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The Habitat Restoration Group

A division of the Benthic Lab at Moss Landing Marine Laboratories

Our Ecological Approach:

There are several principals that guide our work. The first is to reference the historic condition as an ecological model. The historical model should embrace large spatial and temporal scales to make it as realistic and robust as possible. The spatial scale includes the restoration site, the local watershed, and the larger regional watershed. Prior to European arrival freshwater systems within the Central California Coast were extensive throughout the region. Water tables were higher and influxes from the Coast Ranges profoundly shaped the geomorphology, and ecology of the Central Coast. The Central Coast was a different place. Even at a relatively small scale the historic hydrology remains permanently modified by humans and a sizeable portion of the landscape that was once occupied by freshwater ecosystems is now occupied by agriculture and development. These changes significantly limit the ability of these systems to return to their pre-European condition. Nonetheless understanding how these systems used to function provides a general framework for our restoration goals and objectives.

Secondly, we realize that the historical model is not always achievable and that it is essential to incorporate current conditions and needs, both biological and social, into restoration efforts. The entire eco-region is located within a human disturbance landscape, where native ecosystems are subjected not only to natural disturbance patterns but also to disturbance from human activity, such as agriculture and development. Restoration projects need to consider that these artificial disturbance regimes create significant barriers to achieving idealized ecological states. We utilize two primary strategies to minimize the impacts of human perturbation on restoration sites: The first is to work with individual landowners to improve management on adjacent sites. In order to create a successful restoration project it is essential to develop positive and transparent relationships with neighboring landowners. Secondly, we use native vegetation buffers to protect sensitive habitats. These buffers serve as potential “filters” for contaminants such as pesticides, sediments, and nutrients that enter freshwater systems.

Lastly, restoration is a natural process that should not rely solely upon static plans, rather it is important to incorporate an adaptive management philosophy that responds to ecological changes within the system. Each restoration site is a spatial and temporal mosaic without a static ecological state. It is vital to establish an approach that strives to achieve stated goals; however, it is important to realize that restoration is an iterative process of assessment and response to the changing natural conditions within the site.