Aquatic Dredge Update – April 2025

 Missing custom flexi-suction hose ships from China

Nature Collective staff recently visited the Sanderling dredge in Barrio Logan, operated by Pacific Dredge and Construction, contracted to complete the aquatic dredging at the San Elijo inlet. Initially scheduled for December, the sand removal project faced multi delays due to modifications, retrofitting, and manufacturing issues with a custom flexi-suction hose. The hose shipped from China earlier this month and is expected to arrive later this month. Once it passes customs and is installed, mobilization will begin, and project dates will be shared.

Meanwhile, from Tuesday, April 15 to Friday, April 18, Nature Collective will conduct another land-based excavation at the San Elijo inlet to lower water levels by removing sand and placing it at Cardiff State Beach’s dunes.

Recent monitoring shows that high water levels are harming vegetation like cord grass and pickleweed and protected birds like Ridgway’s Rail and Belding’s Savannah Sparrow.

After completing the aquatic dredging project, Nature Collective will work with project partners to determine the best adaptive management plan and long-term solutions.

Above: Sanderling dredge at San Diego Bay

Above: New engine modified and retrofitted to meet California standards

Above: Nature Collective project team and Pacific Dredge & Construction meet

Above: Area awaiting custom flexi-suction hose

To learn more about the 2023 San Elijo Lagoon Restoration Projects monitoring results, please watch our most recent Restoration Monitoring Presentation.

Throughout 2024/2025, we shared updates and concerns about the lagoon’s condition (blog posts: January, March, July, September, October 2024, and February 2025

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