ANeMoNe Toolbox

A resource for Site Guardians, Volunteers and Partners

Welcome!

This ANeMoNe Toolbox StoryMap is here to help you find all things related to the Aquatic Nearshore Monitoring Network. Scroll through the StoryMap as a whole, or use the tabs to find site information, tide calendars, field protocols, data sheets & more!

Here for environmental data? Scroll to the bottom of the page to download ANeMoNe data.

Interested in volunteering for the 2025 field season? Sign up here!


Land Acknowledgment

With gratitude and humility, we acknowledge that we are learning, speaking, and gathering on the native lands of Salish Sea & Coastal people, who are the indigenous peoples of this land. We pay honor and respect to their ancestors past and present as we commit to building a more inclusive and equitable space for all and act as stewards of this land we inhabit.

Acidification Nearshore Monitoring Network

ANeMoNe was proposed in 2015 to study climate change and ocean acidification in nearshore environments and to test practical management options to reduce the negative impacts of changing ocean conditions on state-owned aquatic lands.

What does ANeMoNe do?

ANeMoNe uses sensors to measure temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, salinity, and water levels both inside and outside of eelgrass beds at 13 sites across Washington State. Biological data is collected during the spring and summer growing season to explore the effects of warming and acidification on critical natural resources. Gathering this data will build long-term data sets that allow DNR and other researchers to answer questions about how climate change is impacting the nearshore areas where Washingtonians live, play, and work.

Site Guardians and volunteers will venture into the field 9-10 times this year!

2025 Field Summer Schedule

  • Sensor arrays will be swapped twice- once in March or April and again in August.
  • Biological data will be collected every field visit.
  • Accessing sites will be very dependent on low tides! Check your site's low tide calendar for low tide days and times, and notify Katie or Sophie of your plans, changes to plans, and don't hesitate to reach out if you need assistance!

ANeMoNe Sites

Click on each site location to find additional information about site access, directions and parking! Under each site you will also find graphs curated from 2021 environmental & biological data.

Nisqually Reach

Case Inlet, Rocky Bay

Elliot Bay, Seattle

Fidalgo Bay

Birch Bay, Cherry Point

Grays Harbor

Skokomish Delta

Nahcotta, Willapa Bay

Dungeness Bay

Port Gamble Bay

Maury Island

Anderson Cove

Nisqually Reach

Located south of the Tacoma Narrows, Nisqually Reach sits at the mouth of the famous Nisqually River. Nisqually Reach is a Washington Department of Natural Resources  Aquatic Reserve , encompassing over 14,000 acres of state owned aquatic lands. The Nisqually Reach Aquatic Reserve is part of a network of protected ecosystems in the Nisqually Reach area, including the  Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge . The  Nisqually Indian Tribe  and the  Nisqually Land Trust  also manage adjacent lands for conservation and protection. Together, these connected lands add up to more than 17,920 acres that have been set aside to preserve and restore this area’s distinctive habitat qualities and the species they support.

Key characteristics: 

  • Average eelgrass shoots per quadrat: 26.8
  • Average eelgrass shoot length: 61.5 cm
  • When eelgrass flowering is expected:  throughout the whole season
  • Common birds: Great blue heron, bald eagle, Canada goose
  • When spat is expected: early July – early August
  • Japonica present: No

Take a look at Nisqually Reach Aquatic Reserve

Site Location & Parking Information

The Nisqually Reach ANeMoNe Site is located adjacent to Luhrs Landing Access Area.

Parking is located next to the Nisqually Reach boat ramp and does require a Washington State Discover Pass.

Public bathroom is not available at this location.

Additional Resources

Tide buoy used for tide predictions:  Dupont, Nisqually Reach 

While visiting the Nisqually Reach ANeMoNe site, be sure to check out the  Nisqually Reach Nature Center !

Case Inlet, Rocky Bay

Rocky Bay is a small inlet off of larger Case Inlet. Rock Creek flows into Rocky Bay bringing an influx of fresh water. While exposed at lower tides, these tidelands are home to eelgrass meadows, shellfish beds, and some extremely large rocks sitting right offshore.

Key characteristics: 

  • Average eelgrass shoots per quadrat: 37.0
  • Average eelgrass shoot length: 16.0 cm
  • When eelgrass flowering is expected: Unknown
  • Common birds: Canada goose, Caspian tern, great blue heron
  • When spat is expected: late June, late July
  • Japonica present: No

Site Location & Parking

This site is only accessible via private road access! Please contact ANeMoNe staff for more site information specifics.

