DOCSLIB.ORG

Wild Harbor Seal (Phoca Vitulina) Population Dynamics and Survival in Northern California

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Wild Harbor Seal (Phoca Vitulina) Population Dynamics and Survival in Northern California WILD HARBOR SEAL (PHOCA VITULINA) POPULATION DYNAMICS AND SURVIVAL IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA A thesis submitted to the faculty of Moss Landing Marine Laboratories San Francisco State University In partial fulfillment of The Requirements for The Degree Master of Science In Marine Science by Suzanne Camille Manugian San Francisco, California December 2013 Copyright by Suzanne Camille Manugian 2013 CERTIFICATION OF APPROVAL I certify that I have read Wild harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) population dynamics and survival in northern California by Suzanne Camille Manugian, and that in my opinion this work meets the criteria for approving a thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree: Master of Science in Marine Science at San Francisco State University. ________________________________________________ James T. Harvey Director, Moss Landing Marine Laboratories ________________________________________________ Ellen Hines Professor, Department of Geography and Environment ________________________________________________ Benjamin Becker Director and Marine Ecologist, Pacific Coast Science and Learning Center WILD HARBOR SEAL (PHOCA VITULINA) POPULATION DYNAMICS AND SURVIVAL IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA Suzanne Camille Manugian San Francisco, California 2013 Pacific harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) within San Francisco Bay (SFB) have been described as stable compared with those in coastal northern California, like Tomales Bay (TB). Historical data (1970s – early 2000s) indicated an overall increase in adults and pup production. Recent data, however, revealed SFB and TB adult counts decreased while pup production increased. There is a paucity of life history data, such as survival rates, for northern California harbor seals. For 32 radio-tagged adult females, survival was 98.2% over 20 months 2011 through 2013, constant between bays and influenced by an individual’s axillary girth. Movement between bays supported this survival estimate. Lower resight probability in SFB compared with TB was likely due to multiple factors including sampling bias and haulout quality and area. These are the first adult/subadult survival and resight estimates for harbor seals in California, and suggest the stable SFB population is due to some reason other than poor adult female survival (e.g. emigration, poor pup survival). I certify that the Abstract is a correct representation of the content of this thesis. ____________________________________________ __________________ Chair, Thesis Committee Date ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to thank my thesis committee, Jim Harvey, Ellen Hines, and Ben Becker for assistance and guidance throughout my MLML career. I’d also like to extend a special thank you to unofficial committee members Denise Greig, Sarah Allen, and Frances Gulland for always being in my corner and selflessly offering advice and support throughout this long journey. Thanks to The Marine Mammal Center (TMMC) for surgical support: Bill Van Bonn and Vanessa Fravel for surgeries, Lauren Campbell and Erin Brodie for veterinary tech support, Matt Hoard for all things USDA pool-related, and a tremendous number of volunteers for care and release of pilot study animals. An army of volunteers helped out with seal captures and sample collection, and the students, faculty, and staff at MLML helped make it all possible. A special thanks goes to Stephanie Hughes, Liz McHuron, Deasy Lontoh, Tenaya Norris, Scott Hansen, Alex Olson, Sean Hayes, Greg Frankfurter, Patrick Flanagan, and my VELers (both past and current). Aerial tracking for this study was graciously donated by K. Harmon, who both flew and looked for seals with me: without you this could not have been a success. Joe Merz (Cramer Fish Sciences) and B. Van Wagenen (Ecoscan Resources) also provided sage tracking advice and several survey flights. Additional funding was provided by The Marine Mammal Center, the Student Packard Fund, and the San Francisco State University travel fund. This project would not have been possible without support from the National Parks Service, Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge, MLML, Kathy Hieb, and the CDFG San Francisco Bay Study and the Interagency Ecological Program for the San Francisco Estuary. Lastly, I am eternally grateful for the unconditional love, encouragement, and support from my amazing folks and wonderful friends. To those who are always jokingly asking “What’s taking so long?” I now have a response: “I’ve reached the finish line!” v TABLE OF CONTENTS List of Tables ……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….