Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/11681/25589
Title: Ecological effects of an artificial island, Rincon Island, Punta Gorda, California
Authors: Johnson, G. F.
DeWit, L. A.
Keywords: Offshore structures
Marine sediments--California--Ventura
Ecology--California--Ventura
Publisher: Coastal Engineering Research Center (U.S.)
Series/Report no.: Miscellaneous report (Coastal Engineering Research Center (U.S.));no. 78-3
Abstract: This study documents marine ecological conditions at Rincon Island, located approximately 0.8 kilometer offshore between Ventura and Santa Barbara, California, in a depth of 14 meters. The island, which was constructed between 1957 and 1958 to serve as a permanent platform for oil and gas production, is particularly suitable for ecological study. Habitat features associated with the armor rock and concrete tetrapods surrounding the island support a "microecosystem" which differs in biotic composition from surrounding natural bottom areas. Major associations of macrobiota (organisms >1 millimeter in size) were distinguished on the basis of cooccurrences of conspicuously dominant organisms. Thirteen major associations, covering various parts of the island between the upper intertidal zone and shell debris or natural bottom at the foot of the rock revetments, were defined. The boundaries of each of the major associations and certain questionable or transition zones were mapped over the entire island. These associations were further characterized by extensive measurements of biomass and abundance of macrobiota occurring in quadrats placed according to a stratified random sampling scheme. Using these data, statistically based comparisons of biotic character were made between certain transition areas and definite associations. In some cases, questionable associations were lumped together.
Description: Miscellaneous Report
Rights: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/11681/25589
Appears in Collections:Miscellaneous Report

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