LIMPETS: Long-term Monitoring Program and Experiential Training for Students

Student Scientists on our Sanctuary Shores

Fitzgerald Marine Reserve

photo of team making measurements at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
GPS coordinates:
37° 31.299’ N, 122° 31.007’ W
LiMPETS monitoring site since:
2006
Directions:
This site is located in the town of Moss Beach along the west coast of San Mateo County, approximately 20 miles south of San Francisco. From Highway 1, look for the large highway sign “California Avenue” and the smaller sign “Marine Life Refuge” just below it. Turn west onto California Avenue and proceed to the end of the road and the Reserve parking lot. Check in at the Ranger Station when you arrive. To reach the site, walk down the path to the tidepools and turn left. Walk south along the beach for about 0.5 miles until you round a point. The monitoring site is just beyond the point.
Restrooms:
Restrooms are located at the Ranger Station near the parking lot.
Site description:
Established in 1969, Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is one of the richest intertidal areas on the California coast. Extensive shale reefs are home for a wide variety of marine life, such as giant green anemones, limpets, gumboot chitons, and sea urchins. Over 25 new species have been discovered at the reserve.
LiMPETS methods:
  1. vertical transects
  2. random quadrats in a permanent area
  3. total counts in a permanent area
  4. size measurement in a permanent area
Download site-specific protocols and datasheets used at this site.
Permit and visitor information:
Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is in a no-take marine protected area (mpa); no collecting of organisms, shells, rocks, driftwood, etc. is permitted. Fitzgerald lies at the heart of a larger MPA, Montara State Marine Reserve. This MPA is one of many special conservation areas recently established by the state of Calfornia. It is a popular tourist destination and is extremely popular for school field trips. Reservations required. Contact the LiMPETS coordinator below for more details.
Contact your LiMPETS site coordinator:
Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association • The Presidio, 991 Marine Drive, San Francisco, CA 94129 • • (415) 561-6625 x304