Point Blue Conservation Science’s Monterey Program is centered on conservation of western snowy plovers and the sandy beach and dune ecosystem along the central California coast. Working closely with the United States Fish & Wildlife Service, California Department of Parks & Recreation, California Department of Fish & Wildlife and other partners, Point Blue biologists gather data on snowy plover breeding success, shorebird occurrence, and beach and dune ecology which are used to formulate conservation actions designed to sustain the snowy plover population and to protect and enhance the coastal ecosystem. Under the supervision of the Monterey Program Lead Ecologist, the Coastal Ecologist performs a central role on the snowy plover monitoring project. Primary duties include