SBC LTER : Reef: Benthic Composition Experiment: recruitment sampling

These data quantify the richness and abundance of mobile invertebrates settling and recruiting on brushes across 5 sampling sites (Arroyo Quemado, Naples, Isla Vista, Mohawk, Carpentaria) along the Santa Barbara Coast and 2 sites at Santa Cruz Island (San Pedro Point, and Cavern Point). Sampling began December 2021 and is conducted seasonally every 3 months. Data are collected from brushes that are attached to randomly chosen rock plates within two circular plots at each sampling site. Plot 1 represents the control plot with no giant kelp removal and plot 2 represents the kelp clearing plot where all giant kelp are removed. Additionally, understory algae are removed seasonally from half of the rock slates for both plots (Plot 1 rock plates #1-6 and Plot 2 rock plates #13-18). Recruitment is measured as a proportion of the number of individuals found on the recruitment brushes.