Dataset: Survey of fish species, number and size from transects near Carmel and Monterey Bays, CA, 1999-2015 (Larval Dispersal in Kelp Rockfish project)

Sampling consists of visual surveys of the number and size of all non-cryptic fishes by SCUBA divers. Surveys are conducted at sites distributed throughout the study region (Carmel Bay and southern Monterey Bay). Each sample site is divided into four "zones" (by depth - 20m, 15m, 10m, 5m - or from offshore to inshore at sites with little depth variation) to assure that samples are distributed across the face of a reef from inshore to offshore. Where possible, fish are counted on 12 transects per site (defined as a fixed stretch of coastline, occupying approximately 500m). Each "transect" includes a 2m x 2m x 30m "bottom" transect and a "mid-water" transect.   Sampling is conducted by a pair of divers surveying the bottom and mid-water transects simultaneously. Surveys are designed to measure year-to-year site-wide variability in population structure and density. Density and size-structure estimates derived from these surveys are multiplied by habitat area measurements to estimate species abundance and, using published size-fecundity relationships, generate estimates of larval production.