Publications:
Fact Cards
 Morro
Bay is located on California's
south-central coast south
of San Jose. It supports the
most significant wetland system
in the area, large tourism
and commercial fishing industries,
oyster farming, and other
business and recreational
interests. The area is a critical
resource to the fishing and
recreational boating industries.
Facts About the Estuary
- Over
200 species of birds spend
a part of their life cycle
in the estuary, making
it a top spot in the nation
for bird watching.
- The
bay provides habitat for
a number of threatened
and endangered species
and supports a rich eelgrass
resource.
- In
1993, over 100 commercial
fishing boats contributed
an ex-vessel value of
$7 million to the area's
economy.
- Sport
fishing annually accounts
for over $1 million in
gross revenues.
- Between
50 and 300 transient commercial
vessels use the harbor
and facilities each year.
Health
of the Estuary
- Increased
sedimentation has resulted
in a 25 percent loss in
tidal volume over the
last 100 years.
- Sedimentation
is also resulting in the
loss of mudflat and open
water habitat and other
resources dependent upon
specific water depths
and salinity concentrations.
- High
fecal coliform levels
have closed portions of
Morro Bay's oyster beds.
- High
levels of nutrients are
entering the estuary from
tributary creeks and seepage
from on-site septic systems.
- Decreases
in freshwater flow have
reduced flushing in the
bay and increased pollutant
concentrations.
- Steelhead
trout populations have
declined due to reductions
in freshwater flow, high
water temperatures, low
dissolved oxygen levels,
sedimentation, and migration
barriers.
- Key
habitats have been lost
or degraded due to water
quality impairments.
- Eelgrass
beds have declined due
to shoaling.
Accomplishments
of the Estuary Program
- Completed
a Comprehensive Conservation
and Management Plan containing
60 actions designed to
address priority problems.
- Monitored
water quality and quantity
since 1995 with the help
of hundreds of
local volunteers.
- Through
the Morro Bay Watershed
Enhancement Plan, implemented
235 best management practices
that have prevented more
that 172,000 tons of soil
erosion.
- Installed
pollution prevention equipment
at a boat haul-out facility.
- Removed
64 cubic yards of "junk,"
numerous illegal moorings
and various sunken vessels
decreasing potential toxic
pollutants.
For
Viewing and Printing:
Before printing one or more of these National
Estuary Program files,
check out each of their text only versions for
quick viewing.
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from Adobe's site through a direct link.
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