ANEP: About Estuaries

About Estuaries:
Insights on the NEPs - Morro Bay

Morro Bay's CCMP addresses the following priority problems:

Rapid Sedimentation: The rate of sediment delivery has increased due to changes in land use, changes brought on by wildfire, changes in sediment deposition areas, and reduced circulation.

Increased Bacterial Concentrations: Portions of shellfish harvesting lease areas are always restricted, and other areas are closed for several days following storm events.

Increased Nutrient Concentrations: Agricultural land, grazing land, roadside, and lawn runoff are resulting in increased nutrient concentrations. Fertilizers, septic systems, and animal waste are believed to be contributing to this problem.

Freshwater Flow Reductions: Increases in surface and groundwater diversions directly affect the quantity and timing of the flow of creeks into the bay, and the wildlife and botanic values associated with freshwater supply.

Increased Heavy Metal Concentrations: Inactive mines in the upper watershed are believed to have contributed to high levels of heavy metals found in sediments eroding from these areas. Some mussel samples from the bay have toxic contamination.

Habitat Loss: Development pressures steadily increasing.

Greater population density and changing land use threaten water quality and wildlife habitat.

For more information regarding the Morro Bay NEP:

Call (805) 772-3834

Write us at 601 Embarcadero, Suite 11, Morro Bay, CA 93442

E mail us at staff@mbnep.org

Please visit our website at http://www.mbnep.org