Research Technical Report

Marine Resource Surveys Related to CalTrans/Highway 1: R/V Shearwater Cruise

Lonhart, S., M. Carr, A. DeVogelaere, W.J. Douros, H.J. Price, P. Raimondi, S. Fangman, S. Kathey, A. King, C. King, C. Monly, D. Wilkes and UCSC Divers (September 2003)

In: MBNMS (ed), Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary 2003 Field Research Review, A Report to the Sanctuary Advisory Council, pp. 14-19.

ABSTRACT

The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (Sanctuary) and the California Coastal Commission are working closely with the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) and several other local, state, and federal agencies to develop a Corridor Management Plan along the Big Sur Coast. Highway 1 in Big Sur is often subject to delays and closures due to storms, washouts, and landslides. The purpose of the Big Sur Coast Highway Management Plan (CHMP) is to develop sustainable strategies that ensure the safe and efficient operation of the highway while protecting the unique qualities and sensitive terrestrial and marine resources of this remarkable coastline.

As one part of the CHMP, this project has been designed to survey intertidal and nearshore subtidal areas along the Big Sur coast. The surveys will focus on areas of coastline known or with the greatest potential to be affected by highway repairs from landslides or other storm-related events. Data collected will include species lists, population densities, and presence of economically important, particularly sensitive, and/or endangered species. The results will be placed into multiple GIS data layers and maps for resource managers and the public.