3.4 Biological Resources
No kelp canopy was mapped in the vicinity of the site in 1999. In 1997, giant kelp beds were found
offshore of the north end and to the south, off Santa Fe Drive. These beds were approximately 1,200 feet
offshore at depths greater than -20 feet MLLW. A small patch occurred approximately 1,200 feet directly
offshore at depths of -20 to -25 feet MLLW, and was about 850 feet seaward of the site boundary (Table
3.4-2). Historically, there has been a relatively high persistence of kelp in the vicinity of the site.
Cardiff
Within Receiver Site Boundaries
During spring lower low tides in May and July 1999, only about 150 feet of beach width at the receiver
site was exposed. With the exception of the rip-rap revetment that occurs at the north end of the site in
front of Restaurant Row, the site consisted of 80 to 100 percent cobble cover in the mid and upper
intertidal zones. The lower intertidal zone consisted of sand with moderate cobble cover. Sand depths in
the lower intertidal ranged from 14 to 28 inches with an overall average of 23 inches. No organisms were
found in samples from the mid and lower intertidal zones.
Common splash zone organisms such as acorn barnacle were found on the revetment. Juvenile sized
feather boa kelp (less than 24 inches) and goose-neck barnacles, which are species associated with
frequent inundation, were noted in localized areas on the revetment.
California grunion eggs were not observed in shovel samples collected during the May 1999 survey.
Extensive cobble cover in the upper intertidal did not provide habitat to support grunion egg laying.
Nearby Sensitive Resources
The closest California least tern and western snowy plover nesting sites are located at San Elijo Lagoon,
which is located just inland from the receiver site (Figure 3.4-1).
Inshore and intertidal surfgrass beds occur north of the receiver site on Cardiff reef located north of Dublin
Drive and further north offshore San Elijo State Beach.
Regional Beach Sand Project EIR/EA
Page 3.4-25
99-69\SANDAG EIREA 3.4.wpd 7/17/00
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