Malibu Lagoon

GENERAL

Source

Site Malibu Lagoon

Map Malibu Beach, USGS 7.5' quadrangle

Location Malibu Lagoon is located in the City of Malibu, Los Angeles County at the mouth of Malibu Creek. The wetland acreage includes 2/3 mile of the creek corridor east of the Pacific Coast Highway. The available data focuses primarily on the area west of the Pacific Coast Highway.

Contacts California Department of Parks and Recreation, Los Angeles District; 818-880-0350

City of Malibu; 310-456-2489

Santa Monica Mountains Resource Conservation District; 310-455-1030

Regional Water Quality Control Board - LA Region; 213-266-7553

Approximate Wetland Habitat Acreage 92
2, 9

Approximate Historic Acreage Several times its present size, the wetland area extended through the current civic center area to Pepperdine University - acreage not specified.
6

Ownership Owner Acres Source

California Department of Parks and Recreation (CDPR) 169 9

LAND USE

Source

Land Use Designation State Park, open space and conservation in the 1995 General Plan for the City of Malibu.
8

Onsite Use State Park; wildlife habitat, environmental education, and passive recreation.
7

Historic Use The lagoon is described as having been relatively pristine prior to the 1900's. Construction of the Rindge railroad line in 1908 filled part of the lagoon, and Caltrans used the site as a dump during the construction of the Pacific Coast Highway in 1929. In the 1960's, additional areas of the site were filled for baseball fields and parking for beach access.
6

Adjacent Use To the west is the residential development of Malibu Colony and a golf course, to the north are the Pacific Coast Highway and commerical development, to the east is the historical Adams House museum, and south are public beaches.
6

Adjacent Historic Use In the latter part of the 19th century much of the creek floodplain was occupied by agriculture and cattle ranching. Residential development of Malibu Beach, as a resort, had begun by the 1920's.
6

HYDROLOGY

Source

Tidal Influence The pattern of lagoon formation and breaching has changed with the now year-round flow in Malibu Creek caused by irrigation water and treated wastewater inputs. Historically the beach barrier would be breached by winter and spring run-off allowing for tidal exchange, and then reform and typically stay closed throughout the summer and fall. However, the year-round flow creates a high summer water level in the lagoon and in the recent past the barrier artificially breach to maintain water quality, reintroducing tidal exchange for a period of time.
1, 6, 13

Watershed Area 109 square miles
6

Tributaries and Flow Tributary Flow Source

Malibu Creek The bed has not been channelized. Once seasonal, the creek flows are now predominantly year-round; annual flows 1966 through 1992 averaged 27,000 acre-feet (includes approximately 4,000 acre-feet of permitted reclaimed water discharge and 20,000 acre-feet of storm run-off). Maximum annual flows have exceeded 120,000 acre-feet. 5, 6

Dams Eleanor built in 1881, Sherwood in 1904, Crags in 1913, Malibu in 1923, Rindge in 1925 (no longer functional, filled with sediment), and Westlake in 1965. Percentage of watershed controlled was not specified.
3

Other Sources Run-off from home uses and irrigation at a rate of 2,500 to 3,500 acre-feet annually, and seepage from septic tanks into the lagoon at an estimated rate of 500 acre-feet per year.
5

WATER QUALITY

Source

General The lagoon is included on the 303(d) list of impaired waterbodies. Standards are not met for the benthic community - TIS(As, Ni, Se, Pb), coliform, enteric viruses; and swimming and shellfish harvesting. Designated beneficial uses are: NAV, REC1, REC2, EST, MAR, WILD, RARE, MIGR, SPWN, and WET. 1992 - high levels of bacteria along with high nutrient input contributed to eutrophic conditions of the lagoon water. 1988 - low to negligible levels of trace elements, but high levels of total coliform bacteria (above 500 MPN/100ml).
10, 11, 3, 6

