Cover • Principle Findings • Introduction • Methods & Results • Data Summry •
Discussion/Conclusion • Glossary • Literature Cited
Figures & Tables • 1999/2000 Kelp Bed Maps
Data Summary and Principle Findings
Data
Summary In addition, it is intended in future surveys,
to substantially expand the scope of this analysis
to include numerous areas of research interest, and
to track the sanctuary wide kelp resource, by kelp
species, to better understand the inter-specific
interactions and environmental structuring elements
of the MBNMS kelp resource. Principle
Findings 1) Summary of the 2000 Sanctuary-wide Kelp
Resource Extent The total 2000 surface kelp canopy resource,
within the MBNMS (CDF&G kelp beds 208-225),
occupied canopy/planimeter areas of 17.051 sq. mi.
and 24.663 sq. mi., respectively. The relative
density index was measured at .71. 2) Summary of the 1999 Sanctuary-wide Kelp
Resource Extent The total 1999 surface kelp canopy resource,
within the MBNMS (CDF&G kelp beds 208-225),
occupied canopy/planimeter areas of 14.053 sq. mi.
and 22.358 sq. mi., respectively. The relative
density index was measured at .63. 3) Summary Comparisons of the 1999-2000
Sanctuary-wide Kelp Resource The total sanctuary-wide kelp resource canoy
area siqnificantly increased (p=,05) from 14.053
sq. mi. to 17.451 sq. mi., which represented a 24%
increase in surface canopy from that measured in
1999. The 1999-2000 total kelp bed planimeter area
also significantly increased from 22.358 to 24.663
sq. mi., which represented a 10% increase in
perimeter extent. The relative densitv index also
significantly increased from .63 (1999) to .71
(2000). Although virtually all canopies within the
survey range showed in increase in surface extent,
the greatest increase was observed within Monterey
Bay itself (CDF&G canopies 222, 221 and 220).
Increases in canopy areas of 120%, 206% and 66%,
respectively, were noted. In addition, increases in
planimeter areas of 59%, 33%, and 43%,
respectively, were also observed within these
canopies. The only canopy to experience a substantial loss
in surface extent was canopy 208 (Cambria to Pt.
Estero), which was reduced by 24% in canopy area
and 14% in planimeter area.
This data summary will focus mainly on a "large
scale" assessment of the 2000 MBNMS coastal kelp
resource, and changes observed since the 1999
inventory. As a result of this data tabulation
method, though, additional "small scale" changes in
kelp resource extent may become apparent, as
further research is conducted. Investigators are
encouraged to use these data in that regard. Care
must be taken, though, in interpreting these
observed changes, since only two data sets were
involved, spanning one year. At best, these data
represent short-term changes only and don't
necessarily reflect long-term trends in kelp
resource extent and distribution.
The principle findinqs from the 2000 Monterey Bay
National Marine Sanctuary kelp resource inventory
were summarized, by CDF&G kelp bed numbers, as
follows: 1) 2000 kelp resource extent, 2) 1999 kelp
resource extent, and 3) Comparisons of the 1999 and
2000 sanctuary-wide coastal kelp resource.
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Last modified on: Jan 8,
2000