Gerstle Cove Reserve
Map SatelliteLying within the Salt Point State Park, this reserve harbors a typical protected Northern California rocky coast. Among the various algae found in the reserve are Endocladia muricata, Egregia menziesii, Iridaea cordata var. splendens, Odonthalia floccosa, Hedophyllum sessile and Gigartina papillata.
Among the rich populations of marine invertebrates that occur here are Tegula funebralis, Pisaster ochraceus, Balanus glandula, Mytilus californianus, Haliotis sp., and Ligia sp.
Integrity: The cove is readily accessible by trail and, though the plant and animal communities are protected by law, the area is small and divers frequently encroach the protected area.
Use: Research, educational, observational, present.
November 1977
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman