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Anaheim Bay

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A remnant of the extensive marsh system that lay between Bolsa Chica and Los Alamitos Bay, this is one of very few large coastal salt marshes remaining in Southern California.

Characteristic plants of the marsh include Suaeda taxifolia, Salicornia virginica, Frankenia, Batis maritima, Spartina foliosa, and Limonium californicum.  The uncommon Salicornia bigelovii is found here.  A number of algae grow here, the most common being the green Enteromorpha intestinalis.

Over 100 species of waterfowl and shorebirds, primarily migrants, have been observed in the area. One of the larger remaining populations of the endangered light-footed clapper rail, Rallus longirostris levipes, is found here.  Other endangered species found here include Beldings Savannah sparrow, Passerculus sandwichensis, and the California least tern, Sterna albifrons browni, the latter having a breeding colony adjacent to the south end of the marsh.

The bay serves as a nursery for estuarine and other fish, with over 40 species recorded.

There is a rich assemblage of marine and estuarine invertebrates, with over 150 species identified. It is the only spawning site on the West Coast for the Cherrystone clam, Mercenuria mercomuria.

Geologically the bay is a part of the large Los Angeles sedimentary basin formed during the Pleistocene, and is composed of alluvial deposits of fine sands, silts and clays, with some peats and coarse sands.  Both the San Gabriel and the Santa Ana Rivers have emptied into the bay in the past.

Integrity:  One channel has been dredged and a harbor constructed.  At the south end the area abuts a recreation area.  However, most of the marsh remains in a relatively pristine condition.  Tidal flushing insures proper salinity levels and organic materials for the bottom-dwelling invertebrates.

Use:  In the past the area was used for natural history studies but these were restricted for a time by the United States Navy.  Several educational institutions make use of the area for research and educational purposes.

Ref:  Romero, P. O., 1971.  Anaheim Bay Study, July 1970 - June 1971.  California Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento,  Mimeo. 22 pp. and appendix.

February 1975

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Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2005 Steven Louis Hartman

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Last modified: December 06, 2005