Photic zone reefs of Catalina Island: Catalina MPA Collaborative/Pennington Marine Science Center
Latest update June 1, 2018 Started on June 1, 2018Follow the Pennington Marine Science Center, a member of the Catalina MPA Collaborative, as we use the Trident ROV to explore reefs between 130 and 330 feet, in and around the Lion Head to Arrow Point Marine Protected Area. Little is known about the species that inhabit these unconnected reefs making them important micro habitats
Located near the west end of Catalina Island, the Pennington Marine Science Center's mission is to provide education, promote exploration and inspire the conservation of marine ecosystems around Catalina Island.
In this expedition, using the Trident ROV we seek to survey and explore reefs located between 130 to 400 feet at the lower end of the photic zone. Very little is known about these reefs and how they are affected by the presence or absence of Marine Protected Areas which have been created to provide refuge for species of fish and invertebrates allowing them to reproduce and repopulate surrounding areas. The Lion Head to Arrow Point is an important MPA whose impact we wish to assess and document.