Dissolved Oxygen (DO) At least monthly surveys in the morning, July 1993 through April 1994; data from two sites: a westerly channel and the main lagoon. Channel site - bottom water DO ranged from 2.6 mg/l (temp. 19 C) to 10.6 mg/l (temp. 17 C); surface water DO ranged from 3.2 mg/l (temp. 19 C) to 13.3 mg/l (temp. 10 C). Lagoon site - bottom water DO ranged from 5.5 mg/l (temp. 30 C) to 12.2 mg/l (temp. 22 C); surface water DO ranged from 6.2 mg/l (temp. 18 C) to 16.8 mg/l (temp. 23 C).
6

Water Salinity At least monthly surveys in the morning, July 1993 through April 1994; data from two sites: a westerly channel and the main lagoon. Channel site - bottom water salinity ranged from 3.5 to 31 ppt and at the surface ranged from4 to 14 ppt. Lagoon site - bottom water salinity ranged from 3.5 to 34 ppt and surface water ranged from 7 to 30 ppt. Typically the water column was stratified at the time of sampling.
6

Sedimentation Measurements in 1987 indicated the average rate since 1983 was 10 cm per year; a rate estimated to be nearly ten times that which would have occurred before European settlement.
1

SOIL

Source

Soil Elder sandy loam, Sorrento loam, riverwash and coastal beach sands.
3

Habitat Acres Vegetation

Estuarine open water, tidal channels and mudflats 28.4 1987/88 - <i>Ulva<i> and <i>Enteromorpha<i> Ac. 2 Plants 1

Salt marsh 17.7 1987/88 - three dominate salt-tolerant species were saltgrass, jaumea, and pickleweed; California bulrush was also present. (A majority of the 133 species found at the lagoon are naturalized exotics). Ac. 2 Plants 1

Creek corridor/riparian 45.6 Not specified 2

ANIMAL USE

Source

Birds 1993/94 - Minimum of monthly sampling from July through April. 107 species were identified, of which 68 were waterbirds including five species of special status. Fall and spring surveys in 1994/95 identified an additional special status species.
6, 12,1

Fish 1993/94 - at least monthly sampling from July through June, using fish traps at six stations and beach seines at three stations. 13 species were identified, although individual numbers and species varied significantly among sampling stations. California killifish were most abundant, followed by mosquitofish* and topsmelt. The tidewater goby+ was the fourth most frequently collected species. Steelhead trout+ were present in a 1989 survey.
6, 1

Benthic Invertebrates 1993/94 - Three stations sampled; large infauna were sampled with a 'clam-gum', small infauna with a 10 cm deep core, and zooplankton with a 153 um mesh size plankton net. The bulk of the infauna biomass was a single polychaete species. Benthic invertebrate taxa identified included: California jackknife clam, two species of polychaetes, oligocheates, ribbon worms, mud-flat clam, snails, crabs and the introduced oriental shrimp*. The dominate zooplankton consisted of copepods, ostracods and nematodes.
6

Insect Not specified

Other Wildlife Not specified

Special Status Species 1993/94 - California brown pelican, California least tern, double-crested cormorant, California gull, western snowy plover, tidewater goby; 1995 - elegant tern; and 1989 - steelhead trout.
6, 12, 1

OUTLOOK

Source

Enhancement Status Since restoration in 1983, which included removal of construction rubble, excavation for channels, increasing the depth of the main lagoon area, creation of an island, and planting of native vegetation the Parks and Recreation Department has maintained the site as wildlife habitat. In 1991 the endangered tidewater goby was reintroduced into the lagoon. In 1995 additional excavation of the tidal channels in the previously restored marsh was completed to increase tidal circulation, create additional islands for bird usage, and provide expanded habitat for the tidewater goby.
1, 4, 13

Watershed Management Numerous studies and planning activities have been undertaken in the interest of improving water quality, modifying the timing of water release into the creek, and identifying the creek's potential to support salmon spawning habitat. However, as of the fall 1996, these efforts had not resulted in the completion of a comprehensive watershed management plan. In the fall of 1996, in an effort to establish a comprehensive watershed management program, the Coastal Conservancy and other stakeholders began the process of developing baseline ecological data and preparing an enhancement and implementation plan for the lower watershed and lagoon.
4, 5, 6

