N22
Near 90 percent of the estuaries and coastal marshes of California have been destroyed since the middle of the last century. Fortunately, we’ve begun to learn a great deal about these coastal habitats. Wetlands and marshes are extremely productive habitats that support tremendous number of fishes and other wildlife. Additionally, people derive great recreational, scientific, educational, and commercial benefit from this productivity.
Elkhorn Slough is one of the few relatively undisturbed coastal wetlands remaining in California. The main channel of the slough winds inland nearly seven miles and encompasses over 2,500 acres of marsh and tidal flats. Over 400 species of invertebrates, 80 species of fish, and 200 species of birds have been identified in Elkhorn Slough. The channels and tidal creeks of the slough are nurseries for many species of fish. Additionally, the slough is on the Pacific flyway, providing an important feeding and resting ground for many kinds of migrating waterfowl and shorebirds. At least six rare, threatened or endangered species utilize the slough and environs, including peregrine falcons, Santa Cruz long-toed salamander, clapper rails, brown pelicans, least terns, and sea otters.
The 1,400-acre Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve is managed by the California Department of Fish and Game in partnership with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Programs on the Reserve and around the slough are also supported by the Elkhorn Slough Foundation, a non-profit membership-supported organization.