Rocky Intertidal Ecosystems, California North Coast MPA Baseline Study

The objectives of this baseline study of rocky intertidal habitats along the North Coast Study Region (NCSR) are to (1) produce a quantitative baseline characterization of the structure of rocky intertidal ecosystems in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) established by the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA), (2) provide an initial comparison between rocky intertidal ecosystems inside MPAs and nearby associated (unprotected) reference areas, (3) analytically explore baseline characterizations for potential indicators of the state of rocky intertidal ecosystems, (4) generate a fish biodiversity baseline within rocky tide pools at a few sites inside and outside of MPAs (for the first time) as well as (5) examine rockfish recruitment into these tide pools, and (6) integrate these assessments with other components of the baseline survey, including (7) high resolution topographic geological surveys, to inform the role and design of these programs for future monitoring and evaluation of MPAs.