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Map Satellite This area, which extends further to sea than the Irvine Coast and the Newport Marine Life Refuges and includes most of the designated refuge area, supports fringing kelp beds and excellent deepwater reefs that display considerable vertical relief. On shore, there are rocky headlands, sandy beaches, and some tidepools. On the offshore reefs there are extensive kelp beds with Macrocystis pyrifera, Pterygophora californica and Eisenia arborea. Some of these kelp stands did not disappear during the warm-water period Algae common on the fringing beds include Egregia laevigata, Rhodymenia pacifica and Rhodymenia californica. The surf grass Phyllospadix scouleri is also found in the shallow-water areas. The fauna is large and diverse and includes the several hundred fish that are found in the shallow inshore zone along the Southern California coast. Of particular note is the gulf grouper, Mycteroperca jordani, which has been sighted here, well north of its usual range. Integrity: The area is in good condition. Use: Educational, research, observational, light recreation. April 1976
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman
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