UCSB SONGS Mitigation Monitoring: Reef Process Study - Density of Giant Kelp Recruits and Cover of Dead Holdfasts

These data describe annual estimates of the density of giant kelp recruits and the percent cover of dead giant kelp holdfasts from replicate quadrats at three subtidal reefs. Data collection occurred from 2000 -2023 at an artificial reef (Wheeler North Reef in Orange County, CA) and two natural reference reefs (San Mateo Kelp in Orange County, CA and Barn Kelp in San Diego County, CA) to evaluate the ability of Wheeler North Reef to compensate for losses of kelp forest habitat and associated biota caused by the operation of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS).