Opal Cliffs

GPS coordinates:
36° 57.595’ N, 121° 57.829’ W
LiMPETS monitoring site since:
1972
Directions:
This site is located between the cities of Santa Cruz and Capitola. To reach the site, walk down the stairs at the intersection of 41st Avenue and East Cliff Drive and straight out to the seaward edge of the outcrop. It is the northwest section of the outer platform, just beyond the channel that parallels the shore and 49 meters from the outcrop.
Restrooms:
There is a public restroom in the parking lot at the intersection of 41st Avenue and East Cliff Drive.
Site description:
This is a very flat intertidal area. Because the platforms are so flat, only a small rise in the water level floods them. Watch the rising tide, as that will determine the amount of time you will have to work the site. Also, the soft rocks of Opal Cliffs contain numerous fossils, including whale bones. These can become exposed and eroded free, then scattered about in the intertidal. If you are lucky, you might see some!
LiMPETS methods:
  1. Random quadrat in a permanent area
Download site-specific protocols and datasheets used at this site.
Permit and visitor information:
No permit is necessary for monitoring; however collecting of any sort is illegal with out a scientific collecting permit.
Contact your LiMPETS site coordinator:
Lisa Emanuelson, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary • 299 Foam St. Monterey, CA 93940 • • (831) 521-9512