The marine environment in the vicinity of Diablo Cove with special reference to abalones and bony fishes

Abstract

Diablo Cove, a future warm water discharge site, is located about midpoint of a 13 mile long rocky shoreside reef in central California. The reef, physically isolated from other similar coastal areas, supports important kelp bed communities of nonmigratory vertebrates and invertebrates that must be constantly monitored to ensure they are protected. This 2 year study is a base line inventory done in the vicinity of Diablo Cove with major emphasis on abalones, including their food chain, and bony fishes. Data was obtained on the life history and annual canopy development of the kelp Nereocystis and all macroalgae were cataloged. Seasonal collections of fishes were made to document those species indigenous to the system and to obtain life history information on the common forms. (Document has 429 pages.)