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Poster Session Abstracts & Awards
Poster Awards
The MBNMS presents awards for outstanding research posters presented at the MBNMS Sanctuary Currents Symposium. The judges determine the specific kinds of awards to present each year based on the posters presented at the Symposium.
Past Research Poster Award Winners
2001 Best Overall Poster
Bretz, Carrie, Rikk Kvitek, Kate Thomas, and Finnegan Barry
California State University Monterey Bay
Influence of Harmful Algal Blooms on the Foraging Behavior of Shorebirds in Central California
2001 Best Thematic Poster
Weise, Michael J., and James T. Harvey
Moss Landing Marine Laboratories
California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus) Abundance, Food Habits, and Impacts on Salmonid Fisheries in Monterey Bay, California During 1997, 1998, and 1999
2001 Best Student Poster
Gray, Hannah
Morro Bay High School
Investigation of the Biofiltration Potential of the Pacific Oyster (Crassostrea gigas) to Decrease Fecal Coliform Bacterial Levels
Poster Session Abstracts
Ammann, Arnold J.
University of California at Santa Cruz
Experimental
Evaluation of Standard Monitoring Units for Recruitment of Fishes
Variability in recruitment of juveniles can determine adult population
size in some marine reef fishes. Therefore accurate estimates of recruitment
can help explain and predict the dynamics and distribution of adult
populations. I tested a method for estimating recruitment of temperate
reef fish in Monterey Bay, California. This method was standardized
for settlement habitat, replicated in space and time, and designed to
reduce sampling effort and be cost effective. These standard monitoring
units for recruitment of fishes (SMURFs) were constructed of plastic
mesh material 1.3m long and 0.3m in diameter. Many fish species settled
to SMURFs including cabezon (Scorpaenichthys marmoratus), snailfish
(Laparis spp.), and many rockfishes (Sebastes). Two aspects of sampling
protocol that may affect estimates of recruitment are depth placement
and sampling interval. More fish were found on SMURFs placed at shallow
depth (1m below surface) than at mid-water (8m above bottom) and at
bottom (1m above bottom) for most species. Recruitment for most species
was significantly higher for SMURFs sampled at short intervals (1.7
days) compared to longer sampling intervals (7 and 28 days), although
for other species (Sebastes melanops, S. flavidus, and S. serranoides)
recruitment was not significantly different between the sampling intervals
tested. These results suggest that SMURFs are an efficient and cost
effective method and that near surface deployed units are sufficient
for estimating recruitment of some temperate reef fish.
Andrews, Allen H. (1), Erica J. Burton (1), Donald E. Pearson (2), Gregor M. Cailliet (1), Kenneth H. Coale (1)
1) Moss Landing Marine Laboratories 2) National Marine Fisheries Service, Tiburon Laboratory
Radiometric
Age Validation of The Bocaccio Rockfish, Sebastes paucispinis.
Recent and historic longevity estimates for the bocaccio rockfish, Sebastes
paucispinis, range from less than 20 yr to greater than 50 yr based
on a variety of traditional ageing techniques (scales, otolith surface
ageing, break and burn and transverse sectioning). Otoliths of bocaccio
are difficult to read using these techniques and attempts to validate
the periodicity of annulus formation have been unsuccessful using marginal
increment analysis and oxytetracycline. Because the growth structure
of otoliths suggest the bocaccio is long-lived, age was determined using
the radioactive disequilibria of lead-210 and radium-226 in otolith
cores of adult bocaccio. A combination of age estimates from break-and-burn
and otolith weight as a proxy for age were used to place fish into age
groups. In some cases radiometric age agreed with the estimates and
others did not. Based on radiometric results bocaccio can live at least
24 years and may approach 37 years.
Andrews, Allen H. (1), Erik Cordes (1), Jonathan Heifetz (2), Melissa M. Mahoney (1), David Somerton (2), Gregor M. Cailliet (1), Kenneth H. Coale (1), and Kristen Munk (3)
1) Moss Landing Marine Laboratories 2) National Marine Fisheries Service, Alaska Fisheries Science Center 3) Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Age
and Growth of a Deep-Sea, Habitat-Forming Octocorallian (Primnoa
sp.) from the Gulf of Alaska, with Radiometric Age Validation.
Two nearly complete colonies of red tree coral (Primnoa sp.) collected
from off southeast Alaska were provided for an analysis of age and growth
characteristics. Growth zones were identified throughout the wood-like
skeletal structure (gorgonin) and in the heavily calcified (marble-like)
accretion found near the base of large colonies. Growth zones in the
calcified region were made visible by thin sectioning and viewed through
a dissecting microscope with transmitted light. The calcified base of
the complete colonies terminated in a very large knob-shaped accretion.
