Assessment of benthic infaunal condition on the mainland shelf of SouthernCalifornia

Benthic infauna were sampled from 251 Southern California Eight (SCB) mainl and shelf sites in the summer of 1994. Sample sites were selected using a s tratified random design, with the primary strata being depth zone, geograph y, and proximity to point and non-point discharges. Benthic infaunal condit ion was assessed using the Benthic Response Index (BRI), and by comparing d ominant taxa and community parameters (e.g., number of taxa) among strata. Ninety-one percent of sediments in the SCB were found to contain healthy be nthic communities. Most stations with altered benthos were located near riv er mouths, in Santa Monica Bay, or on the Pales Verdes Shelf. Deviations at sites with altered benthic communities were mostly limited to minor change s in species composition, rather than to large declines in diversity or abu ndance.