Dataset: Abalone recruitment data from Baja California and Baja California Sur, Mexico in 2019

LOCATION:
Baja California, Mexico. El Rosario
Baja California Sur, Mexico. Isla Natividad and La Bocana

DEPLOYMENT OF CAGES
Twelve cages per site were deployed between 5-40ft, at the three locations (El Rosario, Isla Natividad and La Bocana) and left for 12 months before surveys.

SURVEY OF CAGES
1. Diver 1 opens cage and holds the blocks 1 at a time while Diver 2 fills in the data sheet
2. Diver 2 fills in the datasheet and sets the blocks in a pile off to the side

Part 1 – count and measure focal species
▪ Stop measuring after 30 measurements
▪ Stop counting after 100 counts
▪ Organisms outside or on the cage should not sampled.

Part 2 – identify and qualitatively measure the dominant cover on each block
▪ For each block identify what the most common cover is (CCA, red algae, other)
▪ Determine whether it covers 25, 50, 75 or 100% of the block
▪ But a tally point in the corresponding cell
▪ Each block should only have 1 tally

Part 3 – note presence/absence of Macrocystis/Eisenia algae or sessile invertebrates for each block

3. Once the cage is empty divers inspect the cage and lines, making any minor repairs that are
possible

4. Diver 1 puts the blocks back into the cage 1 at a time while diver 2 keeps track (comments section) of the number of blocks and broken pieces.

5. Close the cage with line and cable ties, ascend for surface interval

INSTRUMENTS:
SCUBA diving equipment
Calipers (150mm)
Ruler
Mesh bag
Transect tape
Slate
Datasheet
Pencils
Snipes/knife
Cable ties
Extra line
GoPro camera