Kenneth S. Norris Rancho Marino Reserve

31 May, 12 AM - 31 May, 03 AM

Mussel growth experiment monitoring Point Conception is a major boundary between marine biogeographic provinces. This boundary is distinguished by the confluence of the cold California Current and the warmer Southern California Gyre. The goal of our research is to examine the extent of this biogeographic boundary around Point Conception. We are exploring the importance of physical factors (e.g. temperature, wave action, water column nutrients) and dispersal as causes of the distribution of several marine intertidal species. To address spatial and temporal variation in recruitment, we have been continually monitoring the recruitment of several species of marine invertebrates at eight sites north and south of Point Conception, and five rocky intertidal sites on Santa Cruz Island. In addition to monitoring recruitment, we are also monitoring temperature, nutrient levels and water motion at all these sites. We have transplanted several invertebrate and algal species to examine the importance of local, physical factors on growth and survival. Combining our mainland data with those from Santa Cruz Island will help to provide us with a large-scale picture of how physical and oceanographic features may influence recruitment and growth of marine species.

Visit #10154 @Kenneth S. Norris Rancho Marino Reserve

Approved

Under Project # 5200 | Research

PISCO: Settlement, Growth and Survival of Marine Intertidal Organisms Across a Biogeographical Gradient

faculty - DeAnza College

Reservation Members(s)

Jason Bram May 31, 2006 (1 days)
Jason Bram May 31, 2006 (1 days)

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Day Use Only 2 May 31 (3 hours)