……..…..….……..... vii List of Figures ……..…..….……..….……..….……..….……..….….…….….....… viii List of Appendices ……..…..….……..….……..….……..….………….………..… xii Introduction ………..….……..….……..………..……..….……..………….……… 1 Hypotheses …..…..….……..…………..….……..…………..….….…….… 11 Methods …..……..….……..….……..….……..….……..….……...….……..…….. 13 Results …………..….……..….……..….……..….……..….…….……..….….…… 22 Discussion ………..….……..….……..….……..….……..….…..….……...…...…. 26 Conclusions …………………………………………………………....….... 39 Literature Cited …………..…..….……..…….……..……..….….……..…….……. 41 Appendix 1 …………..….……..….….……..….….…….…..….……..…………… 90 Appendix 2 …………………………………………………………………………. 92 Appendix 3 …………………………………………………………………………. 93 vi LIST OF TABLES Table Page 1. 16 original survival and recapture models in MARK, with description …...……… 57 2. 40 new survival and recapture models in MARK with covariates, built off 16 original models (Table1), with description ………………………………………....… 58 - 60 3. Models built to examine tag effects over August 2011 – March 2013 by varying time frames. Monthly, biology, and seasonal effects examined ……...….……….…..... 61 4. Selection table for survival (Φ) and recapture (p) probability models. Time is recorded in monthly intervals, site is either SFB or TB. No individual covariates are included. No ^c adjustments made …….…………….………………………....…. 62 5. Selection table for survival (Φ) and recapture (p) probability models. Time is recorded in monthly intervals, site is either SFB or TB. Individual covariates are included. No ^c adjustments made ………………………….………………….…………..… 63 6. Real survival (Φ) and recapture (p) parameter estimate values from model 1 (Table 5): Φ (ax girth) p (site). Standard Error (SE) and 95% confidence intervals (LCL and UCL) also reported ……………………………………………………………….. 64 7. 27 resighted harbor seals. Animals with + indicate inclusion in Φ/p estimates. Total time: months to last resight occasion. Animals with * indicate > 15 months until first resight. Minimum total distance: reasonable travel pattern for harbor seals…..…. 65 8. Mean minimum total distance traveled (miles) ± standard error (SE) for subadult and adult harbor seals tagged in SFB and TB. Values pooled and averaged from minimum total travel distance values for each seal (from Table 7) …………………..……... 66 vii LIST OF FIGURES Figure Page 1. Northern California study area: tagging haulouts and additional aerial and ground resight locations. Circles denote tagging and surveyed haulout sites, stars denote surveyed haulout sites, triangles denote CDFW trawl stations (station number in parentheses) ……………………………………………………………………..... 67 2. Telonics IMP/300/L implantable radio tag (23mm x 81mm; 40g; Paraplast® wax coating …………………………………………………………………………… 68 3. Maximum counts of adult harbor seals, by month, in SFB (Castro Rocks, Yerba Buena Island, and Newark and Mowry Sloughs) during pupping (March through May) and Molt (June and July) from 2008 to 2012. ……………………………………..… 69 4. Maximum counts of adult harbor seals, by month, in TB during pupping (March through May) and molt (June and July) from 2008 to 2012. ………….………… 70 5. Mean maximum counts of adult harbor seals in SFB (Castro Rocks, Yerba Buena Island, and Newark and Mowry Sloughs) and TB by year during pupping (March through May) and molt (June and July) from 2008 to 2012. The red rectangle denotes time-frame of the survival implant tagging study. …………………...….……… 71 6. Relationship of LN of maximum count to year (2008 to 2012) for adult harbor seals in SFB (Castro Rocks, Yerba Buena Island, and Newark and Mowry Sloughs, P = 0.29) and TB (P = 0.23) from March through July. The red rectangle denotes time-frame of the survival implant tagging study. …………………………………………… 72 7. Relationship of proportion of pups to year (2008 to 2012) in SFB (Castro Rocks, Yerba Buena Island, and Newark and Mowry Sloughs, P = 0.15) and TB (P = 0.34). The red rectangle denotes time-frame of the survival implant tagging study…… 73 viii LIST OF FIGURES Figure Page 8. Total adult harbor seal counts (lines; black denotes CR, gray denotes YBI) and percentage of adult females (circle denotes CR, triangle denotes YBI) during molt May to August 2013. ……...