Surveys of surfperch diet

This metadata record documents diet analyses of redtail surfperch, Amphistichus rhodoterus, for the California North Coast MPA baseline characterization of sandy beaches conducted between June 2014 and November 2015. Sandy beach surf zones are important foraging grounds for surfperch. Redtail surfperch is the primary species taken by recreational beach anglers in northern California. Additionally, the largest commercial landings of redtail surfperch in California are through the port of Eureka. Redtail surfperch are traditionally fished and culturally important for north coast tribes. Subsamples of redtail surfperch from four reference sites were collected for diet analysis. Trophic patterns are an important indicator of current conditions of the surf zone habitat. All gut contents were identified, enumerated and weighed in order to characterize the trophic ecology of surfperch of different sizes and from different areas.