Pressure The watershed is highly modified by residential development, recreational reservoirs, and agriculture operations. Year-round delivery of imported water to the lagoon and the past practice of mechanical breaching of the barrier beach during the summer and fall disrupts the natural hydrologic cycle, and the repeated sudden changes in salinity stress the biotic community. High nutrient concentrations in the creek water create eutrophic conditions in the lagoon. High levels of bacteria in the lagoon pose a possible threat to public health.
1, 6, 4, 7

SOURCES

1 Topanga - Las Virgenes Resource Conservation District, for LA County Dept. of Beaches and Harbors and California Dept. of Parks and Recreation. 1989. Manion, B.S. & J.H. Dillingham eds. Malibu Lagoon: a baseline ecological survey. 180 pp. This study gathered baseline ecological and physical data on the Malibu Lagoon after the 1983 restoration. Extensive surveys of the vegetation, sediment, invertebrates, fish and birds were carried out and reported. Species lists are included for the biota. Physical and chemical parameters are described and a brief history of the lagoon is provided. (The District has since changed its name to Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains.)

2 Santa Monica Bay Restoration Project. 1994. Draft Action Plan of the Santa Monica Bay restoration plan. ~150 pp., plus appendices. The Action Plan for Santa Monica Bay addresses methods to reduce pollution at the source, protect the public health, protect and restore Bay habitats, manage the watershed, and provide for public involvement in these efforts. It also provides recommendations for a monitoring program, continued research, oversight and management for plan implementation, and sources of funding for the proposed actions. The overall program includes conceptual plans for restoration and enhancement of nine wetlands in the Santa Monica Bay watershed.

3 Orme, A.R. for the City of Malibu. 1991. The Malibu Coast - a contribution to the city-wide wastewater management study - City of Malibu. 47 pp., plus six figures. This report discusses the geomorphic evolution and coastal process of the Malibu Coast. Topics covered include sea-level rise, tides, littoral transport (beach nourishment), beach formation and the effects of storm activity on coastal processes.

4 Trim, H., for the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Project. 1994. Review of monitoring and response protocol for the Malibu Creek watershed. 82 pp., plus appendices. Evaluates the numerous physical and chemical monitoring programs being carried out by various agencies and private groups throughout the Malibu Creek Watershed. The study identifies the organization, the sampling stations, sampling frequency and methods used, and provides recommendations for improving and coordinating these activities to ensure timely reporting and sharing of results.

5 Topanga-Las Virgenes Resource Conservation District. 1995. Natural resources plan: Malibu Creek Watershed, Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, California. 99 pp., plus appendices. This study responds to three main objectives: 1) identifying and describing local problems associated with water quality and quantity, 2) developing, evaluating and comparing treatments that address resource concerns linked to surface run-off, and 3) identifying possible implementation strategies and funding sources. The study targets the physical and chemical processes of the watershed and only briefly discusses the biotic community. The report also provides a list of species of special concern that may occur in the watershed.

6 Ambrose, R.F., I.H. Suffet, S.S. Que Hee, for the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District. 1995. Enhanced environmental monitoring program at Malibu Lagoon and Malibu Creek. 266 pp., plus appendices. The overall goal of this project (carried out by the Environmental Science & Engineering Program at UCLA) was to assess the effects of anthropogenic inputs on the physical, chemical and biological processes of Malibu Creek and Lagoon. Results are reported for 1993-1994 surveys and include analyses of the water quality, bacteria, algae, phytoplankton, fish, invertebrates, birds and sediments. Lagoon pore and bulk water were analyzed for a variety of nutrients and organics, and Tapia Water Reclamation Facility effluent was analyzed for viruses. Fish from the creek and lagoon were analyzed for trace metals, and sediments were analyzed for base-neutral-type organic compounds.

