Monday July 7, 2025
Monterey Herald —
Monterey County Public Works staff added sand and reinforced the sandbar on the westerly end of the Carmel River Lagoon last week.
The reinforced sand was a recommendation from NOAA National Marine Fisheries Services and is meant to protect the presence of Steelhead Salmon and other endangered species from being prematurely washed into the ocean. Members of the public have previously been observed attempting to breach the lagoon sandbar, which is already narrow, further endangering juvenile species.
“As Carmel River State Beach is a popular destination for the 4th of July holiday, County workers and State Parks Rangers are urging beach goers to enjoy the ocean and the beach but please leave the sandbar alone,” said a news release.
Sandbars, collections of sand in shallow water, help shape habitats for marine life, providing safe and sheltered areas for feeding and spawning.
Breaching the sandbar is harmful to the Lagoon environment and illegal without permits. There are strict penalties for these activities, according to the release. The sandbar has been closed with occasional openings over the last week, which is thought to be caused by members of the public stepping in.