Spring 2007 Update:
Drs. Michael Graham (Moss Landing Marine Labs) and Jay Stachowicz (UC Davis, Bodega Marine Lab), and a team of students and researchers seasonally sample the 72 established plots at Bodega Marine Lab (next trip July 14-17, 2007). To begin to examine how algal diversity impacts ecosystem functioning, experimental plots were established in 2004 in the upper intertidal in areas where four algal species (Pelvetiopsis limitata, Mastocarpus papillatus, Endocladia muricata and Cladophora columbiana) coexist. Next we took initial surveys (Summer 2004) of the invertebrate and algal populations, and then modified the plots by weeding them to include algal monocultures and polycultures (see before/after pictures of weeded monoculture plots below). These plots are currently monitored and maintained seasonally to track the response of the invertebrates to algal diversity.