7 Manion, S., for Santa Monica Mts. Resource Conservation District (formerly Topanga-Las Virgenes Resource Conservation District) 1993. The tidewater goby (Eucyclogobius newberryi): Reintroduction of a geographically isolated fish species into Malibu Lagoon: a watershed perspective. California Department of Parks and Recreation. 164 pp. The purpose of this study was to test the efficacy of reintroducing an endangered fish species into its former habitat. An evaluation of habitat suitability was performed prior to the reintroduction, and 52 individuals were reintroduced in 1991. Salinity, temperature, sediment distribution, pH, dissolved oxygen and lagoon water levels were monitored for a full seasonal cycle after the re-introduction to determine survivability and reproductive success. Recommendations are provided for managing the lagoon and watershed to restore and protect native biodiversity. The appendix contains plots of salinity, temperature and water level.

8 City of Malibu Planning Department. 1995. City of Malibu general plan. ~200 pp., plus appendices. The purpose of the General Plan is to serve as a guide for future development and conservation, protection, and restoration and management of the City's existing natural resources. A brief description of environmentally sensitive resources is given and rare and endangered species within the City are identified. The EIR for this General Plan and supporting technical reports (not viewed) are available at Malibu City Hall.

9 Russ Guiney. State Department of Parks and Recreation. September 19, 1996. Personal communication.

10 California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Los Angeles Region. 1994. Water quality control plan Los Angeles Region (4). 187 pp., plus appendices. The Los Angeles Regional Board's Basin Plan is designed to preserve and enhance the water quality and protect the beneficial uses of all regional waters. The plan designates beneficial uses and associated water quality objectives for inland surface waters, ground waters, coastal waters, and wetlands for the Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. It includes a discussion of applicable policies and statutory requirements and identifies measures for achieving water quality objectives. It also describes ongoing monitoring and assessment programs.

11 Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board. 1996. Water Quality Assessment and Documentation. 106 pp. A list of waterbodies in the Los Angeles and Ventura County coastal watersheds that do not or are not expected to attain water quality standards after application of required technology-based controls. It includes a description of the methods and criteria used in the assessment. 303(d) lists are prepared as part of the Water Quality Assessment of the State's major waterbodies, and meet a requirement of Section 303(d) of the federal Clean Water Act.

12 Engle, J. M., K. D. Lafferty, J. E. Dugan, D. L. Martin, N. Mode, R. F. Ambrose, and P. T. Raimondi. 1995. Second year study plan for inventory of coastal ecological resources of the Northern Channel Islands and Ventura/Los Angeles Counties. Prepared for the California Coastal Commission. 45 pp. A report on the progress and proposed plans for the second year of a monitoring program surveying selected rocky intertidal, soft bottom subtidal, sandy beach, and wetland areas of coastal Ventura and Los Angeles Counties, and the Northern Channel Islands. The discussion emphasizes program design and methods with some analysis of first year results. The LA/Ventura portion focuses on wetlands, with fish, invertebrate, and bird surveys to be conducted at: Ventura and Santa Clara River estuaries, Ormond Beach, Mugu Lagoon Malibu Lagoon and Ballona wetlands. Other habitats will be characterized by samples at 20-30 additional sites. The study is being undertaken to enable an assessment of impacts in the event of an oil spill.

13 Ambrose, Richard F. Environmental Science & Engineering Program, UCLA. January 1997. Personal communication.

14 United States Department of the Interior. 1994. Malibu Creek fishery enhancement appraisal study. Bureau of Reclamation, Boulder City, Nevada. 47 pp. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the removal of Rindge Dam and the sediment behind it in order to restore suitable habitat in Malibu Creek for southern steelhead trout runs. The study reviews several alternatives for removal of the sediment, their associated environmental consequences, and overall project costs. This report is not cited in the profile.

