The Back Bay Science Center Marine Life Inventory and the Precious Wildlife Inhabitants at Upper Newport Bay

Photography & artwork by Wildlife Jewels® | at the Back Bay Science Center Marine Life Inventory event 25th of May 2024

An inspiring day at the Back Bay Science Center’s Marine Life Inventory event, exploring wildlife and helping in tracking the local biodiversity and physical environment within the Newport Bay Ecological Reserve.

We recently had the delight of participating in the Back Bay Marine Life Inventory event!

It was such an inspiring and informative day, exploring and discovering local marine life, including fish, rays, invertebrates, plankton, and incredible animals living near the shoreline.

Additionally, we were thrilled to spot gorgeous Caspian Terns, Hummingbirds, Cormorants, Gulls, and two magnificent Ospreys with their chick!

To better understand changes in water quality and population dynamics in Newport Bay, the Back Bay Science Center conducts monthly biological surveys known as the Marine Life Inventory. The Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve, one of the largest remaining estuaries in Southern California, is also one of its most biologically diverse ecosystems. It is home to a variety of amphibians, reptiles, insects, fish, invertebrates, mammals, about 200 species of birds, and resting ground for over 30,000 migratory birds. Several endangered species also reside here, including the Light-footed Clapper Rail, Belding's Savannah Sparrow, Black Rail, Ridgway’s Rail, Peregrine Falcon, California Least Tern, and Saltmarsh Bird's Beak.

Discover the Back Bay Science Center HERE.

The Back Bay Science Center Marine Life Inventory and the precious Wildlife Inhabitants at Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve