Monitoring MPA Violations and Human-Wildlife Interactions to Prevent Sand Barrier Breaching

Participatory Science
Poster Presentation

Prepared by C. Giudice
Orange County Coastkeeper, 3151 Airway Ave Unit F-110, Costa Mesa, California, 92626, United States


Contact Information: [email protected]; 949-374-9825

ABSTRACT

Orange County Coastkeeper is a nonprofit clean water organization that serves as a proactive steward of our fresh- and saltwater ecosystems. Assisting the Laguna Bluebelt Coalition, the Aliso Beach Wildlife-Habitat Monitoring Project was created to study the bar-built estuary of Aliso Creek that has been at constant risk of habitat damage. This monitoring project enlists volunteers from the public or other non-profit organizations and provides opportunities to motivated members of the community to partake in scientific research.

Aliso Creek’s temporary open/close estuary is a complex and environmentally important ecosystem that serves as critical habitat for many species in the Marine Protected Area. There is a sandbar that separates the creek from the ocean and is important in lessening the impact of destructive ocean waves before they reach the Aliso Creek Estuary and the mainland. However, many unauthorized individuals have been recreationally digging out the sandbar, resulting in the draining of the creek habitat and the formation of a deep gash on the beach that hinders beach access.

Volunteers and staff members take data of human activity, disturbances, and wildlife behavior in this area. The data is then analyzed to understand the impact that human disturbances have on wildlife in the MPA. Our 2023 research reflects that the high amounts of observed human hazards and disturbances resulted in lower wildlife abundance. These include digging out the sandbar, disturbing the habitat, shore-based fishing, and collecting biota. When these disturbances take place and threaten the critical habitat, biodiversity in the area is significantly impacted. These findings will be used to encourage enforcement action from the City of Laguna Beach to protect Aliso Creek and promote equal beach access.