Dataset: Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) from PME miniPAR loggers deployed at the seafloor near instrument moorings inside and outside of kelp forests near the Monterey Peninsula, California, USA from June to August 2018 and 2019

Sampling Locations:
Sampling was conducted near the Monterey Peninsula near Pacific Grove and Monterey, California, USA. Kelp sites ranged from 8.8 to 10.3 meters deep and offshore sites ranged from 13.1 to 16.5 m deep.

Instrument moorings were deployed in 2018 in the following areas: a wave-protected kelp forest, ~100 meters offshore of the protected site, in a wave-exposed site devoid of kelp (historically has had kelp), and ~100 meters offshore of the exposed site.

Instrument moorings were deployed in 2019 in the following areas: a wave-protected kelp forest, ~175 meters offshore of the protected site, in a wave-exposed kelp site, and ~180 meters offshore of the exposed site.

Location Abbreviations:
PK = Protected kelp 2018,
PO = Protected offshore 2018,
EK = Exposed ‘kelp’ 2018,
EO = Exposed offshore 2018,
MK = Protected kelp 2019,
MO = Protected offshore 2019,
OK = exposed kelp 2019,
OO = Exposed offshore 2019.

Methodology:
In 2018 and 2019, PME miniPAR loggers were deployed to the seafloor adjacent to instrument moorings. The PAR sensors were attached to cinderblocks and held in place with rebar. A mechanical wiper brush was programmed to clean the sensor every 6 hours and was active for the duration of the deployment.