Additional Resources

Tide buoy used for tide predictions:  Vaughn, Case Inlet 

Elliot Bay, Seattle

Elliot Bay is not only home to one of the largest Ports in the United States, but is one of the busiest waterways in the nation. This water body supports Washington State's vibrant economy, but has also become subject of environmental concern. Urban and industrial building has decreased the flow and quality of water in the Bay.

Key characteristics:

  • Average eelgrass shoots per quadrat: 22
  • Average eelgrass shoot length: 51.8 cm
  • When eelgrass flowering is expected: early July
  • Common birds: crows, songbirds, waterfowl
  • When spat is expected: late July - late August
  • Japonica present: No

Site Location & Parking

The Elliot Bay ANeMoNe Site is located adjacent to the Elliot Bay Marina.

Parking is best at  Smith Cove Park , where it is only a quick walk, and scramble down to the stations.

Public restrooms are not available at this location.

Additional Resources

Tide buoy used for tide predictions:  Seattle, WA 

Check out how the  Port of Seattle  works towards environmental conservation!

Fidalgo Bay

Located just east of Anacortes, Fidalgo Bay is part of a vast delta system stemming from the Skagit River. Fidalgo Bay is also a  Washington State Aquatic Reserv e, home to tidal flats, salt marshes, pocket estuaries, sandy spits and expansive native eelgrass beds spanning over 750 acres of state-owned aquatic lands. Fidalgo Bay hosts essential habitats for the reproductive, foraging, and rearing success of many fish and bird species.

Key characteristics:

  • Average eelgrass shoots per quadrat: 6
  • Average eelgrass shoot length: 79.3 cm
  • When eelgrass flowering is expected: early May - early June
  • Common birds: waterfowl, great blue heron, seabirds
  • When spat is expected: late June - early September
  • Japonica present: No

Site Location & Parking

Public parking can be found along the gravel shoulder on the waterside of March's Point Road. However, it should be noted that due to the nature of the car pull-off, parking space may be limited.

Sites are located on the eastern bank across from the Weaverling Spit, with views of the  Tommy Thompson trail .

No public restrooms are available at this site.

Additional Resources

Tide buoy used for tide predictions:  Anacortes, Guemes Channel 

Learn more about the  Samish Indian Nation .

Birch Bay, Cherry Point

Sandwiched between Bellingham and Blaine, Birch Bay is a large blue bay with an enormous exposed mudflat at low tides. Birch Bay is home to extensive eelgrass beds, of which are known forage fish spawning habitat, and are often frequented by large numbers of shorebirds. The southern end of Birch Bay is encompassed by the  Cherry Point Aquatic Reserve  and managed by WADNR.

Key characteristics:

  • Average eelgrass shoots per quadrat: 39
  • Average eelgrass shoot length: 57.8 cm
  • When eelgrass flowering is expected: early May - late July
  • Common birds: Great blue heron, crows, bald eagle
  • When spat is expected: June
  • Japonica present: Yes

A Look At Cherry Point Aquatic Reserve

Site Location & Parking

The Cherry Point ANeMoNe Site is located just east of Point Whitehorn in Birch Bay.

Accessing the site will require a walk across flat tide lands from the Birch Bay State Park boat launch.

Parking is best south of Birch Bay State Park, adjacent to the public boat launch. Suggested parking area does require a Washington State Discovery Pass.

Public restrooms are available at this site.

Additional Resources

Tide buoy used for tide predictions:  Cherry Point, WA 

Grays Harbor

Located on the outer coast of Washington, Gray's Harbor is a large bay into which the Chehalis River flows. This site is a robust mudflat with relatively small eelgrass meadows.

Key Characteristics:

  • Average eelgrass shoots per quadrat: 19.5
  • Average eelgrass shoot length: 72.8 cm
  • When eelgrass flowering is expected:  Late April – early August
  • Common birds: Sanderling, gulls
  • When spat is expected: early June
  • Japonica present: No

Site Location & Parking

The ANeMoNe site is located adjacent to Brady's Oysters and parking is available in the Brady's Oysters parking lot.

Public bathrooms are available inside Brady's Oysters.

Additional Resources

Tide buoy used for tide predictions:  Bay City 

Support  Brady's Oysters , and buy some seafood!

Skokomish Delta

Located on Hood Canal, Skokomish Delta sits at the mouth of the Skokomish River. The ANeMoNe site is located on Skokomish land and is accessed with permission from the Skokomish Indian Tribe. This location is characterized by expansive eelgrass meadows and meandering streams at low tide.

