Final Report South Coast Marine Protected Areas Baseline Characterization and Monitoring of Mid-Depth Rocky and Soft-Bottom Ecosystems (20-350m), 2011 to 2012

This report summarizes the results of a multi-year study (September 2011 – January 2015) to characterize mid-depth rocky reef and soft bottom ecosystems in the California Marine Life Protection Act’s South Coast (SC) Study Region. Our specific objective was to characterize the seafloor habitats and associated biological communities within and adjacent to the State Marine Reserves (SMRs) and Conservation Areas (SMCAs) at the time of implementation.