Map Satellite Salinas River broke through the dunes 8.8 kilometers (5.5 miles) south, to form its present mouth. The old channel remained and, over the years, portions have been gradually reclaimed for agricultural use or have silted up.
Today, from the bridge at Moss Landing for a distance approximately 3 kilometers (2 miles) south, is the remnant of the old channel, forming a salt-water slough bordered by mudflats and salt marsh. During the rainy season there is a strong fresh-water influence. In the open water area blue and green algae are common. There is some eel grass, Zostera marina. The dominant vegetation in the salt marsh is pickleweed, Salicornia sp.
Numerous waterfowl and shorebirds use the area for feeding and resting. (cf. Elkhorn Slough)
Integrity: Agricultural wastes contaminate the slough at times, and agricultural land is immediately adjacent.
Use: Research, educational, observational, present. Portions private.
Ref: Browning, Bruce, et al, 1972. The Natural Resources of Elkhorn Slough. Calif. Dept. Fish & Game, Sacramento.
January 1978
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman
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