PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS: Jennifer Caselle (UC Santa Barbara)
PROJECT ADMINISTRATOR: California Sea Grant
PROJECT HIGHLIGHT:
This project continues long-term mid-depth reef data collection using Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUVs) in the oldest region of the California MPA network. This will provide critical data on habitat and environmental conditions of key fisheries and non-fisheries species, helping to guide adaptive management of the state’s Marine Protected Area network.
PROJECT SUMMARY:
The mid-depth rocky habitat off the coast of California holds significant ecological and economic value, playing a crucial role in sustaining biodiversity and fisheries. However, its depth range of 30-100 meters presents challenges for consistent monitoring across time and space. Recognizing the importance of this habitat within California's Marine Protected Area (MPA) Network and the necessity for innovative, cost-efficient monitoring techniques, researchers have identified Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV) as an effective tool for observing these rocky environments. This approach aims to address the state's specific information needs related to MPAs, fisheries management, and extreme weather impacts on this critical component of the subtidal marine ecosystem. This approach will also help train the next generation of environmental specialists in California.