Barn Kelp Bed
Map SatelliteLocated well out from shore and opposite the central portion of Camp Pendleton, the relative inaccessibility of this area has led to its relative lack of disturbance.
The bottom here is a mixture of cobbles, boulders and massive outcrops interspersed with sandy stretches. This bed is composed of a number of isolated kelp areas, with Macrocystis pyrifera dominating, adjacent to each other but separated by the sandy bottom. This has resulted in an heterogeneous environment.
The uncommon red algae Botryocladia neushulii is found here in abundance.
Integrity: Isolation has led to little disturbance.
Use: Research, educational, light recreational.
Ref: Monitoring reports on the San Onofre Nuclear Power Plant.
May 1975
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman