The kelp forest ecosystems off the southern California coast are known to be some of the world’s most diverse and productive ecosystems. They are vital for providing habitat and food for over 700 marine species, including kelp bass, California spiny lobster, abalones, marine mammals, birds, and fish. Many of these kelp forest species are the… Continue reading Kelp Forest Restoration
Topic Category: Coastal Resilience
Kelp Forest Hydrodynamics
Frequent storms and larger waves pounding the Southern California coastline are major causes for concern if we hope to preserve our beaches and rocky shorelines for future generations to enjoy. The Bay Foundation (TBF) spearheaded a study to investigate how we can protect our shorelines using kelp forest restoration techniques. A variety of tools are… Continue reading Kelp Forest Hydrodynamics
Malibu Beach Dunes
Malibu Beach Dunes establishes approximately three acres of sandy beach and dune habitat at Malibu’s Zuma Beach and Point Dume Beach. This effort provides multiple ecosystem benefits such as stabilizing the shoreline and creating habitat for native flowering plants and shorebirds. The Bay Foundation (TBF) kicked off implementation in the winter of 2020-2021, in partnership… Continue reading Malibu Beach Dunes
Manhattan Beach Dunes
Manhattan Beach Dunes enhances approximately three acres of the existing dunes along the Manhattan Beach shoreline from 36th to 28th Street and 26th to 23rd Street. Why enhance dunes? Nature-based protection measures increase the resiliency of the shoreline while serving as a model for the region and engaging the community through enhanced beach experiences, outreach,… Continue reading Manhattan Beach Dunes
Stream and Wetland Monitoring
The northern portion of the Santa Monica Bay Watershed has many smaller sub-watersheds that end in small-scale bar-built estuaries that have largely been filled in with sediment from development over time and suffer from impaired water quality, such as Topanga Lagoon, Trancas Lagoon, and Zuma Lagoon. The Bay Foundation (TBF) is currently working with partner… Continue reading Stream and Wetland Monitoring
Santa Monica Beach Dunes
Los Angeles’ iconic beaches are recognized worldwide, serving as the heart of surf culture and the coastal lifestyle that defines Southern California. To reduce the threats of coastal erosion, flooding, and sea level rise, The Bay Foundation (TBF) is actively growing sand dunes in Santa Monica. Native plants are cultivated from seed and thrive on… Continue reading Santa Monica Beach Dunes
Source Reduction of Single-Use Plastics
Over 300 million tons of plastic are produced every year globally and less than 9% is recycled. By 2050 plastic is expected to outweigh all fish in the oceans. Much of this marine debris results from disposable plastic products, specifically single-use disposable food and beverage packaging, that have a short life span and are quickly… Continue reading Source Reduction of Single-Use Plastics
Table to Farm
Food decomposing in a landfill releases methane, a greenhouse gas 86 times more potent than carbon dioxide. By composting locally, we reduce transportation associated with hauling waste to faraway processing facilities, which lowers smog-forming air pollutants and carbon dioxide emissions. Simultaneously, applying compost builds healthy soils, increases water retention, and enhances soil carbon sequestration. Table… Continue reading Table to Farm