To view the growth pattern within the knob-shaped base without cutting,
a CT scan was performed on the two colonies. The views created by these
scans were spectacular and revealed that colonies consisted of multiple
settlement events, where older basal structures provide for settlement
of new colonies. A full limb from one colony was analyzed by taking
several sections over the full length of the limb. At each sampling
point, thin sections were cut to estimate age from growth zone counts.
Contiguous to each section, a 3 to 6 cm piece was cut for radiometric
age determination. Cores that appeared to be the first year's growth
were extracted from these sections. Because exogenous 210Pb was present,
the decay of 210Pb over the length of the colony was used to validate
age estimates from growth zone counts. Preliminary results indicated
the growth zones identified in sections were formed annually. Age estimates
were as high as 89 yr for sections just above the heavily calcified
base. Based on validated growth zone counts, growth of red tree coral
ranged from 1.8 to 2.1 cm per year in height and was approximately 0.4
mm in radius per year.
Bretz, Carrie, Rikk Kvitek, Kate Thomas, and Finnegan Barry
California State University Monterey Bay
Influence of Harmful Algal Blooms on the Foraging Behavior of Shorebirds in Central California
We tested the general hypothesis that the foraging behavior and distribution
of shorebirds under natural conditions are mediated by benthic prey
toxicity due to harmful algal blooms (HAB's). In California, observed
changes in shorebird (mainly Oystercatchers, Willets, Godwits and Whimbrels)
feeding behavior was correlated with seasonal changes in paralytic shellfish
poisoning toxins in their primary prey, sea mussels (Mytilus californianus)
and mole crabs (Emerita analoga). In rocky habitats where mussel toxicity
exceeded 150mgSTX/ 100g, Oystercatchers significantly increased their
consumption of limpets as well as their discard rate of mussel tissue.
In sandy beach habitats where Emerita toxicity exceeded 150mgSTX/ 100g,
shorebird abundance decreased significantly, while their rejection rate
of Emerita prey increased significantly.
Brown, Jennifer A.
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz
Variability in Growth Rates of Juvenile Flatfishes in Estuarine and Coastal Juvenile Habitats
Estuaries are considered vital nursery grounds compared to other juvenile
habitats because juvenile fishes presumably benefit from higher growth
rates, which can diminish susceptibility to size-selective predators.
To determine if juvenile fish experience variable growth rates in different
habitats, I conducted caging experiments with 2 species of flatfish
(English sole Pleuronectes vetulus and speckled sanddab Citharichthys
stigmaeus) in two habitats in central California; mudflats in Elkhorn
Slough and subtidal sandflats in Monterey Bay. For both species, growth
was higher in the estuary and than on the coast. However, this difference
in growth rates decreased with increasing initial fish size suggesting
that the benefits of estuarine living diminishes for larger individuals.
This pattern is consistent with the migration of larger juveniles from
the estuary to the Bay throughout the summer.
Conroy, Patrick T, Brian P. Sak, and Scott E. Chenue
City & County of San Francisco, Public Utilities Commission, Water Quality Bureau
Fisheries Monitoring at San Francisco's Southwest Ocean Outfall: the Evolution
of a Regional Monitoring Program
As a compliance requirement of the Oceanside Water Pollution Control
Plant National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit,
the City & County of San Francisco conducts a marine monitoring
program in the vicinity of the Southwest Ocean Outfall (SWOO), located
3.75 miles offshore of Ocean Beach. This monitoring program is designed
to evaluate impacts from the SWOO wastewater discharge on marine sediments
and indigenous marine fauna. This poster describes the evolution of
fisheries monitoring, from pre-discharge studies in the early 1980's,
to various site-specific post-discharge monitoring plans, and finally
to the regional monitoring program begun in 1997. Long-term trend analyses
and seasonal variability data are presented to illustrate the need for
changes in sample design. The regional monitoring program reduced the
sampling frequency to one annual event, which eliminated the effects
of seasonality in the data. The study area was greatly expanded to include
more reference sites, which increased the statistical power to detect
differences between sites due to effects from the SWOO discharge. This
design allows the opportunity to better characterize reference conditions
in the study area, provides information on impacts from San Francisco
Bay outflow, and provides environmental data that can be used in the
management of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
Cotham, Jon Michael
Monterey Academy of Oceanographic Science
Internship
on Behavioral Studies of Harbor Seal Foraging
The focus of this internship was the forging behavior of harbor seal
yearlings in the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary. I assisted a graduate
student in Marine Biology who was conducting the research. To monitor
the behavior of the seals they had tracked with radio transmitters on
their backs. The seals were captured with nets, tagged, data collected,
and then released. After tagging they were tracked with a radio receiver
and data on diving behavior was recorded. The data was then analyzed
to understand their forging behavior.
