Pacific eelgrass, (Zostera pacifica), beds will provide the first form of protection. In Summer 2021, eelgrass was transplanted from extant beds off Catalina Island to a one-acre subtidal area off Dockweiler State Beach. Seagrasses can increase coastal protection and resiliency through sediment stabilization, carbon sequestration, and water quality improvement, while simultaneously providing nursery habitat and foraging opportunities for commercially and recreationally significant fish.

Seagrasses that detach from the seafloor may wash onto the shore as wrack, further assisting with dune formation and providing an important food source for the sandy beach ecosystem.

The beach portion of the project focuses on expanding and enhancing the existing western snowy plover enclosure and restoring a portion of previously groomed beach around the enclosure. The area within the enclosure will be seeded with native vegetation and the area around the enclosure will be seeded and planted with native vegetation. The native vegetation is specially adapted to trap sand transported by wind, creating small sand dunes over time.

In addition, temporary wooden “biomimicry” stakes and short segments of sand fencing will be utilized to further promote the growth of sand dunes in the area around the enclosure. Biomimicry stakes are small wooden stakes that mimic the sand trapping capabilities of specially adapted dune plants. Encouraging natural accretion of sand through both vegetation and temporary fencing and stakes will increase elevation and sand storage over time. This will help increase resiliency against large winter storms and future sea level rise.

In addition to providing improved coastal resiliency, the enhanced beach environment will provide habitat for sensitive species, such as the threatened western snowy plover, and will provide recreational opportunities and enhanced beach experiences for visitors.

As the last line of defense to storms and sea level rise, a portion of coastal bluff will be restored with native vegetation. The bluff is currently dominated by invasive iceplant, which chokes out native vegetation, alters soil conditions, exacerbates erosion, and provides very little habitat value for wildlife. A restored bluff, stabilized with a native vegetation, will further increase coastal resiliency, as well as provide habitat for sensitive species, such as the federally endangered El Segundo Blue Butterfly.

Click through to see “before” and “after” artistic design renderings to help visualize what the site could look like 5 years following project implementation. Renderings were developed by Integral Consulting, New West Land Company, Inc., and Luzco Illustration and Design.