Comparison of the MLPA-predicted habitat classifications using the best available data during the designation of the MPAs (left) and CSMP-derived habitats (right) in the Piedras Blancas MPA.

<p>The MLPA-predicted habitats were derived from proxies for rock such as kelp forest coverage, rockfish fishing areas (the circular features in the image), or broad-scale predicted substrate maps. The CSMP-derived habitats were created based on the rugosity of the surface as a proxy for rock or sediment using the high-resolution digital elevation models from the CSMP data.