Mission Bay

GENERAL			Source
Site	Mission Bay (Also see Famosa Slough)
Map	La Jolla USGS 7.5' quadrangle.
Location	City of San Diego, a coastal embayment approximately 5 miles north of downtown San Diego.
Contacts	City of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation (619) 525-8219.
	University of California Natural Reserve System, Kendall-Frost Reserve (619) 534-2077.
Approximate Wetland Habitat Acreage	Approximately 251 acres - 41 ac in the Northern Wildlife Preserve (includes Kendall-Frost Reserve), about 200 acres in the Southern Wildlife Preserve (San Diego River channel) and approximately 10 acres of created salt pan.		4, 3, 5, 14
Approximate Historic Acreage	Part of a wetland complex at the mouth of the San Diego River estimated to have been 3,335 acres		8

Ownership	Owner	Acres
	City of San Diego. Acreage is for the Southern Wildlife Preserve (San Diego River Channel), areas of created salt pan and a portion of the Northern Wildlife Preserve.	245	6, 14
	University of California Natural Reserve System. Kendall-Frost Reserve (adjacent to 25 acres of salt marsh owned by the City; the two parcels make up the Northern Wildlife Preserve.)	16	6, 4

LAND USE			Source
Land Use Designation	1994 Mission Bay Master Plan - designated Preserves		3
Onsite Use	Mission Bay is an intensively used multi-use aquatic park with hotels, marinas, theme park, and beaches among other attractions; the average peak day serves 80,000 visitors. The Northern Wildlife Preserve is jointly managed by the City and the University		3
	of California as a wildlife and research reserve allowing limited public access. The Southern Wildlife Preserve is managed by the City as a wildlife preserve with limited public access, it also serves as a control channel for the 100-yr flood.
Historic Use	Native American use dates back approximately 6,000 years. A series of modifications transformed the Bay from a huge delta wetlands to its current configuration; the San Diego River was diked in 1876 and channelized in 1952; extensive dredging and filling		6, 8
	took place from the mid 40's to the mid 60's to accomodate current recreational complex. An area in the SE corner of the Bay was used as a municipal landfill during the 1950's.
Adjacent Use	Mission Bay is surrounded by urban uses, with residential and commercial immediately to the west, east and north. I-5 and I-8 form the eastern and southern boundaries. The Northern Wildlife Preserve is surrounded by condominiums, public beach		4, 1, 7
	and camping areas, disturbed uplands and open water. North of the Southern Wildlife Preserve is a former landfill site and open water, to the south is I-8 and a culvert to Famosa Slough, I-5 overpasses; 1/4 of the river watershed is in urban or ag. use.
Historic Adjacent Use	The area has supported Native American communities, agriculture, and gradual urbanization; land immediately to the north of the Southern Wildlife Preserve was used as a municipal landfill in the 1950's.		6, 8

HYDROLOGY			Source
Tidal Influence	A rip-rapped channel connects the Bay and the Ocean. The Bay is irregularly shaped, with 2 large islands and depths ranging 7-20 ft.; circulation is poor in the eastern portion. The Northern and Southern Wildlife Preserves are tidally influenced;		5, 8, 6
	sand bars may inhibit tidal flow at the Southern Preserve.
Watershed Area	The Bay's watershed is 53 sq miles; the San Diego River drains approximately 440 sq miles.		7, 9

Tributaries and Flow	Tributary	Flow	Source
	Rose Canyon Creek	Most of the channel west of I-5 is concrete; a 1994 estimate of flows for the 100-yr peak was 10,000 cfs; the channel capacity was described as adequate to convey the 100-yr storm.	6
	Tecolote Creek	Most of the channel west of I-5 is concrete; a 1993 flow estimate for the 100-yr peak was 4,900 cfs; the channel's capacity is described as being adequate to convey the 50-yr storm.	6
	Cudahy Creek	Not specified	2, 14
	San Diego River. A levee separates the River from Mission Bay, however riprap near the mouth and a wier in the levee provides some exchange at high tide.	A 1975 estimate for 100-yr peak flows was 36,000 cfs, the 2-yr peak estimate was 520 cfs; the river is channelized from just east of I-5 to the ocean.	8, 10
Dams	4 within the San Diego River watershed; El Capitan on the main river; San Vicente, Lake Jennings, and Cuyamaca on tributaries.		7
Other Sources	Runoff from approximately 10 sq miles of the watershed is conveyed to the Bay over the shoreline and through storm drains. 69 storm drains enter the Bay, 3 of those into the Northern Wildlife Preserve.		4, 5

