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Mugu Lagoon Estuary

34 05' 97 N
119 04' 82 W

Mugu Lagoon, including its tidal flats, are the largest coastal wetland in southern California. The lagoon was created as littoral drift deposited sand to the area and created a large bar that separates the brackish water of the lagoon from the ocean. Laguna Point, located on the beach side of the lagoon, is slowly eroding because a breakwater constructed 7 miles up the coast blocks sand transport.

The lagoon is also a valuable nesting and breeding ground for sea birds. In the distance, the Pacific Missile Range tests and evaluates missiles and air weapons for the Navy. Could the noise and air activity have an affect on the nesting behavior of the sea birds?

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Santa Barbara | Santa Barbara Harbor | Shoreline Park | Arroyo Buro Beach County Park | Santa Barbara Channel | Santa Cruz Island | Isla Vista Beach | Goleta Beach County Park | El Pescador | Malibu | Mugu Lagoon Estuary | Sycamore Cove | Point Dume Beach | Malibu Bluffs County Park

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