We believe this is from the prominent wave energy on the gulf side, which forced the algae to settle on the bay side. The higher number of animals on the bay side could be related to the food and protection provided from the algae. To further research this topic we could examine other variables which might affect the results. The season in which the data is collected could provide different species or number of individuals in each species. Factors of more or less algae are seasons and wave energy, which could vary your findings.
Tidal currents are also a variable to be considered.
We collected our data during the day, but collecting data at night might also provide different results. Finally, continuing this study over a span of years would provide much information and lead to further discovery.