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

Pigeon Point

GPS coordinates:

37° 11.095’ N, 122° 23.847’ W

LiMPETS monitoring site since:

2006

Directions:

This site is located along the San Mateo County coastline between Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz. From Highway 1, turn west onto Pigeon Point Road towards the lighthouse. From the lighthouse, drive north on the service road and park at the 5th telephone pole. The site is accessed by traversing down a sea bluff to a boulder field.

Restrooms:

Portable toilets are located at the Pigeon Point Lighthouse, approximately ¼ mile south of the monitoring site.

Site description:

This site is a solid rocky platform. Human disturbances include collecting and harvesting of animals and trampling from light to moderate visitor use.

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:

Pigeon Point’s original name, Whale Point, was inspired by the gray whales that migrate past the point. No permit is required for monitoring; however collecting is illegal without a scientific collecting permit or, for select species, a fishing license.

Contact your LiMPETS site coordinator:

Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association • The Presidio, 991 Marine Drive, San Francisco, CA 94129 • • (415) 561-6625 x304