Published November 6, 2026
NEWPORT BEACH | SURF & COAST | NOVEMBER 6, 2026
There’s a lot more under Newport Harbor than boat bottoms and dock pilings. Eelgrass gives fish places to hide, and city staff have told a local committee that fish feed on algae growing on its blades. The city surveys harbor eelgrass every two years to track where it grows and how much is there.
This year’s survey
The council’s July 14, 2026, agenda included a contract with Marine Taxonomic Services for a new shallow-water eelgrass survey. The scope also includes looking for invasive Caulerpa algae and logging big debris along the way.
Divers map the beds underwater while a surface team tracks their positions. Where conditions aren’t good for diving, the plan allows sonar and underwater video.
What we don’t know yet
The goal is a consistent map that compares with earlier surveys. The agreement describes what gets measured. It doesn’t give us the 2026 results. We’ll follow up when the report comes in.
For now, Newport Harbor’s underwater lawn is getting a checkup involving scuba gear, GPS and one very patient person on the surface.
Best-maintained lawn in Newport, and nobody’s running a leaf blower.
Sources: Newport Beach City Council, July 14, 2026 · Eelgrass survey agreement
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