……………...……………...……...……....…….… 74 9A. Movement pattern for seal 360: resighted 6 times, alive 30 months. Lines represent hypothetical trips between haulouts numbered in chronological order and duration between resights annotated in parentheses (months). The animal was tagged at Elkhorn Slough. …………………………………………………..…….…….… 75 9B. Movement pattern for seal 920: resighted 6 times, alive 19 months. Lines represent hypothetical trips between haulouts numbered in chronological order and duration between resights annotated in parentheses (months). The animal was tagged at Tomales Bay.………………………………………………………...……….… 76 9C. Movement pattern for seal 960: resighted 20 times, alive 21 months. The animal was tagged at Tomales Bay and never resighted at another haulout, remaining there at least 21 months (when surveys were completed)..…………….….....……….…
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Elkhorn Slough Estuary
    A RICH NATURAL RESOURCE YOU CAN HELP! Elkhorn Slough Estuary WATER QUALITY REPORT CARD Located on Monterey Bay, Elkhorn Slough and surround- There are several ways we can all help improve water 2015 ing wetlands comprise a network of estuarine habitats that quality in our communities: include salt and brackish marshes, mudflats, and tidal • Limit the use of fertilizers in your garden. channels. • Maintain septic systems to avoid leakages. • Dispose of pharmaceuticals properly, and prevent Estuarine wetlands harsh soaps and other contaminants from running are rare in California, into storm drains. and provide important • Buy produce from local farmers applying habitat for many spe- sustainable management practices. cies. Elkhorn Slough • Vote for the environment by supporting candidates provides special refuge and bills favoring clean water and habitat for a large number of restoration. sea otters, which rest, • Let your elected representatives and district forage and raise pups officials know you care about water quality in in the shallow waters, Elkhorn Slough and support efforts to reduce question: How is the water in Elkhorn Slough? and nap on the salt marshes. Migratory shorebirds by the polluted run-off and to restore wetlands. thousands stop here to rest and feed on tiny creatures in • Attend meetings of the Central Coast Regional answer: It could be a lot better… the mud. Leopard sharks by the hundreds come into the Water Quality Control Board to share your estuary to give birth. concerns and support for action. Elkhorn Slough estuary hosts diverse wetland habitats, wildlife and recreational activities. Such diversity depends Thousands of people come to Elkhorn Slough each year JOIN OUR EFFORT! to a great extent on the quality of the water.
    [Show full text]
  • 3. Project Description March 5, 2003 Page 3-1
    Marina Shores Village Project Draft EIR City of Redwood City 3. Project Description March 5, 2003 Page 3-1 3. PROJECT DESCRIPTION This chapter describes the proposed action or "project" addressed by this EIR. The description is based on information provided to the City by the project applicant, Glenborough-Pauls LLC. As stipulated by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, the project description has been detailed to the extent needed for adequate review and evaluation of environmental impacts. In addition to describing key elements of the proposed project, this chapter is supplemented by project description details in individual environmental chapters 4 through 15. The description that follows includes (a) the project setting (location, boundaries, and local setting of the project site); (b) the project background (site history); (c) a statement of the basic project objectives sought by the applicant; (d) the project's physical and operational characteristics (i.e., land use components, densities, building types, architectural design, landscaping/open space, circulation and parking plans, marina and shoreline modifications, infrastructure provisions, project management, and other pertinent features); (e) the anticipated project construction schedule; and (f) the various anticipated permits and jurisdictional approvals required to allow construction of the project. 3.1 PROJECT SETTING 3.1.1 Regional Location As illustrated on Figure 3.1 (Regional Map), the proposed project site is located at the northern edge of the developed portion of Redwood City, on the San Francisco Bay side of U.S. Highway 101 (Bayshore Freeway). U.S. 101 provides regional access to the approximately 46.45-acre project site; East Bayshore Road and Bair Island Road provide local access.
