![]() ![]() Why does a decline of a 100 small plant species, like eelgrass, matter? Eelgrass supports a multitude of marine organisms and communities, including but not limited to: crabs, sea turtles, young herring, and other microorganisms through acting as food and shelter. The Audubon society claimed that a faulty environmental report was used by the Conservation District to approve the expansion, and that 200 species of birds, 300 species of invertebrates, and over 100 plant species, including eelgrass, would be affected by this expansion (Kraft, 2017). Humboldt Bay is an important stop for migratory birds to eat and rest on the Pacific Flyway, the path of migration for many birds (Simms, 2017).The Audubon society was outraged by the unjust approval for the expansion of a commercial oyster farm (owned by Coast Seafoods and Co) into the Humboldt Bay Harbor that would hurt Canada geese, Western sandpipers, and other migratory birds (Kraft, 2017). The National Audubon Society, which is a non-profit organization that aims to fight for the conservation of the environment (“Audubon”, 2016) along with the California Waterfowl Association, sued the Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation and Conservation District (Kraft 2017). The district was blindsided by the lawsuit. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, and the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board to ensure the success of the program.Oyster Farmer Chris Whitehead adjusting oyster cages MBC also conducted a five-year mitigation monitoring program to evaluate the health and growth of the eelgrass beds working closely with the City of San Diego, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. MBC and its partners mapped all of the affected eelgrass ( Zostera spp) beds and restored over 10 acres of eelgrass that was impacted by construction activities. We also monitored sensitive habitats, including California least tern nesting areas, to ensure they were not disturbed during construction. ![]() We performed water quality studies during dredging to document turbidity and ensure that the eelgrass beds in the area were not adversely impacted by construction. As part of the Mission Bay Shoreline Stabilization project, MBC met with San Diego Park and Recreation to determine the feasibility of removing certain shallow-water hazards in Mission Bay while minimizing environmental damage. ![]()
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