Webmaster: wetlands@resources.ca.gov

GENERAL			Source
Site	Malibu Lagoon
Map	Malibu Beach, USGS 7.5' quadrangle
Location	Malibu Lagoon is located in the City of Malibu, Los Angeles County at the mouth of Malibu Creek. The wetland acreage includes 2/3 mile of the creek corridor east of the Pacific Coast Highway. The available data focuses primarily on the area west of the Pacific Coast Highway.
Contacts	California Department of Parks and Recreation, Los Angeles District; 818-880-0350
	City of Malibu; 310-456-2489
	Santa Monica Mountains Resource Conservation District; 310-455-1030
	Regional Water Quality Control Board - LA Region; 213-266-7553
Approximate Wetland Habitat Acreage	92		2, 9
Approximate Historic Acreage	Several times its present size, the wetland area extended through the current civic center area to Pepperdine University - acreage not specified.		6


Ownership	Owner	Acres	Source
	California Department of Parks and Recreation (CDPR)	169	9
LAND USE			Source
Land Use Designation	State Park, open space and conservation in the 1995 General Plan for the City of Malibu.		8
Onsite Use	State Park; wildlife habitat, environmental education, and passive recreation.		7
Historic Use	The lagoon is described as having been relatively pristine prior to the 1900's. Construction of the Rindge railroad line in 1908 filled part of the lagoon, and Caltrans used the site as a dump during the construction of the Pacific Coast Highway in 1929. In the 1960's, additional areas of the site were filled for baseball fields and parking for beach access.		6
Adjacent Use	To the west is the residential development of Malibu Colony and a golf course, to the north are the Pacific Coast Highway and commerical development, to the east is the historical Adams House museum, and south are public beaches.		6
Adjacent Historic Use	In the latter part of the 19th century much of the creek floodplain was occupied by agriculture and cattle ranching. Residential development of Malibu Beach, as a resort, had begun by the 1920's.		6


HYDROLOGY			Source
Tidal Influence	The pattern of lagoon formation and breaching has changed with the now year-round flow in Malibu Creek caused by irrigation water and treated wastewater inputs. Historically the beach barrier would be breached by winter and spring run-off allowing for tidal exchange, and then reform and typically stay closed throughout the summer and fall. However, the year-round flow creates a high summer water level in the lagoon and in the recent past the barrier artificially breach to maintain water quality, reintroducing tidal exchange for a period of time.		1, 6, 13
Watershed Area	109 square miles		6
Tributaries and Flow	Tributary	Flow	Source
	Malibu Creek	The bed has not been channelized. Once seasonal, the creek flows are now predominantly year-round; annual flows 1966 through 1992 averaged 27,000 acre-feet (includes approximately 4,000 acre-feet of permitted reclaimed water discharge and 20,000 acre-feet of storm run-off). Maximum annual flows have exceeded 120,000 acre-feet.	5, 6
Dams	Eleanor built in 1881, Sherwood in 1904, Crags in 1913, Malibu in 1923, Rindge in 1925 (no longer functional, filled with sediment), and Westlake in 1965. Percentage of watershed controlled was not specified.		3
Other Sources	Run-off from home uses and irrigation at a rate of 2,500 to 3,500 acre-feet annually, and seepage from septic tanks into the lagoon at an estimated rate of 500 acre-feet per year.		5


