Being so close to one of the largest urban areas in the world impacts the wide variety of native plants and animals there. Increased urbanization has resulted in water quality and quantity issues, as well as loss of critical habitat. Several threatened and endangered plants and animals call the Malibu Creek Watershed home, such as the southern California steelhead trout. The crayfish, a non-native and invasive species, preys on native amphibians and fishes and threatens the health of the ecosystem of the watershed. By removing the crayfish we will be enhancing the habitat for the steelhead. Much of the work is done by enthused volunteers from the community. By involving the community with this restoration project, we are able to educate and advocate on the importance of native species and the damaging effects invasive species have on the ecosystem.
Invasive Aquatic Species in the Malibu Creek Watershed
MRT has been working to restore the Malibu Creek Watershed by removing invasive aquatic species, such as the Red Swamp Crayfish since early 2010. The Malibu Creek Watershed is the second largest watershed draining to the Santa Monica Bay and lies within 20 miles of three million people.
