CONTRIBUTIONS TO A BIOLOGICAL SURVEY 

 OF SANTA MONICA BAY, CALIFORNIA 



Introduction 



The purpose of this report is to record the results 

 of bottom sampling in Santa Monica Bay between 1952 and 

 1956, and to evaluate the analyses of these samples in 

 terms of organic productivity by systematic faunal units. 

 The analyses are believed to approximate the ecological 

 associations of animal populations as they exist in 

 nature. Values of comparative biomasses are expressed 

 in terms of varying horizontal and vertical distances 

 from the effluent outlets. The major faunal units are 

 identified and their affinities noted with those of 

 adjacent and more distant areas. In Santa Monica Bay, 

 six biological zones are recognized. Each supports a 

 characteristic fauna differing primarily for depth of 

 sea-floor, nature of sediments, and varying with distance 

 from the ends of effluent pipes. The more abundant or 

 conspicuous faunal categories are named for each zone, 

 resulting in about 500 specific entities. 



About 150 measured bottom samples were taken from 

 selected parts of the bay. They are in the range of 

 stations numbered 2148-52 to 4451-56, made by the VELERO 

 IV, Most samples were quantitative and taken with a 

 2 1/2 cubic foot orange peel grab. Others were taken 

 with a larger (5-6 cubic foot) Campbell grab, a biological 



