IMPACT 2008 Submersible Baseline Survey

From September 6 to November 3 2008, we collected baseline data in deep portions of eight new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and associated Reference sites off central California; these included Soquel Canyon State Marine Conservation Area (SMCA), Portuguese Ledge SMCA, Point Lobos State Marine Reserve (SMR), Point Lobos SMCA, Point Sur SMR, Point Sur SMCA, Big Creek SMR,and Big Creek SMCA. We used the manned submersible Delta to survey fishes and invertebrates in 177,000 square meters of seafloor habitats from 24-365 m deep in Monterey Bay and along the Big Sur coast. A pilot operated the submersible while an experienced scientist identified all fish species within a 2-m-wide strip transect. Fish length was estimated using paired lasers as a guide. Each transect was documented with an external video camera. Length of each transect was determined using a Doppler velocity log and ring-laser gyro compass. Invertebrates and habitats were quantified from the video tape. During the field season 372 transects were conducted to record fish and invertebrates. Marine debris, temperature, salinity, and depth also were recorded along the transects. This data set can be used to: evaluate changes in the diversity, density, and size composition of adult and juvenile fish species and key invertebrate species inside and outside the MPAs; conduct fishery-independant stock assessments of demersal fish species; and groundtruth habitat interpretations of existing seafloor maps.