GENERAL INFORMATION
The harbor, with a capacity of about 2,500 shallow draft vessels,
was created by constructing two rubblemound breakwaters in the Pacific Ocean, built from the
shore out. The breakwaters were started in 1966 and completed in 1968, and the dredging of the
general navigation channels completed in 1970. The slips were occupied as rapidly as they became
available. The harbor is a joint Federal/Orange County, CA, project. By 1977, Orange County
Harbors, Beaches and Parks district spent an additional $10 million for harbor improvements,
and other local interests provided about $5 million of support facilities. These include berths,
marina fueling, boat repair, boat storage and launching, sports fishing, retail complex, restaurants,
and a motel. The slips were occupied as rapidly as they became available, and the harbor has
been filled since completion.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
In regard to water quality, the Corps concluded "The basin flushing characteristics…
should be superior to those of many existing harbors in southern California which have performed
satisfactorily in this respect except during unusually long occurrences of the 'red tide'."
Water quality has been monitored monthly since 1976, and is satisfactory.
Dana Point harbor provides feeding and resting areas for a variety of shorebirds
and waterfowl. Additionally, marine mammals occasionally in the area include California sea
lions (Zalol2hus californianus) and harbor seals (Phoca vitulina). Harbor seals and sea lions
are sometimes seen offshore, and may occasionally feed in the harbor and rest on the breakwater
and jetties. Several species of whales, dolphins and porpoises are found offshore. The endangered
California gray whale (Escherichtius robustus) sometimes comes close to shore during its annual
migrations, but is not expected to come into the harbor.
Federally-listed and State-listed animal species which may occur in the Dana
Point area include: California gray whale (Escherichtius robustus); California brown pelican
(Pelecanus occidentalis californicus); California least tern (Sterna antillarurn browni); light-footed
clapper rail (Rallus lon6rostris levil2es); peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus); marbled murrelet
(Brachyramphus marmoratus); western snowy plover (Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus); tidewater
goby (Eggyclogobius newberEyi); and the State-listed Belding's savannah sparrow (Passerculus
sandwichensis beldingi).
DREDGING PROGRAM
Maintenance, including dredging has been less than estimated when
the harbor was constructed. The Corps estimated that about 100,00 cu yd could accumulate in
the entrance channel before dredging would be required, and that this would take, "conservatively",
5 years; i.e., 20,000 cu yd/yr. To date (2000), 23 years after completion of the entrance channel,
no dredging in the entrance has been required.
In regard to water quality, the Corps concluded "The basin flushing characteristics…
should be superior to those of many existing harbors in southern California which have performed
satisfactorily in this respect except during unusually long occurrences of the 'red tide'."
Water quality has been monitored monthly since 1976, and is satisfactory.
