JUNE 5, 2015--According to the Unified Command, cleanup continues at Refugio beach to Ventura beaches where tarballs are reported. Beach cleanup after an oil spill must take into account specific wildlife and habitat that could be affected.

California grunion are a type of marine fish belonging to the the neotropical silversides family. They are found along coastal California, nearshore to a depth of about 60 feet. Grunion are known for their spawning behavior, which takes place on the beach during spring and summer months.
The cleanup of tarballs from beaches following the Refugio State Beach pipeline break was scheduled to avoid disturbing the sand for several days beginning the week of June 1 (when the runs were expected to occur) and causing disruption of the ‘grunion spawning runs. During this period, grunion eggs on shore emerge at night, during high tide. This is an example of when a seemingly positive response method could actually cause harm if conducted without considering possible negative impacts. Tailoring the cleanup activity to the specific locale or habitat is frequently necessary.

NOAA’s Dave Witting is in the field to document the spawning runs for the NOAA Damage Assessment, Remediation and Response Program (DARRP).

For further information, see the Refugio Response Joint Information Center news release of June 2, 2015.

For further information, contact Laurie.Sullivan@noaa.gov .
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