Garrapata

photo banner of different intertidal species

Garrapata Long-Term trends

Garrapata Biodiversity Survey findings

Garrapata is located in the Central Coast region of California, within the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. This site is located within Garrapata State Beach. This site receives low visitation by fisherman and tidepoolers. This moderately sloping site consists of moderately uneven terrain, containing few cracks and folds.

overview of research site

Garrapata is dominated by consolidated igneous rock (granodiorite), and the area surrounding the site is comprised of consolidated igneous rock (granodiorite). The primary coastal orientation of this site is southwest.

Long-Term Monitoring Surveys at Garrapata were established in 2007, and are done by University of California Santa Cruz. Long-Term MARINe surveys currently target the following species: Chthamalus/Balanus (Acorn Barnacles), Mytilus (California Mussel), Endocladia (Turfweed), and Pisaster (Ochre Star). In addition, motile invertebrates are monitored at this site. For more information see the Long-Term trends at this site.

closeup of research site

Biodiversity Surveys were done in 2007, 2018, and 2020. 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 Garrapata , please contact Pete Raimondi (raimondi@ucsc.edu).

Last modified: Jul 24, 2025