Cape Mendocino

Cape Mendocino Biodiversity Survey findings

Cape Mendocino is located in the North Coast region of California. This site receives low visitation by fishermen and tidepoolers. This gently sloping site consists of moderately uneven terrain, containing few cracks and folds.

Cape Mendocino is dominated by consolidated bedrock, and the area surrounding the site is comprised of consolidated bedrock. The primary coastal orientation of this site is west/northwest.

Long-Term Monitoring Surveys at Cape Mendocino were established in 2004, and are done by University of California Santa Cruz and Redwood National and State Park. Long-Term MARINe surveys currently target the following species: Chthamalus/Balanus (Acorn Barnacles), Mytilus (California Mussel), Fucus (Northern Rockweed), Pelvetiopsis (Dwarf Rockweed), Endocladia (Turfweed), Mastocarpus (Turkish Washcloth), and Pisaster (Ochre Star). In addition, motile invertebrates, mussel size structure, and water temperature are monitored at this site. For more information see the Long-Term trends at this site.

Biodiversity Surveys were done in 2002, 2006, 2015. The Biodiversity Survey grid encompasses two sections that are approximately 15 meters (along shore) x 60 meters (seaward), and 12 meters (along shore) x 60 meters (seaward). For more information see the Biodiversity Survey findings at this site.

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