    [Show full text]
  • 140 Years of Railroading in Santa Cruz County by Rick Hamman
    140 Years of Railroading in Santa Cruz County By Rick Hamman Introduction To describe the last 140 years of area railroading in 4,000 words, or two articles, seems a reasonable task. After all, how much railroad history could there be in such a small county? In the summer of 1856 Davis & Jordon opened their horse powered railroad to haul lime from the Rancho Canada Del Rincon to their wharf in Santa Cruz. Today, the Santa Cruz, Big Trees & Pacific Railway continues to carry freight and passengers through those same Rancho lands to Santa Cruz. Between the time span of these two companies there has been no less than 37 different railroads operating at one time or another within Santa Cruz County. From these various lines has already come sufficient history to fill at least eight books and numerous historical articles. Many of these writings are available in your local library. As we begin this piece the author hopes to give the reader an overview and insight into what railroads have meant for Santa Cruz County, what they provide today, and what their relevance could be for tomorrow. Before There Were Railroads As people first moved west in search of gold, and later found reason to remain, Santa Cruz County offered many inducements. It was already well known because of its proximity to the former Alta California capital at Monterey, its Mission at Santa Cruz and its excellent weather. Further, within its boundaries were vast mineral deposits in the form of limestone and aggregates, rich alluvial farming soils and fertile orchard lands, and billions of standing board feet of uncut pine and redwood lumber to supply the construction of the San Francisco and Monterey bay areas.
    [Show full text]
  • BAYLANDS & CREEKS South San Francisco
    Oak_Mus_Baylands_SideA_6_7_05.pdf 6/14/2005 11:52:36 AM M12 M10 M27 M10A 121°00'00" M28 R1 For adjoining area see Creek & Watershed Map of Fremont & Vicinity 37°30' 37°30' 1 1- Dumbarton Pt. M11 - R1 M26 N Fremont e A in rr reek L ( o te C L y alien a o C L g a Agua Fria Creek in u d gu e n e A Green Point M a o N l w - a R2 ry 1 C L r e a M8 e g k u ) M7 n SF2 a R3 e F L Lin in D e M6 e in E L Creek A22 Toroges Slou M1 gh C ine Ravenswood L Slough M5 Open Space e ra Preserve lb A Cooley Landing L i A23 Coyote Creek Lagoon n M3 e M2 C M4 e B Palo Alto Lin d Baylands Nature Mu Preserve S East Palo Alto loug A21 h Calaveras Point A19 e B Station A20 Lin C see For adjoining area oy Island ote Sand Point e A Lucy Evans Lin Baylands Nature Creek Interpretive Center Newby Island A9 San Knapp F Map of Milpitas & North San Jose Creek & Watershed ra Hooks Island n Tract c A i l s Palo Alto v A17 q i ui s to Creek Baylands Nature A6 o A14 A15 Preserve h g G u u a o Milpitas l Long Point d a S A10 A18 l u d p Creek l A3N e e i f Creek & Watershed Map of Palo Alto & Vicinity Creek & Watershed Calera y A16 Berryessa a M M n A1 A13 a i h A11 l San Jose / Santa Clara s g la a u o Don Edwards San Francisco Bay rd Water Pollution Control Plant B l h S g Creek d u National Wildlife Refuge o ew lo lo Vi F S Environmental Education Center .
