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Map Satellite One of several south coast marine refuges, this area contains one of the few well-preserved rocky intertidal marine communities along this stretch of coast. There is a remarkable abundance of invertebrates here, including the brown cowrie, Cypraea spadicea, which is found in only a few other places in Southern California. Intertidal zonation is quite well marked at this site. On the landward side there are precipitous headlands composed primarily of mid-Miocene San Onofre breccia. Rock fragments forming the San Onofre breccia are typical of the Franciscan formation now exposed in the Palos Verdes Hills and on Santa Catalina Island. A series of contiguous reefs formed of sedimentary and igneous rocks fringe portions of the headlands. Integrity: This area has been used for educational purposes for a number of years. The creation of a breakwater to the south has destroyed some of the rocky habitat but has created some new environments. Unfortunately, the area is readily accessible to public parking areas and marinas nearby. Use: Research, educational, observational July 1975
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman
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