WATER QUALITY			Source
General	A 1994 report characterized the Bay's primary water quality problem as bacteriological contamination from urban runoff combined with poor tidal flushing; the eastern portion of the Bay was closed to body contact 76 times in 1993.		1, 6, 11, 12, 13
	A 1983 study of Bay water and sediments found elevated levels of heavy metals only in sediments in the So. Wildlife Preserve, Rose Creek, and the So. Pacific Passage.
	Listed in 1994 as an impaired water body; the draft 1996 list indicates lead, coliform, and eutrophication standards exceeded for selected uses. Designated Beneficial Uses - Ind, Rec1, Rec2, Comm, Est, Wild, Rare, Mar, Migr, Shell
Dissolved Oxygen (DO)	A 1978 study sampling 211 sites throughout the Bay found a range of 3 - 10.8 mg/l. Samples were taken between 8 am and late afternoon. Temperatures ranged from 14.2 to 23 C		6
Water Salinity	Data collected 1989-93 identified seasonal and spatial patterns; summer concentrations behind Fiesta Island reached higher than seawater. 1969 measurements of the sodium adsorption ration at Quivera Basin (near the mouth) reported a range of 24.5-42.3 (0/00).		15, 6
Sediment	1992 estimate of the Rose Creek annual yield was 14,300 cub yd; sediment reduction measures were implemented in the Tecolote Creek watershed in 1988-89. Also see Water Quality for information on heavy metals.		3

Soil			Source
Soil	Mission Bay cuts through the La Jolla coastal Terrace, this is overlain by fine-grained alluvium deposited by San Diego River from upstream terraces. Imported sand for beaches has drifted over a small area of mudflat in the Northern Wildlife Preserve.		4, 14

Habitat	Acres	Vegetation	Source
The Bay supports one of the two major eelgrass meadows remaining in Southern California. Acreage is from 1992 and includes the Southern Preserve.	1222	Eelgrass and algae (ceramium flaccidium)	6
Salt marsh - The Northern Wildlife Preserve encompasses what is regarded as one of the best examples of coastal salt marsh in Southern California. Acreage includes mudflats.	Approximately 231	1990 report indicates 20 native salt marsh species occur at the No. Preserve, cordgrass, annual pickleweed, pickleweed, saltwort, sea-blite, saltgrass, saltbush, and marsh-heather were dominant. Introduced river mangrove* and manawa* are being removed.	Ac. 4, 6 Plants 4, 5
Salt pan. Area in the salt marsh of the No. Wildlife Preserve described as undisturbed, other sites on the northern part of Fiesta Island and adjacent to the north side of the So. Preserve are created, and described as being isolated from tidal flows.	20 +	1990 report listed pickleweed as the characteristic dominant, other species found included sea rocket* and goldenbush.	Ac. 4, 5, 6 Plants 5
Brackish/ freshwater marsh. Develops in the Southern Wildlife Preserve when freshwater input is sufficient.	Variable	1994 report lists cattails and spiny rush in the eastern end of the channel.	6
Designated California least tern nesting sites on: North Fiesta Island, FAA Island, Stony Point, South Shores, Mariner's Point, and in the highway cloverleaf just east of Quivera basin.	Approximately 47	Sandy, shell substrate, little or no vegetation.	6

ANIMAL USE			Source
Birds	4 surveys during October - December 1988 found 92 species; 70 water-associated and 7 special status species. 1994 report listed nesting Ca least tern#, light-footed clapper rail#, and Belding's Savannah sparrow#, and a great blue heron rookery.		5, 6
Fish	1991 report listed topsmelt, staghorn sculpin, Ca. killifish, longjaw mudsuckers, arrow gobies at the No. Preserve. 20 species were identified in eelgrass beds in a 1990 report, with arrow gobies, topsmelt, and Ca. halibut dominant.		4, 5
Benthic Invertebrates	A 1982 survey of the No. Preserve described community as rich and varied, annelids, polychaetes, oligochaetes, hornsnails, and crabs abundant. Dominant eelgrass organisms include stalked and epiphtic bryozoans, and the broad-eared scallop.		4, 6
Insect	Not available
Other Wildlife	8 species of mammals have been observed in the Park, including the western harvest mouse in salt marsh areas. Feral cats hunt in the No. Preserve; coyote, red fox, and Norway rat have been seen on islands with Least tern nesting habitat.		6
Special Status Species	1994 report listed Ca. least tern#, Belding's Savannah sparrow#, light-footed clapper rail#, western snowy plover+, Ca. brown pelican+, peregrine falcon+, Ca. gull+, Ca. horned lark+. Also 6 upland species - 4 bird,1 mammal and 1 plant.		6, 5
	1988 survey also listed common loon+, American white pelican+, and elegant tern+.

