Marine Life Diversity Underwater: Nudibranch Surveys on the Rise
Ocean Sanctuaries Expands Citizen Science Efforts to Document Vibrant Sea Slugs and Track Marine Ecosystem Health
San Diego, CA – 29 January, 2025 – Ocean Sanctuaries, a leader in marine citizen science, is calling on divers and ocean enthusiasts to join its latest initiative: The 2025 Nudibranch Survey Project. This large-scale biodiversity monitoring effort aims to document the presence and diversity of nudibranchs—colorful, soft-bodied sea slugs that play a crucial role in assessing ocean health.
With the help of citizen scientists, Ocean Sanctuaries is expanding its efforts to track nudibranch populations across multiple dive sites, including the HMCS Yukon artificial reef, tide pools along the California coast, and select marine protected areas worldwide. The data collected will contribute to long-term studies on climate change, water quality, and habitat shifts.
Why Nudibranchs Matter in Marine Research
Nudibranchs, often called "the butterflies of the sea," are bioindicators—species that provide insight into environmental changes. Because they rely on specific habitats and food sources, shifts in their population can signal broader ecological changes.
“These small but mighty creatures serve as an early warning system for our oceans,” Marine Biologist and Ocean Sanctuaries Advisor. “By monitoring their diversity and distribution, we can track the health of marine ecosystems and detect signs of stress from pollution, warming waters, or habitat degradation.”
Citizen Scientists: The Driving Force Behind the Study
Ocean Sanctuaries invites scuba divers, snorkelers, and tide pool explorers to participate by photographing nudibranchs and submitting their observations through platforms like iNaturalist. Contributors will receive training in species identification and data collection protocols, ensuring the research maintains high scientific standards.
Participants will:
Learn to recognize different nudibranch species.
Log observations in the iNaturalist database, contributing to global biodiversity records.
Help establish long-term monitoring efforts at key marine sites.
The HMCS Yukon: A Living Laboratory for Nudibranchs
One of the focal points of the project is the HMCS Yukon artificial reef, a former Canadian warship sunk off the coast of San Diego in 2000. Over the years, it has transformed into a thriving marine habitat, attracting an array of marine species—including a variety of nudibranchs.
How to Get Involved
Ocean Sanctuaries encourages all ocean lovers to take part in the project. No scientific background is required—just a passion for marine conservation. Interested participants can:
Sign up for a virtual or in-person training session.
Join a dive or tide pool survey at one of the designated research sites.
Upload observations to iNaturalist, contributing to the global database.
To learn more about the 2025 Nudibranch Survey Project and how to participate, visit www.oceansanctuaries.org.
About Ocean Sanctuaries
Ocean Sanctuaries is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering citizen scientists to protect marine ecosystems. Through education, outreach, and hands-on research projects, the organization fosters a global community of ocean advocates working to preserve the world’s oceans for future generations.
Media Contact
Ocean Sanctuaries
Barbara Lloyd
Phone: +1.858.633.7305
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.oceansanctuaries.org