WATER QUALITY			Source
General	The lagoon is included on the 303(d) list of impaired waterbodies. Standards are not met for the benthic community - TIS(As, Ni, Se, Pb), coliform, enteric viruses; and swimming and shellfish harvesting. Designated beneficial uses are: NAV, REC1, REC2, EST, MAR, WILD, RARE, MIGR, SPWN, and WET. 1992 - high levels of bacteria along with high nutrient input contributed to eutrophic conditions of the lagoon water. 1988 - low to negligible levels of trace elements, but high levels of total coliform bacteria (above 500 MPN/100ml).		10, 11, 3, 6
Dissolved Oxygen (DO)	At least monthly surveys in the morning, July 1993 through April 1994; data from two sites: a westerly channel and the main lagoon. Channel site - bottom water DO ranged from 2.6 mg/l (temp. 19 C) to 10.6 mg/l (temp. 17 C); surface water DO ranged from 3.2 mg/l (temp. 19 C) to 13.3 mg/l (temp. 10 C). Lagoon site - bottom water DO ranged from 5.5 mg/l (temp. 30 C) to 12.2 mg/l (temp. 22 C); surface water DO ranged from 6.2 mg/l (temp. 18 C) to 16.8 mg/l (temp. 23 C).		6
Water Salinity	At least monthly surveys in the morning, July 1993 through April 1994; data from two sites: a westerly channel and the main lagoon. Channel site - bottom water salinity ranged from 3.5 to 31 ppt and at the surface ranged from4 to 14 ppt. Lagoon site - bottom water salinity ranged from 3.5 to 34 ppt and surface water ranged from 7 to 30 ppt. Typically the water column was stratified at the time of sampling.		6
Sedimentation	Measurements in 1987 indicated the average rate since 1983 was 10 cm per year; a rate estimated to be nearly ten times that which would have occurred before European settlement.		1


SOIL			Source
Soil	Elder sandy loam, Sorrento loam, riverwash and coastal beach sands.		3
Habitat	Acres	Vegetation
Estuarine open water, tidal channels and mudflats	28.4	1987/88 - <i>Ulva<i> and <i>Enteromorpha<i>	Ac. 2 Plants 1
Salt marsh	17.7	1987/88 - three dominate salt-tolerant species were saltgrass, jaumea, and pickleweed; California bulrush was also present. (A majority of the 133 species found at the lagoon are naturalized exotics).	Ac. 2 Plants 1
Creek corridor/riparian	45.6	Not specified	2


ANIMAL USE			Source
Birds	1993/94 - Minimum of monthly sampling from July through April. 107 species were identified, of which 68 were waterbirds including five species of special status. Fall and spring surveys in 1994/95 identified an additional special status species.		6, 12,1
Fish	1993/94 - at least monthly sampling from July through June, using fish traps at six stations and beach seines at three stations. 13 species were identified, although individual numbers and species varied significantly among sampling stations. California killifish were most abundant, followed by mosquitofish* and topsmelt. The tidewater goby+ was the fourth most frequently collected species. Steelhead trout+ were present in a 1989 survey.		6, 1
Benthic Invertebrates	1993/94 - Three stations sampled; large infauna were sampled with a 'clam-gum', small infauna with a 10 cm deep core, and zooplankton with a 153 um mesh size plankton net. The bulk of the infauna biomass was a single polychaete species. Benthic invertebrate taxa identified included: California jackknife clam, two species of polychaetes, oligocheates, ribbon worms, mud-flat clam, snails, crabs and the introduced oriental shrimp*. The dominate zooplankton consisted of copepods, ostracods and nematodes.		6
Insect	Not specified
Other Wildlife	Not specified
Special Status Species	1993/94 - California brown pelican, California least tern, double-crested cormorant, California gull, western snowy plover, tidewater goby; 1995 - elegant tern; and 1989 - steelhead trout.		6, 12, 1


