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COMPTUEX/JTFEX EA/OEA Final Chapter 3and current) and topography that affect prey distribution. The SSTC area is mostly a near shore shallowhabitat in close proximity to a large population and recreation center with only several species inhabitingthis area. A large proportion of the California gray whale population migrates through waters of theSOCAL OPAREA during their northward and southward migrations. For most other species, the watersof the SOCAL OPAREA constitute a relatively small portion of their total range, although in some casesnumbers within the study area may be high, at least at certain times of year. Species-by-species detailsare given in later sections.3.3.2.2 Marine ResourcesThe marine resources of the SOCAL OPAREA closely reflect the similar environment of the PMSR, aswell as the marine resources associated with SCIRC, and NB Coronado. Descriptions of the affectedresources have been obtained from several resources, including the PMSR EIS/OEIS (U.S. Navy, 2002b)and the AAAV EIS/OEIS (USMC, 2003b). Additional material has been obtained from California’sLiving Marine Resources: A Status Report (CDFG, 2001).3.3.2.2.1 Marine Flora and FaunaThe main marine flora of the SOCAL OPAREA is composed of phytoplankton, seasonally abundantmicroscopic plants that are the basis of the marine food chain. Phytoplankton abundance and distributiondepends on the season, water temperature, currents, and nutrients. The life cycles, migration patterns, andforaging behavior of many marine animals are dependent, directly or indirectly, on phytoplankton. Themacroscopic marine flora are very diverse with 70 percent of the know algal species (e.g., kelps) ofCalifornia being found in this area (Daily et al., 1993) with the larger kelp species such as bull, giant, andfeather boa forming large canopies that are important areas for fish and invertebrate protection. Othersmaller species such as eel grass, Laminaria, and sea lettuce provide important habitat to juvenile fish andinvertebrate species in shallow water areas or estuaries (Ricketts et al., 1968).Benthic marine invertebrates in the SOCAL OPAREA inhabit a variety of habitats from the nearshoreareas to the offshore ridges and banks and including both rocky and soft substrates. Various species ofmollusks, sea stars, crustaceans, anemones, nudibranchs, barnacles, urchins, and snails may use the rockyareas and kelp beds to forage and breed while species of clams, some crustaceans, sand dollars, andworms (e.g., the fat innkeeper) use sandy or mud bottoms (Ricketts et al., 1968).The affected nearshore area is composed of a variety of habitats ranging from high-relief rocky reef tobroad expanses of sand and mud. South of Point Conception, warm waters from the south join with thecold California Current to provide habitat for a wide variety of seasonal sub-tropical visitors likeyellowtail, white seabass, Pacific bonito, and California barracuda, all found in close association with theabundant stands of giant kelp found around the offshore islands and along the mainland. Major residentspecies such as kelp bass, sheephead, halfmoon, and olive rockfish sustain a year-round nearshore fishery.In addition to the resident species, many offshore species such as Pacific sardine, Pacific mackerel,northern anchovy, market squid, and numerous groundfish use nearshore habitats for some portion oftheir life history. Major issues are the impact of environmental events like El Niño on animal and plantspecies, over-harvest of species such as abalone and nearshore rockfish, interactions between fisheriesand marine mammals, pollution from human activities, and competition among user groups, bothconsumptive and non-consumptive (CDFG, 2001).The affected offshore ecosystem is characterized by fewer particles and dissolved substances than arefound in rich coastal waters. The offshore waters are dominated by the California Current, a relativelyshallow, broad, and slow moving current. This cool water current generally moves from north to southFebruary 2007 3-12