Ferdin, M. E. (1), Rikk G. Kvitek (1), Carolyn Bretz (1), Christine L. Powell (2), Gregory
J. Doucette (2), Chris A. Scholin (3), Kathi A. Lefebvre (4), Susan Coale (5), and Mary W. Silver (5)
1) Earth Systems Science and Policy, California State University at Monterey Bay 2) Marine Biotoxin Program, NOAA/National
Ocean Service 3) Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute 4) Biology Department, University of California at Santa Cruz 5) Institute of
Marine Science, University of California at Santa Cruz.
Emerita
analoga (Stimpson) - Possible New Indicator Species for the Phycotoxin
Domoic Acid in California Coastal Waters
In recent years unexpected occurrences of harmful algal bloom (HABs)
events involving the neurotoxin domoic acid (DA) have been documented
along the west coast of North America. Blooms of DA synthesizing diatoms
(Pseudo-nitzschia sp.) have been associated with the death and injury
of hundreds of marine birds and mammals, posed serious health risks
to humans, and threatened to significantly impact coastal fisheries
and economies dependent on marine resources. Unlike paralytic shellfish
poisoning (PSP) toxins, also common on the west coast, a reliable intertidal
indicator species for monitoring DA remains to be identified. Here we
evaluate and confirm the utility of the common sand crab (Emerita analoga)
as an indicator for DA in comparison with sea mussels (Mytilus californianus),
the standard bivalve indicator currently used by the California Department
of Health Services Shellfish Program for HAB toxin monitoring. Mussels
and Emerita from natural populations at two state beaches in Santa Cruz,
California (Apr. 1999 - Feb. 2000) were tested for DA using the HPLC-UV
method. Toxin loads in Emerita ranged from 0.07 to 10.4 ug DA g-1 and
coincided with observed trends in densities of DA producing Pseudo-nitzschia
species nearshore. Domoic acid was not detected in any of the mussel
samples collected during the study period. The rise and fall of DA in
Emerita in synchrony with Pseudo-nitzschia abundance, combined with
this common intertidal species accessibility and ease of DA extraction,
recommends Emerita as a reliable, cost effective monitoring tool for
DA in the coastal environment.
Gabriel, Christopher L., Lieutenant, United States Navy
Department of Oceanography, Naval Postgraduate School
The
Physical Characteristics of Bottom Sediments near Sur Ridge, California,
and their Implications in Acoustic Tomography
A study was conducted to determine the relationships between the geomorphology,
sedimentology, and acoustics surrounding Sur Ridge, California, and
their effects on acoustic tomography. Eleven gravity cores were taken
in the vicinity of Sur Ridge. Detailed acoustic and sedimentologial
analyses were conducted on the sediments within each core. The results
of the acoustic and sedimentological analyses were related to each other,
as well as the structural geology, sedimentology, geomorphology, and
oceanography surrounding Sur Ridge. The acoustic characteristics of
the sediments and the geomorphology of Sur Slope were then examined
to determine their impact on the arrival times and structures of acoustic
tomography signals sent from Davidson Seamount to Sur Ridge. Sediments
along the western slope of Sur Ridge were composed primarily of hemipelagic
silty clays. Sediments within the trough to the east of Sur Ridge were
composed primarily of evolved relict glauconite grains that appear to
be a lag deposit created by a relatively strong bottom current. Analysis
of computer-generated acoustic model runs using the in-situ acoustic
characteristics of the sediments along the lower portion of Sur slope
revealed that both the arrival time and structure of acoustic arrays
were significantly impacted by the interaction with the sediment, as
well as the geomorphology of Sur slope.
Goldberg, Nisse
Moss Landing Marine Laboratories
Why are Geniculate Coralline Algae Rare on Walls in Monterey Bay Kelp Forests?
Geniculate coralline algae such as Calliarthron sp. are usually more
abundant on reef platforms than on walls in kelp forest habitats. What
causes this difference? Sampling showed that the cover of geniculate
coralline algae was significantly greater on reef platforms than on
adjacent walls at Monastery Beach, Lover's Point, and Stillwater Cove
in central California. Likewise, Calliarthron sp. frond densities were
significantly greater on platforms than on walls in Stillwater Cove.
I compared Calliarthron sp. settlement and growth on horizontally and
vertically-oriented artificial substrates that were attached to subtidal
platforms and walls. Post-settlement densities were significantly lower
on vertical substrates than on horizontal substrates, suggesting that
Calliarthron sp. does not settle successfully on vertical surfaces.
Growth rates, percent cover, and frond densities of Calliarthron sp.
were significantly greater on horizontal substrates on the platforms
than on vertical substrates on the walls. Light measurements and manipulations
with barnacle settlement suggest that reduced light levels reaching
wall habitats and overgrowth by barnacles and other sessile organisms
affect Calliarthron sp. growth on subtidal walls.
Gray, Hannah
Morro Bay High School
Investigation of the Biofiltration Potential of the Pacific Oyster (Crassostrea gigas)
to Decrease Fecal Coliform Bacterial Levels
Previous studies have shown bivalves including Crassostrea gigas to
be capable of filtering particles out of the water column, indicating
that C. gigas could potentially function as a biofilter for water pollution
such as fecal coliforms. To test this, two tanks were used: one with
oysters and one without. Escherichia coli was added to both tanks and
bacterial concentration decline rates were recorded. In all three repetitions,
bacterial concentrations in the tank with oysters declined faster than
the tank without. Decreased concentrations in the oyster tank were likely
due to the filtering of E. coli by C. gigas. Results of this study substantiate
the need and viability of further exploration into the possible use
of C. gigas as a biofilter for fecal coliform contaminates.
Greene, H. Gary and Steve Watt
Moss Landing Marine Laboratories
Monitoring Surf Zone Dredge Disposal of Fine-Grained Sediments:Santa Cruz Small
Craft Harbor, Ca
The Santa Cruz Small Craft Harbor located in the northern part of Monterey
Bay suffers sediment accumulation from two separate sources. The harbor
entrance collects sand from littoral drift, and the upper harbor accumulates
multi-grained sediments after rains from the Arana Gulch Watershed.
Due to the presence of silts and muds in the upper harbor sediments,
it is not acceptable by State and Federal regulations for this material
to be dredged into the surf zone. Other methods of relieving the harbor
of this material (by barge or by truck) are very time consuming and
costly. The Santa Cruz Port District would like an opportunity to demonstrate
that the upper harbor material is suitable for surf zone disposal, in
the same manner that the entrance material is. Moss Landing Marine Laboratories
will monitor the dredging demonstration event. The monitoring program
consists of three phases: Pre-demonstration, During demonstration, and
Post-demonstration. A variety of scientific tools and methods will be
used to study sedimentary changes that may or may not occur during the
demonstration. High-resolution side-scan sonar and multibeam bathymetry
data will be collected during the Pre- and Post-demonstration phases
as well as comprehensive onshore and offshore sediment and water sampling
from Point Santa Cruz to Soquel Point. The Demonstration phase will
consist of daily sediment and water sampling events on and offshore
at designated high priority locations due to the proximity of the demonstration
outfall. Sediment samples will be analyzed for grain size characteristics
and water samples will be tested for level of turbidity. Oceanographic
data regarding tide, swell direction, height, and period will be collected
and analyzed throughout the Demonstration Event, slated to begin in
March 2001.
Johnson, Rachel (1,2), Chantell Royer (1,2), and Churchill Grimes (1,2)
1) University of California, Santa Cruz 2) National Marine Fisheries Service, Santa Cruz Laboratory
Differences in Otolith Microstructure Between Hatchery and Wild California Central
Valley Chinook Salmon
One challenge in understanding population dynamics of the California
Central Valley chinook salmon, (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), is determining
the relative contributions of hatchery and natural sources to the adult
ocean population. Current tagging methods, which tag a proportion of
hatchery fish, provide limited information on the origin of individuals
or the status of wild populations. This study examines the daily deposition
of the calcium carbonate matrix of otoliths, fish earstones, as a method
for distinguishing hatchery and non-hatchery juveniles in the Central
Valley. Differences in otoltih banding patterns from juveniles collected
in 1999 originating from 4 hatcheries and 4 rivers allowed for discrimination
between the two production sources. Hatchery fish exhibited faster growth
rates, as reflected in the wider banding increments and circularity
of otoliths than non-hatchery fish. Similarly, hatchery fish showed
less variation in daily growth rates, as reflected in a more regular
banding pattern of the otolith. The more constant feeding environment
in the hatcheries may be responsible for the faster and less variable
growth of the hatchery fish. The classification matrix developed using
differences in average increment widths, increment variation, and otolith
circularity allowed correct classification of 100 % of hatchery fish
and 89 % of wild individuals. The robustness of the classification matrix
will be further evaluated with samples containing known hatchery fish
not used in developing the matrix and known hatchery and wild fish from
different year classes. Otolith microstructure may be a useful method
in identifying the production sources of individuals collected in the
common marine environment, which would aid in studying the dynamics
of salmon in the ocean fishery.
