Methodological comparison of multiple MPA rocky ecosystem monitoring techniques

California recently completed the implementation of a large network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) across the state via legislation called the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA). Following implementation of MPAs in each region, the state instigated and funded Phase 1 of a Statewide MPA Monitoring Program which allowed for 2-3 years of baseline ecological monitoring in each region around the time of MPA implementation. Baseline monitoring was intended to provide a benchmark against which future change in MPAs could be evaluated. Importantly, baseline monitoring for many habitats built on existing programs, several of which already had long time-series of monitoring data in and around the MPAs. Building on Phase 1, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and California Ocean Protection Council (OPC) are developing priorities and strategies for Phase 2, statewide long-term monitoring. This study seeks to inform aspects of this long-term monitoring plan by evaluating existing time series and techniques currently being deployed in rocky nearshore ecosystems throughout California. Specifically, we present two studies meant to inform long-term monitoring of MPAs in California: 1) A comparison of two long-term monitoring programs utilizing SCUBA surveys on nearshore rocky reefs and kelp forests, one composed of professional, academic scientists (PISCO - Partnership for Interdisciplinary Studies of Coastal Oceans) and the other a citizen-science program utilizing a combination of paid staff and volunteers (RCCA - ReefCheck California). 2) An evaluation of data from multiple monitoring techniques across a large depth gradient to provide information on the latitudinal and depth profile of species likely to be protected by MPAs.