📚 Resources

Below you will find our recommendations for Pacific Coast marine life identification books

and subject books, as well as helpful websites and local Mendocino Coast resources.

Unless otherwise noted, these selections, and others, can be found on our Amazon Storefront:

Amazon Storefront

Recommended Pacific Coast Identification Books

Marine Life of the Pacific Northwest:

A Photographic Encyclopedia of Invertebrates, Seaweeds And Selected Fishes
By: Andy Lamb & Bernard Hanby

"With 1,700 superb colour photographs of over 1,400 species, Marine Life of the Pacific Northwest: A Photographic Encyclopedia of Invertebrates, Seaweeds and Selected Fishes is the most comprehensive collection of photographs of Pacific Northwest marine life ever published. It is designed to allow the reader to recognize virtually any coastal organism that might be encountered from southern Alaska to southern Oregon--from sea lettuces and feather boa kelp through to the leopard ribbon worm, Pacific red octopus, spiny-thigh sea spider and gutless awning-clam. Each species is identified with photographs and includes a description with information on range, habitat, appearance and behaviour."

Paperback: 398 pages
Publisher: Harbour Publishing (October 1, 2005)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1550173618
ISBN-13: 978-1550173611
Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 1.2 x 11.4 inches

The New Beachcomber’s Guide to Seashore Life of California: Completely Revised and Expanded
By: J. Duane Sept

"Look no further than The New Beachcomber’s Guide to Seashore Life of California for the essential tidal guidebook. More than 600 species of the sponges, molluscs, crustaceans, sea stars, sea anemones, jellies, fishes, seaweeds and other flora and fauna you’re likely to see are described here in concise detail―that’s more than double the entries from the original and ever-popular Beachcomber’s Guide to California.

Each entry is photographed in splendid color for identification in the natural habitat, and there are new indicators classifying introduced/invasive species. Also included with each species are common and scientific names, description, size, habitat, range and interesting notes, such as how the Dalmation polyclad has about forty eyes or how it takes ten years for a common lampshell to reach full size."

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Harbour Publishing (August 15, 2023)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1990776078
ISBN-13: 978-1990776076
Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.75 x 8.75 inches

Pacific Seaweeds: Updated and Expanded Edition
By: Louis Druehl & Bridgette Clarkston

"This updated and expanded guide thoroughly documents every aspect of seaweed life, from species identification and seaweed biology to the essential--and often surprising--roles seaweed plays in the marine ecosystem and our everyday lives. Seaweeds are used in everything from cosmetics to sustainable biofuels, and some species, like kelp, contribute to the remediation of coastal ecosystems.

Featuring an attractive new full-colour design, the expanded Pacific Seaweeds includes updated species descriptions, dozens of additional colour photos, new species discovered since the original edition, and brand-new sections on common shore plants and the use of DNA techniques to discover, catalog and identify seaweeds. It also features several new recipes and an essay on umami--because in addition to all its other uses, some species of seaweed make delectable food."

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Harbour Publishing (June 4, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1550177370
ISBN-13: 978-1550177374
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.7 x 8.4 inches

Tide Pools of the Mendocino Coast: A Photographic Identification Guide for the Areas Most Common Intertidal Life
By: Anna & Lee Gardner

Features 84 real photographs taken at local state parks and regional preserves
Printed on two back-to-back glossy photo paper sheets (measuring 8.5" x 11")
Laminated with a heavy duty 5mil waterproof laminating sheet
Lists both common and scientific names
Includes tide pooling tips for user and wildlife safety
Based on observations and data taken by experienced local tide pool explorers
Reviewed by the esteemed Noyo Marine Science Center for accuracy
Provides a link to our extended online tide pool identification catalog of uncommon intertidal life (featuring over 105 organisms, and growing)!
Product dimensions: 9" x 11.5"

Breakdown of Included Organisms:
Anemones: 9, Barnacles: 5, Bivalves: 1, Chitons: 4, Corals: 2, Crabs: 8, Fish: 1, Jellyfish/Hydroids: 2, Limpets: 4, Miscellaneous: 1, Nudibranchs: 7, Octopus: 1, Sea Cucumbers: 2, Sea Squirts: 1, Sea Stars: 5, Sea Urchins: 2, Seaweeds/Sea Grasses/Algae: 21, Snails: 4, Sponges: 2, Worms: 2.

