You are here: Home › Stressors › Pollution›
Characterization of Coastal Benthic Habitats and Inventory of Marine Life in Central California

Characterization of Coastal Benthic Habitats and Inventory of Marine Life in Central California

Abstract

This is a baseline characterization of the biodiversity and distribution of benthic communities in soft bottom habitats in Cordell Bank, Gulf of the Farallones, and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuaries (MBNMS). Additional objectives include identification of habitat factors that govern species and community distributions, and assessment of natural and anthropogenic stressors that influence habitat quality and living resources. This study will describe environmental conditions in canyons and on the continental slope in the central California coastal region in terms of habitat stability, spatial patterns of sediment contamination, toxicity, and associated biological community properties.

Objectives

The objectives of the Central California Benthic Habitat  Assessment Project are to 1) characterize the biodiversity and distribution of benthic communities in soft bottom habitats in Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS), 2) identify habitat factors that govern species and community distributions., 3) identify natural and anthropogenic stressors that influence habitat quality and living resources, 4) provide data to assess regional environmental quality improvement, and 4) evaluate the efficacy of ecological indicators in offshore habitats. Bioeffects studies support NOAA ecosystem-based management through an integrated program of environmental assessment, and research to describe the current status of pollution and to detect changes in the environmental quality of our nation's estuarine and coastal waters. These interrelated activities are designed to provide coastal managers with scientific information and tools needed to balance society’s environmental, social, and economic goals.

Time Frame

2006.

For More Information

Project Manager:
Ian.Hartwell@noaa.gov
1305 East West Highway
SSMC-IV, N/SCI-1
Silver Spring, MD 20910
301-713-3028 x169