Año Nuevo

photo banner of different intertidal species

Año Nuevo Biodiversity Survey findings

Año Nuevo is located in the Central Coast region of California, within the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. This site is located within the Año Nuevo State Marine Reserve and Año Nuevo State Park. This site is also located in an Area of Special Biological Significance (Año Nuevo Point and Islands ASBS), and is near the Año Nuevo Island Mussel Watch site. This gently sloping site consists of moderately uneven terrain, containing few cracks and folds.

overview of research site

Año Nuevo is dominated by a mixture of consolidated sedimentary rock and sandy beach, and the area surrounding the site is comprised of a mixture of consolidated bedrock and sandy beach. The primary coastal orientation of this site is west.

Biodiversity Surveys were done in 2002, 2008, 2013, 2017, and 2021. The Biodiversity Survey grid encompasses one section that is approximately 30 meters (along shore) x 40 meters (seaward). For more information see the Biodiversity Survey findings at this site.

For more information about Año Nuevo, please contact Pete Raimondi (raimondi@ucsc.edu).

Last modified: Aug 07, 2025