State of the Bay

by the Morro Bay National Estuary Program

How Healthy is the Estuary?

The Morro Bay Estuary is a 2,300-acre expanse of sheltered waters, tidal marshes, mudflats and seagrass beds not seen again for hundreds of miles up and down the coast. California has lost more than 90% of these habitats, largely due to coastal development, leaving Morro Bay as the most significant wetland system remaining along the south central coast.

Home to endangered species, a nursery ground for fish and a critical resting and feeding stop for migratory birds, the estuary is still rich with natural resources, but is this ecosystem healthy? Morro Bay’s ability to support these ecological and social uses, both now and into the future, hinges on its environmental health. The future of the Morro Bay estuary depends on all of us.

Learn more about the estuary and what each of us can do to help preserve this special resource at the 2010 State of the Bay Conference. Held once every three years, this conference provides an update on the health of the estuary and reviews the role our community plays in preserving the bay for future generations.

The 2010 conference begins the afternoon of Friday, May 14 at the Morro Bay Community Center. Here you can find out about monitoring in the central coast Marine Protected Areas, learn about efforts to conserve important coastal areas, discover some of the latest science on emerging contaminants, and much more. Saturday’s session on May 15, designed to be family friendly, starts with a general update on the health of the estuary. Following segments examine the problem of marine debris, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and local recycling efforts, and investigates the concept of Foodshed –locally and sustainably produced food.

Saturday afternoon also offers opportunities to join experts in the field for walks, talks and tours around the estuary and watershed.

Throughout both days a science exhibit and poster session provide more information on topics ranging from eelgrass in Morro Bay to local bird populations to climate change.

The event is free and open to everyone. Field trips require preregistration. For complete information about the 2010 State of the Bay event visit the website or call 772-3834 to sign up for field trips.

More information on this and other estuary related topics can be found at the Morro Bay National Estuary Program website.