Point Arena

photo banner of different intertidal species

Point Arena Long-Term trends

Point Arena Biodiversity Survey findings

Point Arena is located in the North Central Coast region of California, within the Point Arena State Marine Reserve and Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary. This site is near the Point Arena Lighthouse Mussel Watch site. This site receives low visitation. Harbor seals are often hauled out near this site. This gently sloping site consists of moderately uneven terrain, containing few cracks and folds.

overview of research site

Point Arena is dominated by consolidated bedrock (mudstone), and the area surrounding the site is comprised of a mixture of consolidated bedrock (mudstone), boulder fields, and cobble beach. The primary coastal orientation of this site is southwest.

Long-Term Monitoring Surveys at Point Arena were established in 2010, and are done by University of California Santa Cruz. Long-Term MARINe surveys currently target the following species: Pisaster (Ochre Star). For more information see the Long-Term trends at this site.

closeup of research site

Biodiversity Surveys were done in 2010, 2017, and 2021. The Biodiversity Survey grid encompasses one section that is approximately 30 meters (along shore) x 100 meters (seaward). For more information see the Biodiversity Survey findings at this site.

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

Last modified: Aug 07, 2025