A RICH NATURAL RESOURCE YOU CAN HELP! Elkhorn Slough Estuary WATER QUALITY REPORT CARD Located on Monterey Bay, Elkhorn Slough and surround- There are several ways we can all help improve water 2015 ing wetlands comprise a network of estuarine habitats that quality in our communities: include salt and brackish marshes, mudflats, and tidal • Limit the use of fertilizers in your garden. channels. • Maintain septic systems to avoid leakages. • Dispose of pharmaceuticals properly, and prevent Estuarine wetlands harsh soaps and other contaminants from running are rare in California, into storm drains. and provide important • Buy produce from local farmers applying habitat for many spe- sustainable management practices. cies. Elkhorn Slough • Vote for the environment by supporting candidates provides special refuge and bills favoring clean water and habitat for a large number of restoration. sea otters, which rest, • Let your elected representatives and district forage and raise pups officials know you care about water quality in in the shallow waters, Elkhorn Slough and support efforts to reduce question: How is the water in Elkhorn Slough? and nap on the salt marshes. Migratory shorebirds by the polluted run-off and to restore wetlands. thousands stop here to rest and feed on tiny creatures in • Attend meetings of the Central Coast Regional answer: It could be a lot better… the mud. Leopard sharks by the hundreds come into the Water Quality Control Board to share your estuary to give birth. concerns and support for action. Elkhorn Slough estuary hosts diverse wetland habitats, wildlife and recreational activities. Such diversity depends Thousands of people come to Elkhorn Slough each year JOIN OUR EFFORT! to a great extent on the quality of the water. Good water to enjoy the natural resources of the estuary. They kayak, quality supports healthy and diverse ecological communi- boat, fish, hike, birdwatch, photograph, and study the The Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research ties while poor water quality is harmful to wildlife and wildlife and habitats. Reserve—a combined effort of the California habitats. Department of Fish and Wildlife, the National Oceanic The lands around the estuary are dedicated to a variety of Atmospheric Administration, and the Elkhorn Slough Water quality monitoring at over 20 wetland sites has functions—nature reserves, residential areas, farms, Foundation—is dedicated to conducting research to identified areas of poor water quality and the factors research organizations, and an active harbor, power plant, better understand water quality and estuarine ecology, contributing to these poor conditions. and railroad. All of these activities have some influence implement salt marsh restoration projects, and increase on the natural resources of the estuary. Water quality is public awareness about the importance of estuaries. Working together, we can support efforts to improve water particularly affected by agriculture in the surrounding quality so our wetlands can sustain healthier habitats, more landscape. Learn about opportunities to volunteer your time at abundant wildlife and more opportunities for people to enjoy the Reserve or support efforts by both the Reserve and these unique landscapes. Foundation to improve water quality in the estuary. www.elkhornslough.org This document was prepared by the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve. Elkhorn Slough You can find a full length report at www.elkhornslough.org/reportcard/ National Estuarine Research Reserve Email John Haskins, [email protected], with questions or comments. Aerial photo courtesy of K. Ellenbogen WATER QUALITY IN THE ESTUARY WORKING TOGETHER TO IMPROVE WATER QUALITY Why water quality matters A report card of water quality Water quality will improve in the estuary when less Water quality affects life in and out of the slough. The report card shows mixed results for Elkhorn polluted run-off enters the wetlands, wetlands are fully Studies show that poor water quality has reduced Slough water quality. Overall, no site got an “A”, 5 restored and the management of water control wildlife diversity in Elkhorn Slough wetlands. Other sites got a “B”, 5 sites got a “C”, 3 sites got a “D”, and structures is improved. studies indicate that the value of Elkhorn Slough as a 11 sites got an “F”. Sites in lower Elkhorn Slough nursery for the Monterey Bay flatfish fishery depends have the best water quality, abundant fish, migratory on water quality conditions. shorebirds and sea otters. Sites with the poorest The estuary would provide water quality are located behind water control struc- more healthy habitats for tures where there is little flow and water stagnates. diverse wildlife and produce more flatfish if water quality were Upper Elkhorn Slough Reducing polluted run-off improved in wetlands 1 Carneros Creek F 2 Blohm Porter Marsh D Farmers are always looking for ways to improve their with poor water 3 Hudson Landing C practices while enhancing the productivity of their lands. quality. 4 Azevedo Pond, North C 5 Azevedo Pond, Central D Local and national organizations are working with farm- 6 Azevedo Pond, South F ers to develop and implement practices that will reduce How water quality is monitored 7 Kirby Park B polluted run-off. Land trusts such as the Elkhorn Slough 8 Reserve North Marsh C Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research 9 Strawberry Rd F Foundation purchase farmlands to reduce erosion and Reserve monitors water quality at over 20 Lower Elkhorn Slough runoff while implementing best management practices in stations around the estuary. Measurements 10 Whistlestop Lagoon B 11 South Marsh B the areas that continue as productive fields. are recorded in the field with hand-held 12 Vierra B instruments and in the lab by analyzing water 13 Skipper's Landing B Bennett Slough Restoration of wetlands samples. 14 Benne Slough West C Healthy marshes can take up some of the polluting 15 Benne Slough East F nutrients and improve water quality. Restoration of How the grading system works 16 Struve Pond F Southern Estuary Elkhorn Slough marshes that have been lost over the Nine different water quality attributes 17 Moss Landing Road, North C past century will improve water quality. The Elkhorn considered essential for ecological health 18 Moss Landing Road, South D Slough Reserve has embarked on the first major marsh 19 Moro Cojo Slough F 2) were compared to thresholds of concern 20 Potrero Road, North F 2! restoration project in the estuary. identified by the regional water quality control 21 Potrero Road, South F board. These attributes include oxygen levels, 22 Monterey Dunes Way F F Improved management of water control essential for animal health, and nutrients, 23 Tembladero Slough 24 Salinas River Bridge F 2@ structures which, in excess, can overstimulate growth S ite behind water control structure Almost all wetlands that received a grade of F for water of algae. Neither pesticides nor bacteria are 2# quality are behind water control structures that artificial- sampled. The final grade assigned to each site ly limit tidal exchange. Recent studies show that increas- integrates the nine water quality attributes. ing tidal flow even slightly to these areas improves the water quality grades they receive. The Elkhorn Slough Reserve has just completed one restoration project to return more natural tidal flow to a wetland, and is seeking 2 funding for another such project..