The Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve Baseline Assessment Program 2010-2011 Final Report

In September 2011, the SMBRC completed the second year of baseline assessment surveys at the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve (BWER). The comprehensive surveys were developed in partnership with the California Department of Fish and Game and the California State Coastal Conservancy to assess the condition of the BWER and inform the state’s wetlands restoration planning.… Continue reading The Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve Baseline Assessment Program 2010-2011 Final Report

Aerial Monitoring Project

Since 2008, The Bay Foundation (TBF) and its partner LightHawk have been conducting coastal aerial surveys of boating activities in state waters off the mainland coast of Southern California. Monitoring is focused on the Southern California Bight, divided into two transects—the north transect, which stretches from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Point Conception, and… Continue reading Aerial Monitoring Project

Ballona Community Iceplant Removal Project

The Bay Foundation (TBF), in partnership with California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), Friends of Ballona Wetlands (FBW), and community volunteers, is conducting a project to remove invasive vegetation while broadening public involvement and stewardship at the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve (Reserve). The project focuses on the removal of iceplant and other non-native species… Continue reading Ballona Community Iceplant Removal Project

Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve

A significant portion of the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve (Reserve)—once home to abundant fish and waterfowl—was filled in to build Ballona Creek in the 1930s and Marina del Rey in the 1950s and 60s.  Invasive plants, such as iceplant and other non-native vegetation not native to Southern California, have taken over much of the Reserve,… Continue reading Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve

Fish Barrier Removal Projects

Roughly 80-95% of southern steelhead trout have lost their historical habitat ranges due to damming and other human impacts. Obstacles such as dams block access to fish spawning and rearing habitats and can severely impact natural stream functions and hydrology. Barriers in streams and rivers are major challenges to the recovery of endangered steelhead trout… Continue reading Fish Barrier Removal Projects

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