Morro Bay, located on California’s Central Coast, is a semi-enclosed estuarine system that spans approximately 2.3 square miles and is fed by two primary watersheds, Chorro Creek and Los Osos Creek, covering a combined area of about 48 square miles. The region receives an average annual rainfall of 17 to 20 inches, with most precipitation occurring during the winter months. This estuary includes diverse habitats such as tidal flats, salt marshes, and eelgrass beds, which support a wide range of species, including migratory birds, fish, and invertebrates.

Human activity has significantly influenced the bay, from historical sedimentation due to upstream agriculture to ongoing urban development and recreational use. Eelgrass beds, which play a critical role in carbon sequestration and providing habitat, have experienced notable declines, partly due to changes in water quality and sedimentation patterns. Rising sea levels and periodic storm-driven flooding also threaten both natural habitats and infrastructure within the surrounding communities.

Real-time water level monitoring in Morro Bay tracks tidal dynamics, sediment transport, and flooding risks, providing essential data to support habitat restoration, flood mitigation, and adaptive management strategies. This monitoring is crucial for balancing ecological health with the impacts of human activity in this iconic estuarine system.