The next segment of the transect, extending from a depth of 

 about 4.6 meters to shore, is predominantly sand and largely de- 

 pauperate in macrobiota Cvisibility was very poor during the two 

 occasions this area was examined). From this point shoreward, scat- 

 tered rocks (30- to 60-centimeter diameter) were commonly encountered. 

 Acorn barnacles were abundant on these rocks, and coverages of 

 Lithothamnium complex and the tunicate, Styela montereyensis average 

 about 15 and 45 percent, respectively. Other organisms present to 

 common in this nearshore zone include starfish (Fatiria miniata and 

 Pisaster ochraceus) , feather boa kelp (Egregia menziesii) , hydroids 

 and tunicates. Tunicates are especially abundant C60 to 70 percent 

 coverage) between depths of 4.3 to 3.7 meters. 



In general, the deeper parts of this transect are predominantly 

 silt. Where rocks occur, they are comparable to the deeper areas of 

 the east-side permanent transect (i.e., very little epibiota, and 

 much silt). Farther inshore along the natural bottom transect, less 

 silt and more sand are present. The rocks, which are smoother than 

 in deeper water, resemble deeper rocks on the north side of the 

 island in that much Astrangia lajollaensis is present but differs in 

 that ectoprocts are for the most part missing. 



02 



