scenic view of bolinas lagoon

Bolinas Lagoon is home to many shorebirds, waterfowl, fish, marine mammals, and invertebrates. Photo: Matt McIntosh/NOAA

Bolinas Lagoon: A Restoration Story

Bolinas Lagoon, a United Nations designated Wetland of International Importance located within Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, provides rich habitat for shorebirds, waterfowl, fish, marine mammals, and invertebrates. Commercial fishermen, local residents, and visiting tourists are drawn to its beauty and wildlife. Unfortunately, historical land uses altered the shoreline and watershed, threatening the health of the lagoon and the businesses, people, and organisms that depend on it. Decades of grassroots efforts to protect Bolinas Lagoon gained national attention and led to current restoration efforts. Today, through sound science, community support, and collaborative planning, sanctuary managers and partners are actively implementing projects that protect the lagoon while helping it adapt to changes.

volunteer take a break from clean up to pose for the camera
University of San Francisco students volunteer for the Kent Island restoration project. Photo: Kate Bimrose/Greater Farallones Association
harbor seals resting on the beach
Harbor seals. Photo: May Chen
Aerial shot of Bolinas Lagoon
Aerial shot of Bolinas Lagoon. Photo: LightHawk and Bob Wilson
volunteer holds up non-native species he removed during a clean up
Staff from Greater Farallones NMS and their partners participate in an annual staff day to remove non-native species from Kent Island. Photo: Kate Bimrose/Greater Farallones Association
Marbled godwit on the water
Marbled godwit. Photo: Len Blumin
sanderling walking along the beach
Sanderling. Photo: Len Blumin