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Western Sandpiper
Today, Batiquitos Lagoon is once again home to many plants, birds, and fish. But this was not always the case. During much of the 20th century, transportation routes built across the mouth of the lagoon cut the lagoon off from the ocean. With the connection to the ocean lost, the lagoon's water became less salty and sediment began to accumulate, reducing the lagoon's habitat value for plant and wildlife species. In 1997, the Port of Los Angeles began the environmental restoration of Batiquitos Lagoon. The ecosystem of the lagoon is gradually changing from a confined nontidal system with limited habitat value to a fully tidal, salt water system with greater habitat value. 
Shark collected as part of monitoring program
To understand the significance of restoring Batiquitos Lagoon, it is important to understand the role lagoons play in the larger coastal environment. Let's start with a simple definition of a coastal lagoon: A coastal lagoon is a shallow body of salt water that is hydrologically connected to both an upland stream and the ocean. This interface between salt and fresh water creates an ecology unique to lagoons because they are both nutrient rich and sheltered (protected from wave action). Coastal lagoons support insects, invertebrates, crustaceans, and plants, which, in turn, support fish and birds. Fish and birds use lagoons as places to breed, rear their young, and feed. By restoring Batiquitos Lagoon, the Port has increased the lagoon's habitat value for fish and bird species. As you look at Batiquitos Lagoon, you notice the change in elevation from the lagoon's water surface to the top of the lagoon's banks. This change in elevation influences the length of time that the bank is covered with water, which, in turn, determines the type of habitat that can be found at each elevation. Three general habitat types are present at Batiquitos Lagoon, listed below from the highest elevation to the lowest: 
These habitats have unique characteristics that support the specialized species that feed, breed, and raise their young there. 
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