The Restoration of Batiquitos Lagoon | The Restoration Story

Aerial showing the blocked mouth of the Lagoon

Aerial photo showing the blocked mouth of the Lagoon
(before Restoration)

As early as 1985, Batiquitos Lagoon, which is located approximately 90 miles south of the Port, was recommended by various resource agencies for consideration as a potential location for a Port mitigation project. Several factors were considered in choosing Batiquitos Lagoon over other potential sites. Four primary factors were used to rank potential mitigation sites.

Would the proposed restoration site benefit from a fully tidal restoration?

Was the proposed restoration site large enough to meet the mitigation needs of the Port, and would the restoration be feasible from a technical and engineering standpoint?

How far was the proposed restoration site from the Port's development project? (Sites closer to the Port were preferred.)

Were the current owners of the site willing to participate and was there local support for the project?

Seventeen sites were evaluated by an interagency mitigation planning team. Batiquitos Lagoon ranked among the top potential candidates for enhancement as mitigation for Port development projects. The Port of Los Angeles then evaluated the top candidates according to additional criteria that addressed cost, compatibility with Port development plans, and whether the mitigation could be completed in the required timeframe.

In 1987, the Port signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the USFWS, NMFS, CDFG, State Lands Commission, and the City of Carlsbad to restore Batiquitos Lagoon.

The goals of the Batiquitos Lagoon Enhancement Project were to re-establish marine resources in the lagoon through the restoration of tidal flushing. The restoration had to be conducted in a manner that would preserve important habitat values and protect sensitive species of the lagoon. The restoration also had to be a permanent solution and, to comply with state and federal regulations, needed to be constructed before or concurrent with the development project at the Port.