punctipinnls) , and species of surfperch and rockfish) apparently 

 using the kelp beds in the lee of the island as nursery grounds. 



Approximately 54 months after island construction, the inverte- 

 brate fauna and algae were surveyed along a transect on the east 

 (lee) side of the island by sampling a 0.09-square meter area at each 

 3.05-meter depth interval. This sampling was augmented with 

 numerous diving observations. The results of the survey are sum- 

 marized in Appendix H of Carlisle, Turner, and Ebert (1964) . Rela- 

 tively high densities and a pronounced vertical zonation in major 

 taxonomic groups were apparent . 



The work of the California Department of Fish and Game biolo- 

 gists provided an idea of the pattern of early colonization for 

 Rincon Island. Brisby's Biota Appendix in Keith and Skjei (1974) 

 provided valuable insight into the contrast between ecological con- 

 ditions associated with the island and those of the natural bottom at 

 the site of the island before its construction. Brisby knew the area 

 before construction, and has had an arrangement with the Atlantic 

 Richfield Company to use the island since its construction as a field 

 station for educational purposes. His study methods involved use of 

 scuba techniques, surface craft, mechanical collecting gear (includ- 

 ing Peterson grabs, dredges, trawls, traps, and other fishing gear), 

 and underwater photography. Brisby's conclusions provide a basic 

 introduction to the island's ecology. 



In summary, Brisby found that with construction of the island, 

 the area developed from a biologically depauperate condition into a 

 mature and balanced reef. Before construction, only 14 species of 

 benthic fish were observed. After establishment of a "climax" com- 

 munity on the island, 298 species, representing all major marine 

 phyla, were recorded. Ecological characteristics were somewhat 

 different on each of the four sides of the island, owing to differ- 

 ences in degree of exposure to waves and currents. High water tur- 

 bidity typified conditions on the landward side of the island. The 

 seaward side was reported to be particularly rich in life. The other 

 two sides were observed to provide an intermediate environment and 

 each, because of differences in exposure, had a somewhat different 

 ecology. "Talus slopes" of mollusk shells were observed along the 

 bases of the three seaward sides. 



IV. STUDY METHODS 



1 . General . 



This study was divided into five major subtasks. Detailed 

 information on specific methodologies is provided in Appendix A. 



