives only primary treatment, excluding bacterial disinfection, before being released from overflow structures along the ocean.

Permit and visitor information:

The beach is a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and operated by the National Park Service. No permit is required for monitoring; however, if you plan to collect crabs for parasite analysis, a fishing license or scientific collecting permit is needed.

Contact your LiMPETS site coordinator:

Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association • The Presidio, 991 Marine Drive, San Francisco, CA 94129 • • (415) 561-6625 x303