Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation

Sea level rise (SLR) is accelerating due to human-caused greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. South San Diego Bay is susceptible to SLR impacts, including infrastructure flooding, loss of bayfront access, and loss of wetland habitat. Faced with the challenge of future SLR risks, communities in south San Diego Bay are developing plans to adapt to SLR and are guided by state, regional, and local SLR and land use policies. These policies prioritize the protection of coastal access, natural habitat, vulnerable communities and infrastructure. However, sometimes addressing all of these priorities within one coastal adaptation project is complex and challenging, or lack of funds makes it difficult to priorize all at once.

The objective of this project is to identify the opportunities and challenges of implementing state and local SLR policies using two case studies in south San Diego Bay to support cohesive, integrated, and equitable SLR adaptation planning. This case study analysis is intended to support stakeholders with regional collaboration through enhancing the understanding of the unique project needs for adapting to SLR, identifying opportunities for stakeholders to work together towards common visions, and promoting the understanding of the area’s equity and environmental justice challenges.