Starfish Point

photo banner of different intertidal species

Starfish Point Long-Term trends

Starfish Point Biodiversity Survey findings

Starfish Point is located in the Olympic Coast Region of Washington, within Olympic National Park and the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary. This gently sloping site consists of moderately uneven terrain, containing few cracks and folds.

overview of research site

Starfish Point is predominantly consolidated bedrock, and the surrounding area is comprised of sandy beach. The primary coastal orientation is west.

closeup of research site

Long-Term Monitoring Surveys at Starfish Point were established in 2007, and are done by Olympic National Park. Long-Term MARINe surveys currently target the following species: Chthamalus/Balanus (Acorn Barnacles), Mytilus (California Mussel), and Pisaster (Ochre Star). For more information see the Long-Term trends at this site.

Biodiversity Surveys were done in 2002, 2006, and 2022. The Biodiversity Survey grid encompasses two sections that are approximately 17.5 meters (along shore) x 25 meters (seaward), and 9 meters (along shore) x 50 meters (seaward). For more information see the Biodiversity Survey findings at this site.

For more information about Starfish Point, please contact Steven Fradkin (Steven_Fradkin@nps.gov).

Last modified: Jul 14, 2025