Key characteristics: 

  • Average eelgrass shoots per quadrat: 48.6
  • Average eelgrass shoot length: 46.8 cm
  • When eelgrass flowering is expected:  early May – late August
  • Common birds: Mallard, crow, great blue heron
  • When spat is expected: variable, early June – early September
  • Japonica present: No

Site Location & Parking

Parking is located along highway 101 and requires a parking pass.

Public bathrooms are not available at this location.

Additional Information

Tide buoy used for tide predictions:  Union, Hood Canal 

Nahcotta, Willapa Bay

Located on the outer coast, Willapa Bay is a 25-mile-long embayment sheltered from the waves of the Pacific by the Long Beach Peninsula. It covers over 135 square miles and almost half of the bay's surface area is exposed during low tide. There are many opportunities for wildlife viewing, including the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge. This site has expansive eelgrass meadows and vast mudflats.

Key characteristics: 

  • Average eelgrass shoots per quadrat: 16.9
  • Average eelgrass shoot length: 96.9 cm
  • When eelgrass flowering is expected: Late May – late August
  • Common birds: Crow, great blue heron, sandpiper
  • When spat is expected: variable, early June – early September, peak in late July
  • Japonica present: No

Site Location & Parking

Parking is available at the Fish & Wildlife Department Field Station at 26700 Sandridge Rd, Ocean Park, WA 98640. Restrooms are located inside the building.

Additional Resources

Tide buoy used for tide predictions:  Nahcotta 

Dungeness Bay

Dungeness Bay is a small, protected bay on the Strait of Juan de Fuca sheltered by the Dungeness Spit. These productive tidelands are home to eelgrass meadows, shellfish, and provides important habitat for a wide verity of wildlife including migratory birds. Although the monitoring site is not within the boundaries of the  Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge , there are many opportunities for observing wildlife along its shores.

Key characteristics:

  • Average eelgrass shoots per quadrat: 17
  • Average eelgrass shoot length: 36.4 cm
  • When eelgrass flowering is expected: late May - late June
  • Common birds: Great blue heron, bald eagle, waterfowl
  • When spat is expected: early September
  • Japonica present: No

Site Location & Parking

The Dungeness Bay ANeMoNe Site is located on a parcel owned by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. When hiking out to the monitoring sites, be sure to stay on WDFW property.

Parking can be found at 41 Sequim-Dungeness Way, Sequim, WA 98348.

Restrooms are available in the SW corner of the parking lot.

Additional Resources

Tide buoy used for tide predictions:  Dungeness, WA 

Port Gamble Bay

Located near the entrance of Hood Canal, Port Gamble Bay is a small bay at the northwest end of the Kitsap peninsula. These tidelands are home to eelgrass meadows, shellfish beds, and other wildlife.

Key characteristics:

  • Average eelgrass shoots per quadrat: 70
  • Average eelgrass shoot length: 37.8 cm
  • When eelgrass flowering is expected: late June
  • Common birds: Great blue heron, waterfowl, crow
  • When spat is expected: late August
  • Japonica present: Yes

Site Location & Parking

Parking can be found in one of the shoulder pull-offs along Hwy 104, north of Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park.

Public restrooms are not available at this location.

Additional Resources

Tide buoy used for tide predictions:  Port Gamble, WA 

Maury Island

The  Maury Island Aquatic Reserve  is located in central Puget Sound and includes 5,530 acres of state-owned aquatic lands in Quartermaster Harbor and along the eastern shoreline of Maury Island. Designated in 2004, the reserve protects extensive eelgrass beds, mudflats, forage fish spawning grounds and includes an  Audubon Important Bird Area . The Aquatic Reserve is also a popular recreation area with numerous adjacent  public access areas  managed by King County Parks and Vashon Park District. 

Key characteristics: 

  • Average eelgrass shoots per quadrat: 63.0
  • Average eelgrass shoot length: 41.2 cm
  • When eelgrass flowering is expected:  Late May – early August
  • Common birds: Great blue heron, crow
  • When spat is expected: early June – early July
  • Japonica present: No

Site Location & Parking

This site is accessible via private property access only. Please contact ANeMoNe staff for more information on site location and access!

Additional Resources

Tide buoy used for tide predictions:  Point Vashon 

Anderson Cove

Located on Hood Canal, Anderson Cove is a small bay into which Anderson Creek flows. These tidelands are home to eelgrass meadows, shellfish beds, and quite a few bald eagles.

