Elkhorn Slough

Elkhorn Slough, located along California’s Central Coast near Monterey Bay, is one of the state’s largest estuarine ecosystems, spanning over 7 miles in length and encompassing approximately 2.7 square miles of tidal wetlands. The slough is part of a 70-square-mile watershed that receives an average annual rainfall of 16 to 25 inches, with most precipitation occurring during the winter months.

This estuary supports a wide range of habitats, including tidal marshes, mudflats, and eelgrass beds, which provide shelter and food for over 340 bird species, as well as marine mammals like sea otters and harbor seals. It also plays a crucial role in carbon sequestration and nutrient cycling. Influenced by dynamic tidal flows and sediment transport, Elkhorn Slough faces threats from flooding, habitat loss, and sea-level rise.

Real-time water level monitoring in Elkhorn Slough provides critical data to track tidal dynamics, sediment movement, and flood risks. This information is essential for managing habitat restoration efforts, protecting biodiversity, and ensuring the resilience of this ecologically significant estuarine system.