SBC LTER: Reef: Seasonal Kelp Forest Community Dynamics: Abundance and size of Giant Kelp

These data describe the abundance and size of giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) within permanent plots of SBCLTER's seasonal kelp forest monitoring program to track long-term patterns in species abundance and diversity. The number of giant kelp > 1 m tall were recorded within four contiguous 20 m x 1m permanent plots located within a 40 m x 2 m area. The number of fronds > 1 m tall were counted for each individual and used as an estimate of its size. The experiment was initiated in 2008 at five reef sites along the mainland coast of the Santa Barbara Channel.