UCSB SONGS Mitigation Monitoring: Reef Performance Standard - Benthic Algae and Macroinvertebrate Cover, Abundance, and Richness

These data describe annual estimates of the percent cover, abundance, and species richness (evaluated as species density) of benthic macroalgae and macroinvertebrates from replicate transects at three subtidal reefs. Data collection began in 2009 at an artificial reef (Wheeler North Reef in Orange County, CA) and two natural reference reefs (San Mateo Kelp in Orange County, CA and Barn Kelp in San Diego County, CA) to evaluate the ability of Wheeler North Reef to compensate for losses of kelp forest habitat and associated biota caused by the operation of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS).