Chapter 3 - Natural Resources - Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

MCB Camp Pendleton, California
F.14.
3.2.4.14. San Diego Fairy Shrimp (Branchinecta sandiegonensis)
The San Diego fairy
shrimp is a small
freshwater shrimp that
occurs in vernal pools
(also known as IEW).
Vernal pools are
seasonal shallow pools
that are filled by winter
and spring rains that
usually begin in
November and continue
FIGURE 3-35. SAN DIEGO FAIRY SHRIMP
into April or May. The
(PHOTO SOURCE: D. PARSICK, USD VIA USFWS 2008G)
species is typically
observed from January
to March within 7 to 14 days of rainfall filling a pool depending on water temperature
(USFWS 2008i). The San Diego fairy shrimp is a small, delicate freshwater shrimp with
large stalked compound eyes, no carapace, and 11 pairs of swimming legs. Adult male San
Diego fairy shrimp range in length from 0.4 to 0.6 inches and the females are 0.4 to 0.5
inches long. San Diego fairy shrimp are threatened by loss and degradation of habitat due
to urbanization.
MANAGEMENT STATUS
Federal Status
The San Diego fairy shrimp was listed as federally endangered on 3 February 1997
(USFWS 1997c). Critical habitat (4,025 ac) for the San Diego fairy shrimp was designated
on 23 October 2000 (USFWS 2000d). On 11 June 2002, the U.S. District Court for the
Central District of California granted the Service’s request for a remand of the San Diego
fairy shrimp critical habitat designation. Existing critical habitat designated for the San
Diego fairy remained in place until such time as a new, final regulation became effective.
The USFWS reproposed critical habitat for this species on 22 April 2003 (USFWS 2003c).
Final critical habitat for the San Diego fairy shrimp was redesignated on 12 December
2007. The USFWS exempted all MCB Camp Pendleton lands from San Diego fairy shrimp
critical habitat, citing San Diego fairy shrimp survey and monitoring efforts outlined in this
INRMP as a sufficient benefit to the species (USFWS 2007e). Additionally, the San Diego
fairy shrimp is included in the approved recovery plan for the listed species of southern
California vernal pools (USFWS 1998b).
California Status
No special status has been assigned to the San Diego fairy shrimp by the State of
California.
Regional Status
The San Diego fairy shrimp is a covered species in the following southern California
NCCP documents:
3-70 Chapter 3 – Natural Resources