Birds that historically inhabited the lagoon are returning to find a newly restored brackish marsh with just the right mix of sand and vegetation for nesting.

"Create the habitat and they will come" -- Jack Fancher U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist

A $55 million restoration project in the city of Carlsbad dredged sediment from the lagoon, breached the mouth to reopen it to ocean tidal inflows, replenished beaches, replanted vegetation, constructed a sloping shoreline to create shallow habitat for shorebirds, and built two 300-foot rock jetties to keep the inlet open.

Endangered California least tern and threatened snowy plover, which frequented Batiquitos Lagoon before it was nearly ruined, are flocking back, enticed by five specially created protected nesting areas of sandy nonvegetated areas near the water. Restoration experts hope that replanting and expanding of the marsh plant pickelweed will encourage the endangered Belding's savannah sparrow, and that planting of cordgrass will attract the endangered light-footed clapper rail.

Numerous non-listed bird species are expected as well.

"There is an abundance of nesting area at Batiquitos Lagoon now," said Jack Fancher, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist. "Create the habitat and 'they will come' is the theory we're operating on."

Aquatic species already are benefiting from the lagoon restoration. The first sampling in January after restoration found 20 species where there had been practically none. Three months later, there were 32 species.

"At the next sampling, we expect to show even greater numbers," said Robert Hoffman, Southern California environmental coordinator for the National Marine Fisheries Service. "This is the crown jewel of the restoration projects we've done, and we fully expect the improvement to continue."

California halibut, croaker, barred sand bass, spotted bass, and several species of surf perch have taken up residence at Batiquitos, as well as many invertebrates such as clams. Hoffman says lobsters may show up, once an experimental transplanting of eel grass is completed.

Secretary for Resources Doug Wheeler said the cooperative project represents a milestone in wetlands restoration that already bears evidence of success.

"This is a model that we need to replicate," Wheeler said. "One has only to witness what has been accomplished at Batiquitos Lagoon to erase any doubts about the ability to restore and enhance wetlands and offset impacts of development. The return of these endangered birds to restored nesting habitat is proof that properly planned wetland projects can work."