OUTLOOK			Source
Enhancement Status	Since restoration in 1983, which included removal of construction rubble, excavation for channels, increasing the depth of the main lagoon area, creation of an island, and planting of native vegetation the Parks and Recreation Department has maintained the site as wildlife habitat. In 1991 the endangered tidewater goby was reintroduced into the lagoon. In 1995 additional excavation of the tidal channels in the previously restored marsh was completed to increase tidal circulation, create additional islands for bird usage, and provide expanded habitat for the tidewater goby.		1, 4, 13
Watershed Management	Numerous studies and planning activities have been undertaken in the interest of improving water quality, modifying the timing of water release into the creek, and identifying the creek's potential to support salmon spawning habitat. However, as of the fall 1996, these efforts had not resulted in the completion of a comprehensive watershed management plan. In the fall of 1996, in an effort to establish a comprehensive watershed management program, the Coastal Conservancy and other stakeholders began the process of developing baseline ecological data and preparing an enhancement and implementation plan for the lower watershed and lagoon.		4, 5, 6
Pressure	The watershed is highly modified by residential development, recreational reservoirs, and agriculture operations. Year-round delivery of imported water to the lagoon and the past practice of mechanical breaching of the barrier beach during the summer and fall disrupts the natural hydrologic cycle, and the repeated sudden changes in salinity stress the biotic community. High nutrient concentrations in the creek water create eutrophic conditions in the lagoon. High levels of bacteria in the lagoon pose a possible threat to public health.		1, 6, 4, 7
SOURCES
1	Topanga - Las Virgenes Resource Conservation District, for LA County Dept. of Beaches and Harbors and California Dept. of Parks and Recreation. 1989. Manion, B.S. & J.H. Dillingham eds. Malibu Lagoon: a baseline ecological survey. 180 pp. This study gathered baseline ecological and physical data on the Malibu Lagoon after the 1983 restoration. Extensive surveys of the vegetation, sediment, invertebrates, fish and birds were carried out and reported. Species lists are included for the biota. Physical and chemical parameters are described and a brief history of the lagoon is provided. (The District has since changed its name to Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains.)
2	Santa Monica Bay Restoration Project. 1994. Draft Action Plan of the Santa Monica Bay restoration plan. ~150 pp., plus appendices. The Action Plan for Santa Monica Bay addresses methods to reduce pollution at the source, protect the public health, protect and restore Bay habitats, manage the watershed, and provide for public involvement in these efforts. It also provides recommendations for a monitoring program, continued research, oversight and management for plan implementation, and sources of funding for the proposed actions. The overall program includes conceptual plans for restoration and enhancement of nine wetlands in the Santa Monica Bay watershed.
3	Orme, A.R. for the City of Malibu. 1991. The Malibu Coast - a contribution to the city-wide wastewater management study - City of Malibu. 47 pp., plus six figures. This report discusses the geomorphic evolution and coastal process of the Malibu Coast. Topics covered include sea-level rise, tides, littoral transport (beach nourishment), beach formation and the effects of storm activity on coastal processes.
4	Trim, H., for the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Project. 1994. Review of monitoring and response protocol for the Malibu Creek watershed. 82 pp., plus appendices. Evaluates the numerous physical and chemical monitoring programs being carried out by various agencies and private groups throughout the Malibu Creek Watershed. The study identifies the organization, the sampling stations, sampling frequency and methods used, and provides recommendations for improving and coordinating these activities to ensure timely reporting and sharing of results.
5	Topanga-Las Virgenes Resource Conservation District. 1995. Natural resources plan: Malibu Creek Watershed, Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, California. 99 pp., plus appendices. This study responds to three main objectives: 1) identifying and describing local problems associated with water quality and quantity, 2) developing, evaluating and comparing treatments that address resource concerns linked to surface run-off, and 3) identifying possible implementation strategies and funding sources. The study targets the physical and chemical processes of the watershed and only briefly discusses the biotic community. The report also provides a list of species of special concern that may occur in the watershed.
