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appendix b final 2008 biological surveys of los angeles and long ...

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7.0 Kelp <strong>and</strong> Macroalgae<br />

the laboratory. Some common algal species that could not be identified during dives were<br />

collected <strong>and</strong> subsequently identified by a qualified biologist using reference books such as<br />

Marine Algae <strong>of</strong> California (Abbott <strong>and</strong> Hollenberg 1976) <strong>and</strong> Seashore Plants <strong>of</strong> California<br />

(Dawson <strong>and</strong> Foster 1982). Two species <strong>of</strong> brown algae (Dictyota flabellata <strong>and</strong> Pachydictyon<br />

coriaceum) are not distinguished in this report due to microscopic taxonomic differences<br />

(Dawson <strong>and</strong> Foster 1982) <strong>and</strong> speciation that may be in question (Stewart 1991). Therefore,<br />

Dictyota <strong>and</strong> Pachydictyon identified in this survey are denoted as “Dictyota”, consistent with the<br />

2000 baseline study.<br />

7.2.3 Data Analysis<br />

Aerial imagery combined with vessel ground-truthing provided sub-meter accuracy data on the<br />

spatial extent <strong>of</strong> the kelp <strong>and</strong> macroalgae surface canopy. Polygons for dominant species<br />

(attached <strong>and</strong> unattached “drift” surface canopy) were delineated using aerial imagery based,<br />

<strong>and</strong> ground truthing <strong>surveys</strong>. The surface area coverage <strong>of</strong> E. menziesii was estimated based<br />

on its length <strong>of</strong> occurrence, in meters, a<strong>long</strong> harbor structures (riprap <strong>and</strong> jetties) multiplied by<br />

three meters, representing the average width <strong>of</strong> canopy cover. Maps produced from aerial<br />

photographs <strong>and</strong> vessel <strong>surveys</strong> were used to delineate the kelp surface canopy. Kelp surface<br />

canopy area estimates were calculated based on the areas contained within developed<br />

boundaries (polygons) around individual kelp features.<br />

The kelp surface canopy is rarely comprised <strong>of</strong> a 100% cover within delineated areas.<br />

Accordingly, three density categories were developed to describe the relative density <strong>of</strong> each<br />

area for the <strong>2008</strong> baseline survey: “dense” describes a kelp bed containing greater than 75<br />

percent surface coverage, “moderate” is 25-75 percent coverage, <strong>and</strong> “sparse” is less than 25<br />

percent coverage. Drift canopy was common within several areas <strong>of</strong> both Ports, <strong>and</strong> its aerial<br />

extent was subtracted from overall estimates as appropriate.<br />

Descriptive statistical analyses were performed on macroalgae data collected during diver<br />

<strong>surveys</strong> to characterize spatial <strong>and</strong> temporal differences.<br />

7.3 KELP BED DISTRIBUTION<br />

Aerial coverage <strong>of</strong> the kelp <strong>and</strong> other macroalgae surface canopy in the Ports is presented in<br />

Figures 7.3-1 <strong>and</strong> 7.3-2 for spring <strong>2008</strong> <strong>and</strong> Figures 7.3-3 <strong>and</strong> 7.3-4 for fall <strong>2008</strong>. The primary<br />

macroalgae surface canopy species mapped during <strong>surveys</strong> were M. pyrifera <strong>and</strong> E. menziesii.<br />

The surface canopy <strong>of</strong> these species formed mostly linear kelp beds consistently associated<br />

with rocky substrate adjacent to shoreline structures <strong>and</strong> the outer breakwater jetties Figure 7.3-<br />

1 <strong>and</strong> 7.3-2). No kelp was observed in the inner harbor areas <strong>of</strong> the Ports.<br />

7.3.1 Spatial Distribution<br />

Almost all kelp forests occur on hard substrata (North 1971). The distribution <strong>of</strong> kelp <strong>and</strong> other<br />

surface-canopy-forming macroalgae is partially dependent on the extent <strong>of</strong> available hard<br />

substratum for suitable attachment <strong>and</strong> growth (Dayton <strong>and</strong> Oliver 1985). Within the Ports, the<br />

majority <strong>of</strong> kelp <strong>and</strong> macroalgae surface canopy is c<strong>los</strong>ely associated with the outer<br />

breakwaters <strong>and</strong> with riprap structures in the Outer Harbor facing the harbor entrances (Figures<br />

7.3-1 through 7.3-4). These structures tend to be steeply sloped, so that they form only a<br />

limited amount <strong>of</strong> subtidal substrate suitable for kelp <strong>and</strong> macroalgae growth. The canopy thus<br />

forms essentially linear beds, with the exception <strong>of</strong> an area near the entrance to Fish Harbor,<br />

two areas <strong>of</strong>f Cabrillo Beach, <strong>and</strong> an area near the entrance to the Port <strong>of</strong> Long Beach (Queens<br />

Gate). The largest <strong>and</strong> most robust kelp beds occur near the entrance <strong>of</strong> Fish Harbor <strong>and</strong> at<br />

Angels Gate in the Port <strong>of</strong> Los Angeles, <strong>and</strong> on the south-facing dikes <strong>and</strong> jetties <strong>of</strong> both Ports<br />

<strong>2008</strong> Biological Surveys <strong>of</strong> Los Angeles <strong>and</strong> Long Beach Harbors 7–3<br />

April 2010

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