What We Do

Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge is managed under the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 and the Seal Beach Refuge Management Plan, approved in 1974 by the Navy and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

Our main goal is to protect and maintain habitat for endangered species like thelight-footed Ridgway’s rail and California least tern, as well as provide safe areas for migrating waterfowl, shorebirds, and other water birds.

What We Do:

  • Endangered Species Management – Monitoring and supporting rare birds and other wildlife.
  • Habitat Restoration & Maintenance – Keeping marshes healthy, removing invasive plants, and improving water flow.
  • General Wildlife Management – Caring for the many species that call the refuge home.
  • Special Projects – Including the Sediment Augmentation Project to restore marsh elevation and Research & Surveys to guide conservation efforts.

Some of these efforts are funded by the U.S. Navy, reflecting our unique partnership to protect nature within an active military base.

Management and Conservation

Refuge Planning 

Planning sets the vision for how we care for Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge. It guides our goals, strategies, and actions so the refuge meets its purpose, supports the National Wildlife Refuge System mission, and benefits wildlife beyond its boundaries.

Comprehensive Conservation Plans 

Every refuge has a Comprehensive Conservation Plan that outlines management for the next 15 years. These plans:

  • Define how the refuge will meet its conservation goals.
  • Connect local actions to broader landscape-level plans.
  • Ensure consistency with laws and policies.

Seal Beach NWR’s CCP (2012)

Step-Down Plans 

Step-down plans provide detailed guidance for:

  • Conserving natural resources (wildlife, plants, habitats)
  • Protecting special values (cultural sites, wilderness areas)
  • Engaging visitors through education and recreation

These plans use SMART objectives (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to make sure conservation benefits extend beyond the refuge. 

Key Management Actions

For California Least Terns (NASA Island)

  • Pre-nesting site prep (weed control, substrate enhancement)
  • Predator monitoring (Eyes on the Colony program)
  • Weekly nest checks during nesting season
  • Predator management

For Light-footed Ridgway’s Rails

  • High tide and spring call counts (population estimates)
  • Nesting season monitoring
  • Building and maintaining nesting platforms
  • Predator management

Habitat Management

  • Remove invasive plants
  • Grow native plants in our nursery
  • Restore habitat with planting and seeding
  • Remove trash and debris
  • Maintain culverts for tidal flow

Wildlife Management

  • Monthly mammal and bird surveys
  • Fish and wildlife research with partners
  • Rescue injured wildlife on refuge lands

Trapping Occurs on this Refuge

Trapping is sometimes used as a wildlife management tool to:

  • Protect endangered species and migratory birds
  • Control certain wildlife populations

Trapping can also be a regulated recreational activity when populations allow. Special permits are required, and signs are posted where trapping occurs. Contact the refuge manager for details.

Our Projects and Research

Science at Seal Beach NWR

We support research that helps us manage the refuge and protect wildlife without interfering with our mission or goals.

Current U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service-funded research focuses on:

  • Climate change
  • Sea level rise
  • Land subsidence
  • Long-term sustainability of habitats and species

Our goal: Protect endangered species and conserve fish, wildlife, and plants for future generations.

Other research projects by partner agencies and organizations include:

  • Green sea turtle distribution and abundance
  • Tiger beetle studies
  • Round stingray research (genetics, contaminants, tracking, parasites)
  • California least tern geolocator study
  • Historical tsunami deposits
  • Marine invertebrate surveys
  • Fish population studies
  • Small mammal monitoring

SoCal Urban Wildlife Refuge Project

We work with partners to help city communities reconnect with nature and become environmental stewards.

Law Enforcement

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service law enforcement officers have a wide variety of duties and responsibilities. Officers help visitors understand and obey wildlife protection laws. They work closely with state and local government offices to enforce federal, state and refuge hunting regulations that protect migratory birds and other game species from illegal take and preserve legitimate hunting opportunities.

Laws and Regulations

A Special Use Permit is required for any non-FWS directed research or other proposed use of the Refuge.