13 October 6, 2026
Honorable Mayor and City Council
City of Long Beach
California
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation to authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute a right-of-entry permit, and any other necessary documents including any amendments, with California State University, Long Beach, to enter the Colorado Lagoon and Marine Stadium to conduct academic research on biological resources and perform monitoring activities, for an initial three-year term, from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2029, with the option to renew for one additional two-year period until September 30, 2031, at the discretion of the City Manager. (District 3)
DISCUSSION
On June 16, 2015, City Council authorized a right-of-entry permit with California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), establishing a multi-year research effort to evaluate fish movement between Alamitos Bay and the Colorado Lagoon. The data collected under this initial permit provided critical insights into how fish attempted to traverse the 880-foot culvert and directly informed early planning for what is now the Colorado Lagoon Open Channel Project.
A subsequent permit, approved by City Council on December 8, 2020, allowed CSULB researchers to continue their work and further analyze how the culvert and safety grates affected movement for several species. Findings shared with the City indicated that the culvert posed a movement barrier for some species at all times of day, and for others depending on tide conditions. These results informed open-channel restoration planning, water-quality monitoring, and long-term management strategies for the Colorado Lagoon.
CSULB is requesting a right-of-entry permit to expand this multi-year research effort as the culvert is removed and replaced with an open tidal channel. This next phase will evaluate improved fish access into the restored lagoon and assess how economically important species — including Round Stingray, California Halibut, Yellowfin Croaker, and Grey Smoothhound — utilize this newly restored urban lagoon habitat. Researchers are seeking grants from various agencies to fund the study.
To conduct this work, CSULB researchers propose various instruments to evaluate habitat conditions, including fish sampling, temporary installation of water quality loggers and radio frequency identification (RFID) readers below sea level, and RFID receptors and power boxes at both ends of the culvert, Colorado Lagoon, and Marine Stadium. The academic research activities will be used by the City and other groups to guide management decisions and provide feedback on how conversion from a culvert to an open channel improves conditions for fish.
Parks, Recreation and Marine
2760 N. Studebaker Road, Long Beach, CA 90815
(562) 570-3100
Honorable Mayor and City Council
October 6, 2026
These activities will also support continuing water-quality monitoring and contribute to compliance with requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency, State Water Resources Control Board, and Regional Water Quality Board. The Colorado Lagoon remains subject to an active total maximum daily load (TMDL) for water, sediment, and fish tissue quality. The conditions of the right-of-entry permit would include a requirement for making all research findings available to the City to inform restoration activities, coastal resource management actions, and support ongoing TMDL monitoring activities.
This recommendation aligns with key goals of the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department’s Strategic Plan, including environmental stewardship, sustainable and resilient parks, and strategic partnerships. The proposed research directly supports the City’s environmental stewardship and sustainability goals by providing science-backed data to guide ecological restoration, improve water quality, and enhance biodiversity within Colorado Lagoon and Marine Stadium.
The proposed right-of-entry permit contains the following major provisions:
City/Permittor: City of Long Beach, a municipal corporation.
Permittee: California State University, Long Beach, a public higher-education institution.
Premises: Colorado Lagoon and north end of Marine Stadium (Attachment A).
Permitted Uses: Academic research, including fish sampling, water-quality monitoring, RFID deployment, and associated equipment
installation.
Term: Three years, commencing on October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2029.
Renewals: The Term of the permit may be extended for one additional twoyear period, through September 30, 2031, at the discretion of the City Manager.
Termination: At any time during the Term, either party may terminate the permit upon 30 days’ advance written notice for any reason or no reason.
Permit Fee: As the research activities are beneficial and directly support City restoration and monitoring objectives, no permit fee will be charged.
Access Restrictions: Access to the permit area may be limited or temporarily suspended during operational activations associated with LA28 events. The City will provide reasonable advance notice when possible.
Honorable Mayor and City Council
October 6, 2026
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Millicent Usoro on September 4, 2026, and by Budget Analysis Officer Greg Sorensen on September 17, 2026.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on October 6, 2026, to ensure the permit is in place to allow researchers to conduct activities during the fall semester.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal or local job impact associated with this recommendation. All costs associated with the use of the site, including research activities, abandonment, and equipment removal, will be borne by California State University, Long Beach. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities.
SUGGESTED ACTION:
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully submitted,
Stephen P. Scott
Director
Parks, Recreation and Marine