OUTLOOK			Source
Enhancement Status	The Mission Bay Park Master Plan adopted in 1994 includes restoration of approximately: 80 acres of salt marsh adjacent to the No. Preserve and Rose Creek outfall, 12 acres of salt marsh at the Tecolote Creek outfall, and 5 acres of salt marsh		4, 3, 14
	on the northeastern side of the north Pacific Passage. Ten acres of salt pan have been created and six least tern nesting sites are protected and actively managed; there is an active removal program for selected introduced plants at the No. Preserve.
Watershed Management	The City is implementing a number of programs to limit nonpoint source pollution and the San Diego River east of I-5 is the subject of a Habitat Conservation Plan for least Bell's vireo habitat.		6, 7
Pressure	Potential effects of increased urbanization in the vicinity such as modified hydrology, impaired water quality, increased sedimentation, establishment of invasive vegetation, predation by non-native animal species, and greater demand for recreational use.		4, 6

Comments
SOURCES
1	Science Applications, Inc. for the City of San Diego. 1983. Mission Bay Monitoring Program. 95 pp.
	Characterizes the extent of EPA priority pollutant contamination in Mission Bay. Water and sediment samples were collected in triplicate from seven stations in Mission Bay, Tecolote Creek, Rose Creek, the San Diego River and the San Diego River Flood
	Channel. The samples were analyzed for the 129 EPA priority pollutants.
2	City of San Diego Wetland Advisory Board. 1992. Recommendations for Wetland Enhancement at Mission Bay. 12 pp.
	Forwards recommendations for enhancement and restoration of wetlands in Mission Bay which would achieve multiple goals of improving water quality, habitat quality and diversity, and being compatible with recreation. Provides rationale for enhancement
	recommendations with citations of relevent studies and includes a brief history of changes in habitat types and wetland-related policies.
3	City of San Diego. 1994. Mission Bay Park Master Plan. 169 pp.
	The document details the revised Master Plan for the Park. The plan addresses many elements, proposing a "parks within a park" approach to land and water use, natural resources, access and circulation, and includes an economic analysis and discussion
	of implementation priorities. The Plan is based in part on the Mission Bay Natural Resource Management Plan and EIR adopted by the City in 1990. Appendices include a hydrological study on the feasibility of creating wetlands at the mouth of Rose Creek.
4	University of California. 1991. Kendall-Frost Mission Bay Marsh Reserve. 4 pp.
	Provides a brief, and non-technical, summary of the Kendall-Frost Mission Bay Marsh Reserve. Describes the area's history, hydrology, geomorphology, climate, habitats, flora, and fauna.
5	City of San Diego. 1990. Mission Bay Park Natural Resource Management Plan. 53 pp and appendix.
	Provides guidelines and programs for the protection, enhancement, and management of the resources in Mission Bay. The plan includes information on the existing conditions, including biological resources, land use and recreation, sand, and water quality.
	Development guidelines, mitigation options, and enhancement guidelines are discussed. The existing conditions for biological resources are summarized from the Mission Bay Park Shoreline Restoration and Stabilization Project EIR, 1989. The Water
	Quality section appears to be based on existing documents. Appendices contain reports from surveys of eelgrass and marine habitats and birds, the plan for a least tern foraging study, and applicable goals and policies of regulatory agencies.
6	City of San Diego. 1994. Final Environmental Impact Report for the Mission Bay Master Plan Update. 100 pp. and Responses to Comments.
	Report outlining the environmental impacts associated with the Mission Bay Master Plan Update. Includes information on environmental setting and environmental analysis for land use, biological resources, hydrology/water quality, circulation/traffic,
	public safety, recreational resources, public services, and air quality. The EIR is based in part on an Existing Conditions report prepared by the City in 1993. A Mitigation, Monitoring, and Reporting Program is included.
	In addition, the Mission Bay Natural Resource Management Plan and EIR, adopted by the City in 1990, is incorporated into the EIR. A variety of biological field surveys were conducted by private consultants.
7	San Diego Association of Governments. 1990. Revised Final San Diego River Habitat Conservation Plan. 177 pp.
	The Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) is part of the Comprehensive Species Management Plan (CSMP) for the endangered least Bell's vireo. The HCP identifies riparian habitat to be protected, conserved, managed, and reclaimed to ensure protection and