Key characteristics: 

  • Average eelgrass shoots per quadrat: 43.9
  • Average eelgrass shoot length: 26.6 cm
  • When eelgrass flowering is expected:  early August - early September
  • Common birds: Bald eagle, great blue heron, crow
  • When spat is expected: late July/early August
  • Japonica present: No

Site Location & Parking

This site is accessible via private property only. Please contact ANeMoNe staff prior to site visits.

Additional Resources

Tide buoy used for tide predictions:  Union, Hood Canal 

ANeMoNe Handbook & Cheatsheet

The ANeMoNe handbook is a synthesis of information provided to you on this webpage. You'll find schedule information, field protocols, and additional resources.

Additionally, here you'll find the ANeMoNe Field Cheatsheet. This is best to be used in the field to help remind you of the tasks that need to be completed every field visit! If you don't have a laminated copy, but would like one, please reach out to AAMT Staff.

Protocols & Training

Field Protocol Training

You can get started learning field protocols by watching this training video!

On April 9, 2024 we hosted an online training to introduce folks to the work that we do at ANeMoNe - if you missed it, you can watch by clicking on the button below!


Lab Protocol

Identifying shellfish spat? Find the handbook and training material here:

Mobile Data Collection

Survey123 App & Field Surveys

In this section, you'll find the link to the Survey123 App you will download, and the surveys that were designed to collect ANeMoNe field data on a mobile device. You must download the Survey123 App FIRST in order to use the surveys that were designed to collect data with a mobile device in the field.

Use these buttons to download the Survey123 app for your device:

Once you've downloaded the Survey123 app, use these buttons to download the ANeMoNe field collection surveys you'll be using in the Survey123 App:

The benefit of using the Survey123 App and field collection surveys is that once you collect your data, all you have to do is check to ensure you filled everything in and click submit!

Data Sheets & Forms

Data Sheets

  • If you decide to print data sheets at home and would like Rite-in-the-Rain paper, let us know & we will provide it.

Submitting Data sheets:

  • Please submit both of your data sheets (Eelgrass/Shellfish Stick/Sensor AND Bird Observation) no more than one week after your field visit.
  • Please send a clear scan or photo of data sheets to katie.allen@dnr.wa.gov
  • Having trouble getting a good picture of your data sheets? Using free phone apps like  CamScan  or  Scannable  can make capturing data sheets really easy.
  • If there are any questions or concerns about submitting data in a timely manner, please let us know.

Field Data Sheets

Lab Data Sheets

Volunteer Forms

At the beginning of the 2024 field season, we are asking all volunteers to fill out a single volunteer registration form!

ANeMoNe Climate Resilience Curricula & Youth Internship

WA DNR's (AAMT) developed  three curricula (elementary, middle, and high school) and a youth internship program  designed to bridge the goals of bringing local climate science into Washington state classrooms through incorporating field experience and data from ANeMoNe sites.

Contacts

Questions, Comments, or Concerns? Get in touch!

  • Interested in collaborating on a project? Contact: kyra.anderson@dnr.wa.gov
  • General questions? Want to volunteer? Contact for North Sound: Sophie Boyd, sophie.boyd@dnr.wa.gov or (360) 999-6764
  • Contact for South Sound: Katie Allen, katie.allen@dnr.wa.gov or (703) 973-4350

Presentations

Environmental Data

Interested in the environmental data ANeMoNe collects? You can download all collected ANeMoNe data below. Environmental data available includes temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, pH, and sensor depth at all ANeMoNe sites.

Click link to open & then download. We suggest referencing the metadata prior to download.

Any questions? Contact: kyra.anderson@dnr.wa.gov

2021 Environmental Data

2020 Environmental Data

Coming soon!

2018-2019 Environmental Data

Case Inlet 18-19 Environmental Data:  Eelgrass  /  Bare 

Cherry Point 18-19 Environmental Data:  Eelgrass  /  Bare 

Fidalgo Bay 18-19 Environmental Data:  Eelgrass  /  Bare 

Maury Island 18-19 Environmental Data:  Eelgrass  /  Bare  

Nisqually Reach 18-19 Environmental Data:  Eelgrass  /  Bare 

Port Gamble 18-19 Environmental Data:  Eelgrass  /  Bare  

Skokomish Delta 18-19 Environmental Data:  Eelgrass  /  Bare  

Willapa Bay 18-19 Environmental Data:  Eelgrass  /  Bare  


WA Dept. of Natural Resources

Aquatic Assessment and Monitoring Team (AAMT)

2025 Field Summer Schedule