Agua Hedionda Lagoon

The Agua Hedionda Lagoon ("agua hedionda" means "pestilent water" in Spanish) is a lagoon in Carlsbad, California, that is fed by the Agua Hedionda Creek. Stewardship of much of the lagoon is held by the Encina Power Station and its owner NRG Energy. In November 2000 the Agua Hedionda Lagoon was designated as a critical habitat for the tidewater goby.

The Agua Hedionda Lagoon is open to the public as a passive recreation area. The lagoon is known as a place to walk, and for stand-up paddleboard, kayaking, wakeboarding, waterskiing, jet skiing, and wave runnering. The lagoon is also a public social destination, with events and gatherings. The lagoon sees most of its visitors during summer. Its location within the city of Carlsbad leads to its occasional reference as the “Carlsbad Lagoon.”

Passive Recreation Areas Legal definition: "A passive recreation area is an undeveloped space or environmentally sensitive area that requires minimal development. Entities such as a parks department may maintain passive recreation areas for the well-being of the public and for the preservation of wildlife and the environment. The quality of the environment and "naturalness" of an area is the focus of the recreational experience in a passive recreation area."

There is public access via Bay Shore Drive, which is open for walking traffic from sunrise to sunset. Walking is the primary way of visiting, and vehicles may not drive through when it is closed for pedestrian use. Vehicles are highly limited as it is not environmentally beneficial or safe on the shoreline.

Regulations are necessary for those that come to visit, in order to a reduce pollution on the lagoon, including a prohibition on alcohol consumption. One of the biggest regulations would be alcohol regulation due to the bottles and cans that are potentially left on the lagoon and can harm the endangered species that are present.

The use of parasailing, a hovercraft, cabin cruisers, motorized surfboards, and aircraft are prohibited on the shorelines of bay. Visitors are also forbidden from leaving vessels on the lagoon. Public events must be approved by the City of Carlsbad Parks and Recreations Department and during these scheduled proceedings, swimming and/or wading is not allowed. A vessel permit is required for launching access from the bay shoreline.

Fishing is a popular activity at this lagoon, however limitations are also implemented. There are designated fishing areas in the lower east end of the lagoon due to algae preventing quality fishing in other parts of the lagoon. Those who are fishing on a boat are not allowed to anchor, because doing so would disrupt the lagoon’s natural environment as well as endanger the species that live in the waters. In addition, all California Fish and Game Laws are highly enforced during this activity. There is a fishing license requirement for those that are 16 years and older. Shoreline fishing is allowed from all public access shorelines in all parts of the lagoon, fishing from a vessel is only allowed in the passive recreation areas.

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Wikipedia