    [Show full text]
  • Section 3.4 Biological Resources 3.4- Biological Resources
    SECTION 3.4 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 3.4- BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 3.4 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES This section discusses the existing sensitive biological resources of the San Francisco Bay Estuary (the Estuary) that could be affected by project-related construction and locally increased levels of boating use, identifies potential impacts to those resources, and recommends mitigation strategies to reduce or eliminate those impacts. The Initial Study for this project identified potentially significant impacts on shorebirds and rafting waterbirds, marine mammals (harbor seals), and wetlands habitats and species. The potential for spread of invasive species also was identified as a possible impact. 3.4.1 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES SETTING HABITATS WITHIN AND AROUND SAN FRANCISCO ESTUARY The vegetation and wildlife of bayland environments varies among geographic subregions in the bay (Figure 3.4-1), and also with the predominant land uses: urban (commercial, residential, industrial/port), urban/wildland interface, rural, and agricultural. For the purposes of discussion of biological resources, the Estuary is divided into Suisun Bay, San Pablo Bay, Central San Francisco Bay, and South San Francisco Bay (See Figure 3.4-2). The general landscape structure of the Estuary’s vegetation and habitats within the geographic scope of the WT is described below. URBAN SHORELINES Urban shorelines in the San Francisco Estuary are generally formed by artificial fill and structures armored with revetments, seawalls, rip-rap, pilings, and other structures. Waterways and embayments adjacent to urban shores are often dredged. With some important exceptions, tidal wetland vegetation and habitats adjacent to urban shores are often formed on steep slopes, and are relatively recently formed (historic infilled sediment) in narrow strips.
    [Show full text]
  • Phoca Vitulina)
    MOVEMENTS AND HOME RANGES OF HARBOR SEALS (PHOCA VITULINA) IN THE INLAND WATERS OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST By Sarah E. Hardee Accepted in Partial Completion of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Science ____________________________________ Moheb A. Ghali, Dean of the Graduate School ADVISORY COMMITTEE ____________________________ Chair, Dr. Alejandro Acevedo-Gutiérrez ____________________________ Dr. Benjamin Miner ___________________________ Dr. Merrill Peterson MASTER’S THESIS In presenting this thesis in partial fulfillment of the requirements for a master’s degree at Western Washington University, I grant to Western Washington University the non- exclusive royalty-free right to archive, reproduce, distribute, and display the thesis in any and all forms, including electronic format, via any digital library mechanisms maintained by WWU. I represent and warrant this is my original work, and does not infringe or violate any rights of others. I warrant that I have obtained written permissions from the owner of any third party copyrighted material included in these files. I acknowledge that I retain ownership rights to the copyright of this work, including but not limited to the right to use all or part of this work in future works, such as articles or books. Library users are granted permission for individual, research and non-commercial reproduction of this work for educational purposes only. Any further digital posting of this document requires specific permission from the author. Any copying or publication of this thesis for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, is not allowed without my written permission. Signature ______________________________ Date __________________________________ ii MOVEMENTS AND HOME RANGES OF HARBOR SEALS (PHOCA VITULINA) IN THE INLAND WATERS OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST A Thesis Presented to The Faculty of Western Washington University In Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Science by Sarah E.
    [Show full text]
  • Birding Northern California by Jean Richmond
