Open-File Report 2009-1180. Sampling trips were coordinated in the second half of 2008 to examine the interstitial water in the sediment and the overlying bottom waters of three shallow (average depth <1 meter) ponds adjacent to the southern reach of San Francisco Bay.
In San Francisco Bay, three former salt pond complexes (Alviso, Eden Landing, and Ravenswood) have been decommissioned, i.e., taken out of commission, and are planned for marsh restoration.
We conducted bathymetric surveys to map substrate elevations using digital elevation models and surveyed colonizing Pacific cordgrass (Spartina foliosa).
The primary goals for the short-term data needs studies were to provide baseline data for the SBSP Restoration Project and to provide a scientific basis for adaptive management decisions.
This report summarizes bird monitoring results at the Alviso, Eden Landing, and Ravenswood complexes.
We examined the distribution and abundance of California Gulls throughout the South Bay salt ponds and associated landfills and determined their impact on the reproductive success of American Avocets and Black-necked Stilts.
Year 1 of the project has included information gathering and preliminary model development.