South Bay Marina Biological Study Area

Since 1970, San Diego County has committed itself financially and from a policy perspective to acquire and manage properties that contain important natural and cultural resources, especially those that are in the greatest danger of being lost. Among these is the South Bay Marina Biological Study Area, which falls under the jurisdiction and management of the Department of Parks and Recreation.

The South Bay Marina Biological Study Area is located along the narrow seven-mile spit of sand that protects San Diego Bay from the Pacific Ocean. It is a largely undeveloped open space about half way between Silver Strand State Beach to the north and Imperial Beach to the south. This natural habitat is home to thousands of migrating and resident shorebirds and waterfowl, including egrets, gull-billed terns, and numerous other species. A portion of the ten-mile-long bike path that spans the isthmus from Imperial Beach to Coronado is one of the coast's best locations for bird and wildlife watching.

Since 1999, the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge has been intent on expanding the protected area that includes the South Bay Marina Biological Study Area. The refuge boundary has been approved for 3,940 acres, including wetlands, mudflats and eel grass beds. It is considered to be a virtual supermarket for avifauna as well as an important stop on the Pacific Flyway.