    BIRDING NORTHERN CALIFORNIA Site Guides to 72 of the Best Birding Spots by Jean Richmond Written for Mt. Diablo Audubon Society 1985 Dedicated to my husband, Rich Cover drawing by Harry Adamson Sketches by Marv Reif Graphics by dk graphics © 1985, 2008 Mt. Diablo Audubon Society All rights reserved. This book may not be reproduced in whole or in part by any means without prior permission of MDAS. P.O. Box 53 Walnut Creek, California 94596 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction . How To Use This Guide .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Birding Etiquette .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Terminology. Park Information .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5 One Last Word. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5 Map Symbols Used. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 6 Acknowledgements .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 6 Map With Numerical Index To Guides .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 8 The Guides. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 10 Where The Birds Are. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 158 Recommended References .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 165 Index Of Birding Locations. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 166 5 6 Birding Northern California This book is a guide to many birding areas in northern California, primarily within 100 miles of the San Francisco Bay Area and easily birded on a one-day outing. Also included are several favorite spots which local birders
    [Show full text]
  • Weekly Projects Bidding 8/13/2021
    Weekly Projects Bidding 8/13/2021 Reasonable care is given in gathering, compiling and furnishing the information contained herein which is obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but the Planroom is not responsible or liable for errors, omissions or inaccuracies. Plan# Name Bid Date & Time OPR# Location Estimate Project Type Monday, August 16, 2021 OUTREACH MEETING (VIRTUAL) EVERGREEN VALLEY COLLEGE (EVC) STUDENT SERVICES Addenda: 0 COMPLEX (REQUEST FOR SUB BIDS) SC 8/16/21 10:00 AM 21-02526 San Jose School ONLINE Plan Issuer: XL Construction 408-240-6000 408-240-6001 THIS IS A VIRTUAL OUTREACH MEETING. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. SEE FLYER FOR DETAILS. The 74,000 sf Student Services Complex at Evergreen Valley College is part of the San Jose Evergreen Community College District's Measure X Bond Program. This is a new ground-up two -story complex including collaboration spaces, offices, storage, restrooms and supporting facilities. All subcontractors must be prequalified with XL Construction to bid the project. Please email [email protected] for a prequalification application link, and [email protected] if you are an Under Utilized Business Enterprise (SBE, WBE, MBE, VBE...). REFINISHING GYM AND STAGE FLOORS AT CALIFORNIA SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND Addenda: 0 8/16/21 12:00 PM 21-02463 Fremont State-Federal Plan Issuer: California Department of Education - Personnel Service Division 916-319-0800 000-000-0000 Contract #: BF210152 The Contractor shall provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for preparing and refinishing the stage and gym floors, twice a year, at the California School for the Blind (CSB), located at 500 Walnut Avenue, Fremont.
    [Show full text]
  • Petition to List the Iliamna Lake Seal, a Distinct Population Segment of Eastern North Pacific Harbor Seal (Phoca Vitulina Richardii), Under the U.S
    Before the Secretary of Commerce Petition to List the Iliamna Lake Seal, a Distinct Population Segment of Eastern North Pacific Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina richardii), under the U.S. Endangered Species Act Photo Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Dave Withrow Center for Biological Diversity 6 February 2020 i Notice of Petition Wilbur Ross, Secretary of Commerce U.S. Department of Commerce 1401 Constitution Ave. NW Washington, D.C. 20230 Email: [email protected], [email protected] Dr. Neil Jacobs, Acting Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere U.S. Department of Commerce 1401 Constitution Ave. NW Washington, D.C. 20230 Email: [email protected] Petitioner: Kristin Carden, Oceans Program Scientist, on behalf of the Center for Biological Diversity 1212 Broadway #800 Oakland, CA 94612 Phone: 510.844.7100 x327 Email: [email protected] On November 19, 2012, the Center for Biological Diversity (Center, Petitioner) submitted to the Secretary of Commerce and the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) through the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) a petition to list the Iliamna Lake population of eastern North Pacific harbor seal (Phoca vitulina richardii) as threatened or endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA). (See generally Center 2012.) On May 17, 2013, NMFS issued a positive 90- day finding “that the petition present[ed] substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that the petition action may be warranted” and initiated a status review. (78 Fed. Reg. 29,098 (May 17, 2013).). On November 17, 2016, NMFS issued a determination that listing was not warranted because “the seals in Iliamna Lake do not constitute a species, subspecies, or distinct population segment (DPS) under the ESA.” (81 Fed.
