Navy North

photo banner of different intertidal species

Navy North Long-Term trends

Navy North Biodiversity Survey findings

Navy North is located in the South Coast region of California, on the outer Point Loma Peninsula in San Diego. This site is located on a Navy base, and receives few visitors due to access restrictions and high coastal bluffs. This gently sloping site consists of moderately uneven terrain, containing relatively few large crevices and folds.

closeup of research site

Navy North is dominated by a mixture of consolidated sedimentary bedrock, boulder fields, and cobble beach, and the area surrounding the site is comprised of a mixture of consolidated bedrock, boulder fields, and cobble beach. The primary coastal orientation of this site is west.

Long-Term Monitoring Surveys at Navy North were established in 1995, and were previously done by University of California Santa Barbara, but are currently done by Cabrillo National Monument. Long-Term monitoring surveys currently target the following species: Chthamalus/Balanus (Acorn Barnacles), Tetraclita (Pink Barnacle), Pollicipes (Goose Barnacle), Mytilus (California Mussel), Silvetia (Golden Rockweed), Red Algal Turf, Phyllospadix (Surfgrass), and Pisaster (Ochre Star). For more information see the Long-Term trends at this site.

closeup of research site

Biodiversity Surveys were done in 2012. The Biodiversity Survey grid encompasses one section that is approximately 20 meters (along shore) x 25 meters (seaward). For more information see the Biodiversity Survey findings at this site.

For more information about Navy North, please contact Jessica Curran (jessica.j.curran.civ@us.navy.mil) or Erica Pollard (erica.a.pollard2.civ@us.navy.mil).

Last modified: Jul 29, 2025