In this project, scuba divers will survey kelp forests in Salt Point State Marine Park, Stewart’s Point State Marine Reserve, Del Mar Landing State Marine Reserve, Saunders Reef State Marine Conservation Area and Point Arena State Marine Reserve and associated reference sites for two years beginning in 2010. From the survey data, scientists will estimate fish, kelp and benthic invertebrate densities, fish size distributions and percent cover of smaller invertebrates and algae. To better explore species-habitat relationships, they will also document substrate type (e.g., sand, cobble, bedrock and boulder) and vertical relief. Statistical analyses of the data will compare species abundances, guild abundances (e.g., trophic guilds) and community structure within the protected areas and reference sites. From the analyses, researchers hope to identify ecosystem indicators that might facilitate future monitoring efforts. The final deliverable will be a baseline characterization of kelp forest ecosystems in the five marine protected areas and associated reference sites. The project’s design is modeled after the highly successful Partnership for Interdisciplinary Studies of Coastal Oceans (PISCO) survey program, which was also used for initial monitoring of kelp forests within the Central Coast study region.