Kuhnz, Linda
Moss Landing Marine Laboratories
The California Legless Lizard: Microhabitats and Underground Biotelemetry
Microhabitat utilization and home range of the fossorial legless lizard
(Anniella pulchra) were studied in 4 hectares of sand dune in central
California. Methods were developed using Passive Integrated Transponders
(PIT-tags) and underground biotelemetry to track movements within microhabitats,
in response to disturbance, and to determine home range and dispersal
ability. This is the most abundant population of A. pulchra known (n
= 3,582; 0.228/m^2). Abundance was greater in quality habitat (e.g.
near lupine bushes) and with greater soil moisture, but lower in disturbed
soils. They were routinely found at temperatures below 20 degrees C,
and were active day and night.The average home range was 71 m^2 (std.
dev. = 87.2). In the laboratory, Anniella moved underground through
a system of persistent burrows and vertically migrated to a depth of
46 cm. PIT-tags were a viable method for tracking legless lizards and
could be used with other small fossorial animals.
Lonhart, Steve
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz
The Impact of Native Predators on an Invasive Whelk: Sea Otters and Seashells
by the Seashore
The recent expansion of Kellet's whelk (Kelletia kelletii: Buccinidae)
into central from southern California added a novel species to kelp
forest communities. These whelks act both as important predators of
native prey species and as a novel prey resource for native predators
(sea otters, crabs, sea stars, octopus, and drilling gastropods). A
4 yr study of permanent shell removal plots at the Hopkins Marine Life
Refuge in Monterey Bay identified potential predators of the whelk and
determined the types and frequencies of shell damage. Most shell debris
consisted of "window" damage (42%), whorls only (25%), or spires only
(21%). Feeding trials with captive sea otters demonstrated that otters
were capable of producing "window" damage. Shells collected in the field
indicate that the process that creates windows can also separate the
body whorl and spire. Similar whelk shells in southern California were
extremely rare and very old. Thus, the recently established whelk populations
in central California are severely impacted by sea otters, which account
for nearly 90% of the shells observed in the field. Furthermore, the
apparent failure of local reproductive efforts by resident whelks in
central California suggests these populations are "sinks" that could
become locally extinct. Such an extinction would represent a rare marine
example of native predators contributing to the failure of an invader.
Manuoki, Tally, Kate Thomas, Rikk Kvitek, and Carrie Bretz
California State University Monterey Bay
Emerita analoga (Stimpson) as an Indicator Species for Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning
Toxins along the California Coast
Paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins (PSPT) pose a serious threat to
public health worldwide. Along the west coast of North America, Mytilus
californianus has long been used as the primary indicator species for
monitoring levels of PSPT in the environment. However, because the distribution
of this species is limited to rocky shores, vast stretches of sandy
beaches are not monitored for PSPT. This lack of information greatly
reduces our ability to track and predict harmful algal bloom development
and movement along the west coast of much of North and South America.
Early studies on Emerita analoga, a common sandy shore invertebrate
of the eastern Pacific, showed that this species can sequester saxitoxin
(STX, the primary neurotoxin produced by PSPT blooms) in its tissues.
The purpose of this study was to develop a PSPT extraction protocol
for E. analoga, and to compare the utility of this species as a PSPT
indicator with that of M. californianus. Samples of both species were
spiked with known amounts of saxitoxin and processed (M. californianus
with the standard acid extraction procedure and E. analoga with the
new adapted acid extraction process). Spike and recovery results show
that the percentage of STX recovery for E. analoga is 3-9% higher than
for M. californianus. To compare the uptake and depuration rates of
PSPT for the two species under identical field conditions, samples of
each were collected at six pairs of adjacent rocky and sandy beaches,
along the central coast of California in 1998 and 1999 from April through
November, the season of historically high PSPT. Results from these comparisons
showed E. analoga to be a reliable indicator for PSPT HAB events along
sandy shores.
Michisaki, R. (1), J. T. Pennington (1), C. Castro (2), and F. P. Chavez (1)
1) Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute 2) Naval Postgraduate School
El Niño and La Niña Across the Central California Coastal Upwelling Zone: Physics, Nutrients, and Effects an Phytoplankton
The 1997-1998 El Niño and the 1999-2000 La Niña across
the central California upwelling zone are described, and both events
are compared to 'normal' conditions observed during 1988-1991.
El
Niño began in summer 1997, peaked in fall and winter of 1997-98,
and persisted through spring and summer of 1998. Anomalously warm SSTs,
low macronutrient levels, and low chlorophyll and primary production
values characterized this event. Biological effects were particularly
strong during spring and summer 1998, when development of the coastal
upwelling regime was constrained to a narrow band nearshore.
Immediately
following the El Niño, La Niña began in Fall 1998 and
persists to the present. Features of this event are low SSTs, high macronutrient
levels, and high chlorophyll and primary production values. The coastal
upwelling regime and its high rates of biological production have been
well developed as a broad band offshore.
These
oceanographic fluctuations are related to larger-scale and longer-term
climate and ocean variability. The variations in primary production
likely have strong effects on zooplankton, fish and higher trophic levels.
Mitchell, Erin N.
California State University Monterey Bay
The Effects of Sea Surface Temperature on Fisheries in the Monterey Bay
Economic concerns have increased due to the devastating effects of El
Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) climatic fluctuations on global fisheries.
Various fisheries in the Monterey Bay were analyzed to determine if
a correlation exists between fishery catch/effort and sea surface temperature
(SSTA) from 1981-1997. Since 1989, the squid, rockfish, mackerel, anchovy,
salmon, swordfish, and sablefish fisheries have been the most important
in terms of pounds landed and dollar value at Monterey, Santa Cruz,
Pillar Point, and Moss Landing ports. The fishery data included: catch,
revenue, price, and effort for various fisheries from 1981-1997. Linear
regressions using fishery data and sea surface temperature were performed
to determine if any correlation existed. Most of the catch and revenue
for each fishery declined over the sixteen-year time period, while the
price per pound steadily increased. By predicting how a climatic fluctuation
event could affect a fishery, economic hardships can be lessened and
even sometimes avoided.
Moran, Christine
Waste Reduction Coordinator for the City of Santa Cruz
Marine Debris
Imagine a street never cleaned of its litter. Then imagine 20 to 50
feet of water on top of it and you have an idea of what marine life
is like under a wharf.
Although
protected from dumping the Monterey Bay Sanctuary has accumulated garbage.
This garbage is called Marine Debris and it is killing wildlife.
Marine
Debris begins its life on land, usually as convenient, consumer product
packaging. In the past this debris was dumped far out at sea by ships
disposing of their garbage along with sewage (dunnage). Most marine
debris originates on shore and is blown or dropped into streets or into
waterways eventually finding its way to the ocean, it is also dropped
directly into the ocean from wharves. Either way the debris is deadly
to marine life and causes suffering to animals while further stressing
the entire marine ecosystem.
According
to estimates by the California Coastal Commission there are over "46,000
pieces of plastic debris floating on every square mile of ocean." Of
all of the marine debris in the ocean 90% is plastic.
Three-quarters
of the surface of our earth is covered in ocean and the problem of marine
debris has reached global proportions. No area of our planet has been
untouched. Most debris enters the ocean near coastal cities where it
travels to sea and stacks up along current drift lines or washes back
up on our shores. Currents carry debris thousands of miles.
This
poster presentation is intended to educate the public on the issue of
Marine Debris and its effects on our ecosystem.
Muir, William Sharar
Our World
Conservation and moderation is proving essential for the health of our
planet and also for the health of humankind. With 300 miles of the Central
Coast directly affecting the Monterey Bay waters and the world's oceans.
It is everyone's responsibility not to litter, pollute, destroy, or
be greedy with the Earth's natural resources. The Citizen Watershed
Monitoring Network and Sustainable Seas Explorations are just two of
the many organizations that work with The Center For Marine Conservation.
They work to find solutions and create plans that will keep our waters
clean, healthy, and oxygenated. On and off-shore it is all humans who
have the planet Earth to thank and to protect.
Oates, Stori C. (1), James T. Harvey (1), and Sarah G. Allen (2)
1) Moss Landing Marine Laboratories 2) Point Reyes National Seashore
Impacts of Dispersal and Foraging Location on the Survivorship of Pacific Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina richardsi) Juveniles in Central California
Despite numerous studies of Pacific harbor seal (Phoca vitulina richardsi)
in central California, few have focused on factors impacting survivorship
of juvenile seals. We hypothesized that weaned pups would travel greater
distances in search of potential foraging locations, whereas, more experienced
yearlings would exhibit localized movements similar to those of adult
seals. We also predicted that juvenile seals foraging in productive
nearshore areas would have greater survivorship rates than those foraging
in less productive areas. Ten weaned harbor seal pups and four yearlings
were captured in 2000 and outfitted with VHF radio transmitters at principle
haul-out sites in or near Monterey Bay and Point Reyes, California.
Aerial surveys were conducted from Fort Bragg to Point Sur to determine
maximum distance traveled and to estimate foraging locations of seals.
Maximum distances dispersed ranged from 12 to 350 km for Monterey pups
and 12 to 65 km for Point Reyes pups. All Monterey pups dispersed northward,
possibly following food sources in the California Current System. Three
remained in Monterey Bay and one traveled as far as Mendocino. Three
of the five Point Reyes pups dispersed to Point Reyes Headlands, a site
of intense upwelling, whereas one of the pups traveled south to Bolinas
Lagoon, and another to Half Moon Bay. Two of the four yearlings remained
at the site they were tagged and occasionally traveled short distances
(25 km) to alternate haul-out sites or foraging areas. One yearling,
however, remained at the capture site approximately one month, then
traveled 65 km to Cooper Point, just south of Point Sur. In August 2000,
three months after weaning, survivorship was 90% (9 out of 10 pups).
Observed dispersal to productive areas may have increased the survival
of these pups.
Pearse, John, Dawn Osborn, and Christy Roe
University of California, Santa Cruz
Monitoring the Sanctuary's Rocky Intertidal: A High School and Volunteer Program at the Seymour Marine Discovery Center
We are developing site-specific protocols for long-term monitoring of
the rocky intertidal of central California to be used by high school
students and other volunteers. Current high schools involved are Aptos,
Harbor, Watsonville, and Monterey. Counts of prominent species in random
quadrats within permanent plots at Natural Bridges continue a monitoring
program begun in 1972. Vertical transects at Natural Bridges, Soquel
Point, and Point Pinos establish zonation patterns that will change
if sea level changes. Abundance and sizes of important species (e.g.,
owl limpets and sea stars) at all three sites will detect recruitment
and mortality patterns. An interactive website with the data will be
maintained by the Seymour Marine Discovery Center. Data collected to
date at Natural Bridges compare favorably with those collected by professional
researchers, giving us confidence that the program will not only introduce
students to the rich biota of the rocky intertidal and how to study
it, but will provide data that can be used by scientists and resource
managers to track long-term changes in this spectacular habitat. Supported
by California Sea Grant and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
Pomeroy, Caroline (1), Marc Los Huertos (2), and Margaret FitzSimmons (2)
1) Institute of Marine Sciences, UC Santa Cruz 2) Environmental Studies Department, UC Santa Cruz
Fishing Capacity in the Squid Fishery: Past, Present and Prospective
As part of the California Department of Fish and Game's (DFG) efforts
to draft its first fishery management plan for squid, it must establish
a "capacity goal" and propose mechanisms such as limited entry for achieving
that goal. DFG has tackled this difficult task by analyzing squid landings
data, as reflected in its recently released fishery management options.
DFG recommends an annual landings cap of 125,000 metric tons (mt) for
the fishery, and outlines six fleet configurations that would achieve
the fleet capacity goal expected to meet, but not exceed, that landings
cap. Each configuration reflects the results of applying certain assumptions
about fishing intensity and specialization of vessels in the fleet.
Qualifying criteria (for a limited entry permit) that would create these
configurations are also provided. Using landings and interview data,
we explore the concepts of harvesting capacity and capacity utilization
in the squid fishery, and its implications for management. Through exploratory
analysis of this information, we consider the fleet's activities in
other fisheries, the relative importance of squid, and other factors
that may influence capacity and its use under limited entry. Results
focus on the fleet as a whole, but include particular attention to the
Monterey fleet.
Schwing, Frank (1), Tom Murphree (2), Robin Tokmakian (2), Roy Mendelssohn (1), Richard Parrish (1), Bert Semtner (2), Lynn deWitt (1), Phaedra Green (1,3), Chris Moore (1), and Bruce Ford (2)
1) Pacific Fisheries Environmental Laboratory (NMFS/NOAA/SWFSC) 2) Naval Postgraduate School 3) Joint Institute of Marine and Atmospheric Research, RCUH
Northeast Pacific Climate Change Mechanisms
We are investigating mechanisms of climate change in the northeast Pacific
(NEP) relevant to variations in marine ecosystems, especially fishery
populations. In this research, we are synthesizing and analyzing extensive
historical oceanic and atmospheric data sets. Our work uses global,
high-resolution, ocean models to simulate processes not adequately represented
in observations (see Ocean Model box). We also are using atmospheric
models to identify atmospheric processes that lead to climate change
in the NEP.
Seasonal
cycles of key observed and modeled ocean fields are being related to
atmospheric forcing fields, and compared with the mechanisms of interannual
and decadal variations, with emphasis on major interannual (e.g., El
Niño and La Niña) events, and possible decadal regime
shifts around 1990 and 1998. We are comparing basin scale and regional
changes to see if similar mechanisms operate at these different spatial
scales. From these analyses, biologically relevant indices of climate
change are being developed.
The
observational and model products we are developing cover a wide range
of environmental data sets and indices that define climate change in
the NEP and its ecosystem effects. These products are being delivered
through the web, principally via the PFEL live access server site: http://salmonid.pfeg.noaa.gov/las.html.
Vaughan, Cristin
Dept. of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, UC Santa Cruz
Evidence of Chemical Cueing for Larval Release in the Solitary Orange Cup Coral, Balanophyllia elegans.
Solitary orange cup corals (Balanophyllia elegans) were collected
from Breakwater Cove, Monterey in February and August of 1998. Individual
corals were assigned to either an "isolated" (separate containers with
individual water supplies) or "grouped" (combined in one container with
a common water supply) treatment in September 1998 and monthly larval
production was measured from October 1998 to the present. During the
first two years of the experiment, the isolated corals released significantly
fewer larvae per capita than those that were grouped. However, in June
of 2000 I placed all females from the isolated treatment into a common
container, which maintained their isolation from the males, but effectively
grouped them in their living conditions. Now in the third year of the
study, these previously isolated females are releasing equivalent numbers
of larvae as the corals in the grouped treatment. This suggests that
a chemical cue from neighboring corals may significantly enhance larval
release, and I outline an experiment to test for such cueing.
Weise, Michael J. and James T. Harvey
Moss Landing Marine Laboratories
California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus) Abundance, Food Habits, and Impacts on Salmonid Fisheries in Monterey Bay, California During 1997, 1998, and 1999
To assess competition between commercial fisheries and California sea
lion (Zalophus californianus) in Monterey Bay, California I estimated
sea lion seasonal abundance, seasonal food habits, annual fish consumption,
and percentages of hooked fish taken by sea lions in commercial and
recreational salmon fisheries during 1997 to 1999. Aerial and ground
surveys during 1997 and 1998 indicated that seasonal trends in sea lion
numbers on haul-out sites corresponded with their annual migration,
with greater numbers of animals in the region in summer and fall 1998.
Prey hard parts identified in sea lion fecal samples (n=503) indicated
that sea lions consumed mostly schooling species such as market squid
(Loligo opalescens), Pacific sardine (Sardinops caeruleus), northern
anchovy (Engraulis mordax), and spiny dogfish sharks (Squalis
acanthias). Significant changes in prey composition were observed
in summer and autumn 1998 most likely as a result of shifts in prey
distribution in response to the 1997-1998 El Niño Southern Oscillation
event. In 1998, California sea lions consumed annually an estimated
269.1 to 804.7 metric tons (mt) of salmon, 988.4 to 2,206.8 mt of sardine,
and 533.4 to 1,827.4 mt of rockfishes. Sea lions took 8.5 % (1997),
28.6% (1998), and 8.9% (1999) of fish hooked in the commercial fishery,
8.4 % (1997), 18.3 % (1998), and 2.2% (1999) of fish hooked in the Commercial
Passenger Fishing Vessel fishery, and 15.6 % (1997), 17.5 % (1998),
and 4.0% (1999) of fish hooked in the skiff fishery. Hooked salmon from
the fisheries are likely the majority of salmon in the diet of sea lions.
Assessing the impact of sea lions and other natural predators on prey
populations is difficult, but necessary for effective fisheries management.
Weise, Michael J. and James T. Harvey
Moss Landing Marine Laboratories
Night Moves - Pinniped Predation of Winter-Run Steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in the San Lorenzo River During 1998 to 2000
Increasing pinniped populations have caused concern that predation on
salmonids by pinnipeds could be increasing and possibly affecting the
recovery of listed salmonid populations. The San Lorenzo River has the
largest run of federally listed winter-run steelhead in the Monterey
Bay region with approximately 2,500 steelhead, and has the greatest
co-occurrence of pinnipeds in and near the river mouth. Harbor seal
(Phoca vitulina richardsi) foraging behavior was monitored during daytime
hours from January to April 1998 and 1999, and during nighttime hours
in 2000. No predation events were observed in 1998, and six predation
events, one of which involved a steelhead, were observed in 1999. During
nighttime hours in 2000, approximately 57 predation events were observed,
including 18 steelhead, 35 lamprey, and four unidentified prey species.
Estimates of total predation on steelhead ranged from approximately
111 to 177 fish during the 2000 winter run. Impacts on winter-run steelhead
were difficult to assess because total run size estimates for the San
Lorenzo River during 2000 were not available at the time of this poster.
Pinniped tooth and claw marks were identified on 28.3% of the steelhead
in 1998, 33.3% of the fish in 1999, and 36.6% of the 560 winter-run
steelhead that passed upstream through the fish trap in 2000. Information
on food habits of harbor seals in the Monterey Bay region was obtained
through the examination and identification of prey hard parts found
in fecal samples. Bottom fishes and schooling fishes were the most commonly
occurring fish species, such as northern anchovy (Engraulis mordax;
25.4%), Dover sole (Microstomus pacificus; 25.0), rockfishes
(Sebastes sp.; 24.9%), octopus (Octopus sp.;21.3%), and
English sole (Pleuronectes vetulus; 20.5%; Table 1). Salmonid
otoliths occurred only twice in our fecal samples in 1998 and 2000,
but further analysis of all prey hard parts may show that salmon are
consumed and may represent a larger portion of the biomass consumed.
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