Coleman Beach
Map SatelliteA part of the Sonoma Coast State Beach, the area includes both protected and unprotected rocky intertidal areas as well as offshore rocks.
Due to the cobble substrate and the sand movement, the composition of the algae community here differs from that of Shell Beach to the north and Bodega Marine Reserve to the south. Among the dominant algae in the area are Petrocelis franciscana, Endocladia muricata, Corallina vancouveriensis, Lithothamnium sp., Gigartina papillata, Laminaria sp., and Egregia sp., among others. Surf grass, Phyllospadix torreyi, occurs here.
There is a rich invertebrate marine fauna in the area.
Integrity: As a part of the State Beach, the area is impacted; however, the flora and fauna are protected.
Use: Research, educational, observational, present.
November 1977
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman