San Simeon Point

photo banner of different intertidal species

San Simeon Point Long-Term trends

San Simeon Point Biodiversity Survey findings

San Simeon Point is located in the Central Coast region of California, within the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. This site is near the San Simeon Point Mussel Watch site. This moderately sloping site consists of moderately uneven terrain, containing few cracks and folds.

overview of research site

San Simeon Point is dominated by consolidated bedrock, 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 southwest.

Long-Term Monitoring Surveys at San Simeon Point 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), Silvetia (Golden Rockweed), and Endocladia (Turfweed). In addition, motile invertebrates, barnacle recruitment, and mussel size structure, 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. 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 San Simeon Point, please contact Pete Raimondi (raimondi@ucsc.edu).

Last modified: Aug 07, 2025