	recovery of the species within the focused planning area. The area covers riparian habitat and floodplains of the San Diego River watershed from the mouth to El Capitan Reservoir. Based on surveys done by Caltrans and CSMP 1986-88.
8	City of San Diego and the State Coastal Conservancy. 1993. Famosa Slough Enhancement Plan. 250 pp and technical appendices.
	The document provides a conceptual plan for enhancing the habitat values of the Famosa Slough. The plan analyzes existing geology, hydrology, water quality, and biology, land use and ownership of the site; identifies opportunities and constraints
	and proposes a plan to improve tidal circulation and habitat values. Based on original hydrologic and biologic data and existing information. Prepared by Pacific Southwest Biological Services, KTU+A, Philip Williams & Assoc., and Lintvedt McColl Assoc.
9	State Coastal Conservancy. 1989. The coastal wetlands of San Diego County. 64 pp.
	Public education booklet describing ecological concepts and dynamics of San Diego County salt marshes. Discussion includes watershed processes, littoral and tidal influences, habitat types, significance to migratory
	birds, and the effects of urban development. Profiles the history, current values and problems, protection efforts and public access opportunities at 13 wetland areas.
10	Susan Wynn, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Correspondence, August 29, 1995.
11	San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board. 1994. Water quality control plan for the San Diego basin. Approximately 225 pp. and appendices.
	The plan designates beneficial uses and associated water quality objectives for inland surface waters, coastal waters, reservoirs and lakes and ground water in San Diego County. 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. Appendices contain summaries of regional growth forecasts and criteria for organic and inorganic constituents.
12	State Water Resources Control Board. 1994. List of impaired water bodies.
	Developed as part of the Water Quality Assessment of the State's major waterbodies. Separate lists are developed to rate waterbodies as Good, Intermediate, Impaired or Unknown Quality. Impaired waters are those not expected to attain or maintain
	water quality standards. The state list is a compilation of those developed by the nine regional boards. Lists of impaired water bodies are also known as 303(d) lists as they meet a requirement of section 303(d) of the federal Clean Water Act.
13	San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board. 1996. Draft 303(d) list.
	A proposed list of waterbodies in the San Diego Basin that do not or are not expected to attain water quality standards after application of required technology-based controls. Specifies selected beneficial uses and criteria assessed,
	and the percentage of samples in which criteria were exceeded. It also identifies waterbodies for which previous assessments are no longer applicable.
14	Robin Stribley, City of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation. Personal communication, February 7, 1996.
15	Largier, JL, JT Hollibaugh and SV Smith. 1996. Seasonally hypersaline estuaries in Mediterranean-climate regions in, estuarine, coastal and shelf science (in press).
	Describes seasonal and spatial salinity patterns in Tomales, Mission and San Diego bays based on field data collected 1989-1993 and analyzes the relationships between salinity patterns and nutrient, plankton and pollutant distributions. Given these
	relationships, the discussion also considers potential effects on aquatic systems caused by continued anthropogenic alterations of the quantity and quality of freshwater inputs. Collection of salinity data at San Diego and Tomales Bays is ongoing.
16	MEC. 1993. San Dieguito Lagoon restoration project regional coastal lagoon resources summary. 56 pp and appendix.
	This report provides a summary of habitat types, fish, bird and benthic invertebrate populations at 16 coastal wetlands south of Anaheim Bay. It is a synopsis of primarily existing information; sources used in identifying and quantifying
	habitat types include aerial photographs taken in early 1993. Identification of Mission Bay wetland habitats encompasses Famosa Slough. Discusses restoration of habitats at San Dieguito Lagoon given present and historic conditions of other coastal
	wetlands in the region. This report was prepared as part of the San Dieguito Restoration Project undertaken by Southern California Edison to mitigate for damage to coastal marine resources from operation of the San Onofore Nuclear Generating Station.

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