OSBORN, D.A.; PEARSE, J.S.; ROE, C.A.; HEFFINGTON, J.B.; KEEDY, K.D.: Seymour Intertidal Monitoring Program

We are developing site-specific protocols of the rocky intertidal of central California that can be used by high school students and other volunteer groups for long-term monitoring. Vertical transects establish zonation patterns that would change as sea level changes. Abundance and sizes of important species (e.g., owl limpets and sea stars) will detect recruitment and mortality patterns. An interactive website with the data will be maintained by the Seymour Marine Discovery Center www2.ucsc.edu/seymourcenter/. Data collected to date compare favorably with those collected by professional researchers, giving us confidence that the program will (1) introduce students to the rich biota of the rocky intertidal and how to study it, and (2) provide data that can be used by scientists and resource managers to track long-term changes in this spectacular habitat. Supported by California Sea Grant and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.