Functional Trait Measurements and Depth Distribution of Macroalgal Communities in the Santa Barbara Channel

This dataset contains trait and elemental composition data for
macroalgal samples collected across depth gradients at multiple
sites in the Santa Barbara Channel, California. Each sample
represents an individual specimen characterized by morphological
measurements (e.g., blade thickness, stipe diameter, total
height), biomass of anatomical parts (blade, stipe, holdfast,
reproductive tissue), and anchoring strength. In addition,
biochemical traits—including carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and
hydrogen (H) content—were measured from tissue samples analyzed in
the analytical laboratory. These data support a trait-based
modeling approach to macroalgal community structure and
distribution, contributing to our understanding of functional
diversity and ecosystem dynamics in temperate marine systems.
Accompanying metadata include collection site, date, time, depth,
location coordinates, and substrate type, providing context for
environmental variation across samples.