    [Show full text]
  • CLASSIFICATION of CALIFORNIA ESTUARIES BASED on NATURAL CLOSURE PATTERNS: TEMPLATES for RESTORATION and MANAGEMENT Revised
    CLASSIFICATION OF CALIFORNIA ESTUARIES BASED ON NATURAL CLOSURE PATTERNS: TEMPLATES FOR RESTORATION AND MANAGEMENT Revised David K. Jacobs Eric D. Stein Travis Longcore Technical Report 619.a - August 2011 Classification of California Estuaries Based on Natural Closure Patterns: Templates for Restoration and Management David K. Jacobs1, Eric D. Stein2, and Travis Longcore3 1UCLA Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 2Southern California Coastal Water Research Project 3University of Southern California - Spatial Sciences Institute August 2010 Revised August 2011 Technical Report 619.a ABSTRACT Determining the appropriate design template is critical to coastal wetland restoration. In seasonally wet and semi-arid regions of the world coastal wetlands tend to close off from the sea seasonally or episodically, and decisions regarding estuarine mouth closure have far reaching implications for cost, management, and ultimate success of coastal wetland restoration. In the past restoration planners relied on an incomplete understanding of the factors that influence estuarine mouth closure. Consequently, templates from other climatic/physiographic regions are often inappropriately applied. The first step to addressing this issue is to develop a classification system based on an understanding of the processes that formed the estuaries and thus define their pre-development structure. Here we propose a new classification system for California estuaries based on the geomorphic history and the dominant physical processes that govern the formation of the estuary space or volume. It is distinct from previous estuary closure models, which focused primarily on the relationship between estuary size and tidal prism in constraining closure. This classification system uses geologic origin, exposure to littoral process, watershed size and runoff characteristics as the basis of a conceptual model that predicts likely frequency and duration of closure of the estuary mouth.
    [Show full text]
  • Tidal Marsh Recovery Plan Habitat Creation Or Enhancement Project Within 5 Miles of OAK
    U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Recovery Plan for Tidal Marsh Ecosystems of Northern and Central California California clapper rail Suaeda californica Cirsium hydrophilum Chloropyron molle Salt marsh harvest mouse (Rallus longirostris (California sea-blite) var. hydrophilum ssp. molle (Reithrodontomys obsoletus) (Suisun thistle) (soft bird’s-beak) raviventris) Volume II Appendices Tidal marsh at China Camp State Park. VII. APPENDICES Appendix A Species referred to in this recovery plan……………....…………………….3 Appendix B Recovery Priority Ranking System for Endangered and Threatened Species..........................................................................................................11 Appendix C Species of Concern or Regional Conservation Significance in Tidal Marsh Ecosystems of Northern and Central California….......................................13 Appendix D Agencies, organizations, and websites involved with tidal marsh Recovery.................................................................................................... 189 Appendix E Environmental contaminants in San Francisco Bay...................................193 Appendix F Population Persistence Modeling for Recovery Plan for Tidal Marsh Ecosystems of Northern and Central California with Intial Application to California clapper rail …............................................................................209 Appendix G Glossary……………......................................................................………229 Appendix H Summary of Major Public Comments and Service
    [Show full text]
  • 11. Soils and Geology March 5, 2003 Page 11-1
    Marina Shores Village Project Draft EIR City of Redwood City 11. Soils and Geology March 5, 2003 Page 11-1 11. SOILS AND GEOLOGY This EIR chapter describes existing geologic and soil conditions at the project site and immediate vicinity, identifies associated potential geotechnical impacts related to development of the proposed project, and sets forth measures designed to mitigate identified significant adverse impacts. Data sources used to complete these descriptions include a preliminary geotechnical investigation of the Marina Shores Village project site performed for the applicant by Treadwell & Rollo, Environmental and Geotechnical Consultants, dated June 21, 2001; the assessment of project hydrologic implications completed for this EIR by Clearwater Hydrology (see chapter 9); a wetlands investigation and a biological assessment performed for the applicant by the Huffman-Broadway Group, both dated February 2002; published reference materials produced by the Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS); environmental documents prepared for previous development projects on the site (e.g., the Peninsula Marina and Office Park) and in the immediate vicinity (e.g., the "Villas at Bair Island" and the Bair Island Marina); and the Redwood City Strategic General Plan. The Treadwell & Rollo preliminary geotechnical investigation, much of which is presented in this EIR chapter, describes the limitations and preliminary nature of its conclusions by stating, "The conclusions presented in this report are preliminary and intended to address general geotechnical conditions of the site. The report has not been prepared to meet the need of design professionals, contractors, or any other parties in preparation of final design or construction documents.
    [Show full text]