Mission Bay’s Kendall-Frost Marsh, located in San Diego, is one of the last remaining coastal salt marshes in Southern California’s Mission Bay. This small but vital estuarine system covers approximately 40 acres and is influenced by daily tides that bring seawater into the marsh, mixing with freshwater from local runoff. These tidal exchanges shape the marsh’s water levels and salinity, creating habitat for fish, invertebrates, and endangered species like the light-footed Ridgway’s rail.

Seasonal rainfall and tidal conditions drive changes in water levels, making the marsh an important place to study how water moves through low-lying coastal landscapes, especially in an urban setting. The marsh also helps buffer surrounding neighborhoods by absorbing stormwater and reducing flood risk.

Ongoing monitoring of water levels is critical for informing current and future restoration efforts, ensuring that habitat improvements are designed with a clear understanding of the estuary’s natural dynamics. These data support both habitat conservation and broader efforts to understand and manage coastal water systems in the face of sea level rise and urban development.