2008 Annual Monitoring Report (pdf 10.9MB) - Bolsa Chica ...

Bolsa Chica Lowlands Restoration Monitoring
2008 Annual Report
shiner surfperch (Cymatogaster aggregata), and giant kelpfish (Heterostichus rostratus) were captured
at Station 2 (Table 1-5). Trends in the purse seine data were driven primarily by the number of
atherinids captured (which made up 81% of the total purse seine catch in 2008), and reflect the high
numbers of topsmelt captured in July at Station 2.
Figure 1-9 presents the mean biomass (g/m 2 ) of fish by gear by quarter for each station. The biomass
values in the large beach seine chart reflect the regular capture of topsmelt and diamond turbot,
however the large peak in July at Station 1 is the result of the capture of multiple gray smoothhound,
round stingray, and California butterfly ray. Fish biomass in the otter trawl was highest in April and
July when larger and more abundant California halibut, diamond turbot, round stingray, and California
butterfly ray were captured. Biomass in the purse seine was highest in July with the capture of seven
bat rays and a school of yellowfin croaker at Station 1, and highest in July at Station 2 with the capture
of nine jacksmelt and the highest catch of topsmelt for all gear types for the whole year.
The water quality conditions at the time of each sampling are presented in Table 1-7. All parameters
measured in the FTB indicated a well-flushed system, with near-oceanic salinities, and warmer
temperatures at Station 1 than 2, except in January, when Station 1 was slightly cooler. Dissolved
oxygen was always greater than 5.5 and as high as 9.2 mg/L in the basin.
Merkel & Associates, Inc. 46