MBNMS Volunteer Opportunities: Snapshot Day

Monterey County volunteer gathered at REI in Marina before heading out to assigned sites.

Volunteers check dissolved oxygen at Carmel River State Beach. Photo: C. Muegge.

On the first Saturday in May, volunteers from San Mateo County to San Luis Obispo County participate in the annual “Snapshot Day" Event. Trained volunteers participate in this Sanctuary-wide volunteer water quality monitoring event designed to increase information and public awareness about water quality issues affecting watersheds that drain to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS). This community event provides a one-day "snapshot" of the health of the rivers and streams that flow into the MBNMS. Temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and conductivity are measured in the field and water samples are collected for laboratory analysis of nutrients and bacteria levels. The volunteers collecting this valuable information play a key role in our community as stewards of our watersheds. The information they provide is used by resource agencies, local governments and community groups to protect and improve the health of our local streams through the 303(d) list among other resources.

26^th Annual Snapshot Day

To get involved in Snapshot Day 2025, email urbanwq@californiamsf.org for more information.