Mile 116 - Seven Devils cliffs, Cape Arago South Cove - July 16, 2022

Report Details

A minus tide occurs this Summer weekend and Parks had a sign encouraging the public to explore the tidepools. I believe this does account for the increase in visitors. A pleasant day to do so. I'm happy to report I saw many Ochre Stars present. I do believe I am observing a limiting effect on the Sea Urchins. Many tidepoolers were pleased by finding many Gumboot Chitons and Sea Stars.

Conditions

Temperature: 60 F. Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Tide Level: -2.1 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 48. Number of dogs: 2. Tidepooling: 48. Parks had a sign encouraging the public to explore the tidepools this weekend, no doubt due to the minus tide. Definitely brought more people than usual to South Cove.

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 8.

Notable Wildlife

A very healthy population of Ochre Sea Stars. I would say they are plentiful. In past years, when not many Sea Stars were present, the Sea Urchins have been so thick as to form a continuous carpet. Their populations seem more "normal" to me, though I did notice more red Sea Urchins than "usual".

Dead Fish or Invertebrates

I did see two dead or dying Sea Urchins close to shore.

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass.

Report Images

alaingamerica

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All Mile 116 Reports

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Mile 116

Seven Devils cliffs, Cape Arago South Cove

March 16, 2024

There was a beach hazard statement issued and I wanted to see what impact that would have as we were experiencing the first fine weather after so many weeks of cold rain. I was charmed by a family of six playing on the beach, the children even playing in the water.

Elaine Cramer