6	Ambrose, R.F., I.H. Suffet, S.S. Que Hee, for the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District. 1995. Enhanced environmental monitoring program at Malibu Lagoon and Malibu Creek. 266 pp., plus appendices. The overall goal of this project (carried out by the Environmental Science & Engineering Program at UCLA) was to assess the effects of anthropogenic inputs on the physical, chemical and biological processes of Malibu Creek and Lagoon. Results are reported for 1993-1994 surveys and include analyses of the water quality, bacteria, algae, phytoplankton, fish, invertebrates, birds and sediments. Lagoon pore and bulk water were analyzed for a variety of nutrients and organics, and Tapia Water Reclamation Facility effluent was analyzed for viruses. Fish from the creek and lagoon were analyzed for trace metals, and sediments were analyzed for base-neutral-type organic compounds.
7	Manion, S., for Santa Monica Mts. Resource Conservation District (formerly Topanga-Las Virgenes Resource Conservation District) 1993. The tidewater goby (Eucyclogobius newberryi): Reintroduction of a geographically isolated fish species into Malibu Lagoon: a watershed perspective. California Department of Parks and Recreation. 164 pp. The purpose of this study was to test the efficacy of reintroducing an endangered fish species into its former habitat. An evaluation of habitat suitability was performed prior to the reintroduction, and 52 individuals were reintroduced in 1991. Salinity, temperature, sediment distribution, pH, dissolved oxygen and lagoon water levels were monitored for a full seasonal cycle after the re-introduction to determine survivability and reproductive success. Recommendations are provided for managing the lagoon and watershed to restore and protect native biodiversity. The appendix contains plots of salinity, temperature and water level.
8	City of Malibu Planning Department. 1995. City of Malibu general plan. ~200 pp., plus appendices. The purpose of the General Plan is to serve as a guide for future development and conservation, protection, and restoration and management of the City's existing natural resources. A brief description of environmentally sensitive resources is given and rare and endangered species within the City are identified. The EIR for this General Plan and supporting technical reports (not viewed) are available at Malibu City Hall.
9	Russ Guiney. State Department of Parks and Recreation. September 19, 1996. Personal communication.
10	California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Los Angeles Region. 1994. Water quality control plan Los Angeles Region (4). 187 pp., plus appendices. The Los Angeles Regional Board's Basin Plan is designed to preserve and enhance the water quality and protect the beneficial uses of all regional waters. The plan designates beneficial uses and associated water quality objectives for inland surface waters, ground waters, coastal waters, and wetlands for the Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. It includes a discussion of applicable policies and statutory requirements and identifies measures for achieving water quality objectives. It also describes ongoing monitoring and assessment programs.
11	Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board. 1996. Water Quality Assessment and Documentation. 106 pp. A list of waterbodies in the Los Angeles and Ventura County coastal watersheds that do not or are not expected to attain water quality standards after application of required technology-based controls. It includes a description of the methods and criteria used in the assessment. 303(d) lists are prepared as part of the Water Quality Assessment of the State's major waterbodies, and meet a requirement of Section 303(d) of the federal Clean Water Act.
12	Engle, J. M., K. D. Lafferty, J. E. Dugan, D. L. Martin, N. Mode, R. F. Ambrose, and P. T. Raimondi. 1995. Second year study plan for inventory of coastal ecological resources of the Northern Channel Islands and Ventura/Los Angeles Counties. Prepared for the California Coastal Commission. 45 pp. A report on the progress and proposed plans for the second year of a monitoring program surveying selected rocky intertidal, soft bottom subtidal, sandy beach, and wetland areas of coastal Ventura and Los Angeles Counties, and the Northern Channel Islands. The discussion emphasizes program design and methods with some analysis of first year results. The LA/Ventura portion focuses on wetlands, with fish, invertebrate, and bird surveys to be conducted at: Ventura and Santa Clara River estuaries, Ormond Beach, Mugu Lagoon Malibu Lagoon and Ballona wetlands. Other habitats will be characterized by samples at 20-30 additional sites. The study is being undertaken to enable an assessment of impacts in the event of an oil spill.
13	Ambrose, Richard F. Environmental Science & Engineering Program, UCLA. January 1997. Personal communication.
14	United States Department of the Interior. 1994. Malibu Creek fishery enhancement appraisal study. Bureau of Reclamation, Boulder City, Nevada. 47 pp. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the removal of Rindge Dam and the sediment behind it in order to restore suitable habitat in Malibu Creek for southern steelhead trout runs. The study reviews several alternatives for removal of the sediment, their associated environmental consequences, and overall project costs. This report is not cited in the profile.