Purchase here: www.thefriendlyfungus.com/product-page/tide-pools-of-the-mendocino-coast-common-guide

Tide Pools of the Mendocino Coast: A Photographic Identification Field Guide Featuring 132 of the Area's Intertidal Life Forms
By: Anna & Lee Gardner

Features 132 high-quality color photographs taken at local state parks and regional preserves
Printed on 10 back-to-back glossy photo paper sheets (measuring 4" x 10")
Total of 5 pages bound by a nickel-plated silver ring
Laminated with heavy duty 5mil waterproof laminating sheets
Created to be pocket/backpack-shaped for easy use in the field
Lists both common and scientific names
Includes tide pooling tips for user and wildlife safety, along with a ruler (in inches) on the back cover
Based on observations and data taken by experienced local tide pool explorers
Reviewed by the esteemed Noyo Marine Science Center for accuracy
Provides a link to our extended online tide pool identification catalog of uncommon intertidal life (featuring over 105 organisms, and growing)!
Product dimensions: 4.5" x 10.5"

Breakdown of Included Organisms:
Anemones: 10, Barnacles: 6, Bivalves: 3, Chitons: 5, Corals: 2, Crabs: 9, Fish: 1, Jellyfish/Hydroids: 4, Limpets: 7, Miscellaneous: 4, Nudibranchs: 16, Octopus: 1, Sea Cucumbers: 2, Sea Squirts: 2, Sea Stars: 8, Sea Urchins: 2, Seaweeds/Sea Grasses/Algae: 30, Snails: 8, Sponges: 6, Tunicates: 2, Worms: 4.

Purchase here: www.thefriendlyfungus.com/product-page/tide-pools-of-the-mendocino-coast-field-guide

Recommended Pacific Coast Subject Books

The Intertidal Wilderness: A Photographic Journey through Pacific Coast Tidepools

By: Anne Wertheim Rosenfeld & Robert T. Paine

"The Intertidal Wilderness is a stunning photographic exploration of the tidepools of the Pacific coast, from Baja California to as far north as southeast Alaska. These lush photographs capture in striking color the enormous variety of life and biological detail in the intertidal zone along one of the world's most spectacular coastlines. The interpretative text and captions describe telltale signs of ecological relationships and processes, helping the seashore explorer to appreciate ecological interactions and their consequences. The text delves into the roles of competition, predation, reproduction, natural variation in space and time, and color that characterize this vibrant ecosystem."

Paperback: 185 pages
Publisher: University of CA Press (March 28, 2002)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0520231937
ISBN-13: 978-0520231931
Product Dimensions: 8.25 x 0.75 x 10.75inches

Between Pacific Tides: Fifth Edition
By: Edward Ricketts & Jack Calvin

"One of the classic works of marine biology, a favorite for generations, has now been completely revised and expanded. Between Pacific Tides is a book for all who find the shore a place of excitement, wonder, and beauty, and an unsurpassed introductory text for both students and professionals.

This book describes the habits and habitats of the animals that live in one of the most prolific life zones of the world―the rocky shores and tide pools of the Pacific Coast of the United States. The intricate and fascinating life processes of these creatures are described with affectionate care. The animals are grouped according to their most characteristic habitat, whether rocky shore, sandy beach, mud flat, or wharf piling, and the authors discuss their life history, physiology, and community relations, and the influence of wave shock and shifting tide level."

Paperback: 680 pages
Publisher: Stanford University Press (January 1, 1992)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0804720681
ISBN-13: 978-0804720687
Product Dimensions: 6 x 1.7 x 9 inches

Nudibranch Behavior
By: David Behrens

"Nudibranchs are among the most beautiful creatures on the reef, with colors and shapes that dazzle and delight. Unlike fish that may disappear before our eyes in a flash, the showy nudibranch glides slowly along the substrate, allowing us the time to savor this extraordinary sight. With their shell-less unprotected bodies how do they survive in seas filled with hungry mouths? How do these sightless creatures navigate the reefs to find food and mates? What and how do they eat? How do they reproduce? What special relationships have they developed with other reef inhabitants? These and many more questions are answered in this informative and lavishly illustrated new book. You will never look at nudibranchs the same way again."

Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: New World Publications (October 5, 2005)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1878348418
ISBN-13: 978-1878348418
Product Dimensions: 6.2 x 0.46 x 9.14 inches

The Curious World of Seaweed

By: Josie Iselin

"Marine algae are the supreme eco-engineers of life: they oxygenate the waters, create habitat for countless other organisms, and form the base of a food chain that keeps our planet unique in the universe as we know it. In this beautiful volume Josie Iselin explores both the artistic and the biological presence of sixteen seaweeds and kelps that live in the thin region where the Pacific Ocean converges with the North American continent—a place of incomparable richness. Each species receives a detailed description of its structure, ecological importance, and humans’ scientific inquiry into it, told in scientifically illuminating yet deeply reverent and inspired prose. Throughout the writings are historical botanical illustrations and Iselin’s signature, Marimekko-like portraits of each specimen that reveal their vibrant colors—whether rosy, "olivaceous," or grass-green—and whimsical shapes. Iselin posits that we can learn not only about the seaweeds but also from them: their resilience, their resourcefulness, their poetry and magic."

Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Heyday (August 6, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1597144827
ISBN-13: 978-1597144827
Product Dimensions: 7 x 0.75 x 9.25 inches

Pacific Environmental Education Center

www.peectidepools.org

"The Pacific Environmental Education Center (PEEC) is a longstanding Non-Profit organization that provides standards-based, residential marine environmental education programs to schools throughout Northern California.

From our site, students visit tide pools, beaches, a seal rookery, coastal prairies, a fresh water lake, and a whale skeleton. Off-site, students explore unique sand dunes, and hike through redwood and pygmy forests on the wave-cut terraces of the Jughandle Ecological Staircase Trail."

Recommended Children's Books

Ocean Anatomy

By: Julia Rothman

"Julia Rothman’s best-selling illustrated Anatomy series takes a deep dive into the wonders of the sea with Ocean Anatomy. Follow Rothman’s inquisitive mind and perceptive eye along shorelines, across the open ocean, and below the waves for an artistic exploration of the watery universe. Through her drawings, discover how the world’s oceans formed, why the sea is salty, and the forces behind oceanic phenomena such as rogue waves. Colorful anatomical profiles of sea creatures from crustacean to cetacean, surveys of seafaring vessels and lighthouses, and the impact of plastic and warming water temperatures are just part of this compendium of curiosities that will entertain and educate readers of all ages."

Paperback: 206 pages
Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC (April 28, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1635861608
ISBN-13: 978-1635861600
Product Dimensions: 6.55 x 0.85 x 9 inches

iNaturalist

www.inaturalist.org

"iNaturalist helps you identify the plants and animals around you while generating data for science and conservation. Get connected with a community of millions scientists and naturalists who can help you learn more about nature! What’s more, by recording and sharing your observations, you’ll create research-quality data for scientists working to better understand and protect nature."

Recommended Identification Websites

One Small Square Inch: Seashore

By: Donald M. Silver & Patricia Wynne

"From sandy beaches to rocky cliffs, the place where the land meets the sea is an amazing habitat. While exploring at the shore or reading at home, children ages 7 and up will be astonished by the richness and variety of creatures at the water's edge. Beautifully illustrated, with a picture reference and glossary, Seashore is just one volume from the critically acclaimed One Small Square series of hands-on science books, now available in paperback."

Paperback: 48 pages
Publisher: McGraw Hill (March 22, 1997)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0070579288
ISBN-13: 978-0070579286
Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 0.18 x 8.9 inches

Recommended Mendocino Coast Resources

Noyo Center for Marine Science

www.noyocenter.org

"Our Mission: To advance ocean conservation through education, exploration and experience. Making our dramatic (and previously inaccessible) coastline available for innovative scientific research, hands-on education and natural resource stewardship.

The Noyo Center has a three-pronged approach to development, supporting an innovative research program, creating an integrated education program and building a world-class facility for research, education and tourism. Our research and education programs support activities that engage the community, the visitor, and the scientist in order to inspire connection, communication, collaboration and creativity."

Mendo Parks

www.mendoparks.org

"MendoParks currently supports 10 State Parks in Mendocino County with educational activities, park improvements, and operations of Visitor Centers: Mendocino Headlands State Park, Westport Union Landing State Beach, MacKerricher State Park, Jughandle Natural Reserve, Caspar Headlands State Beach, Russian Gulch State Park, Van Damme State Park, Manchester State Park, Greenwood State Beach, Navarro River Redwoods State Park."

Mendocino Land Trust

www.mendocinolandtrust.org

"The Mendocino Land Trust conserves and restores habitat, scenic areas and working

lands while also providing public access to beautiful places."