nonindigenous macrophyte species were observed at California sites, except one high 
marsh site in San Francisco Bay. 
The results of this assessment study represent the first regional scale survey of 
the condition of intertidal wetland habitats on the West Coast. Findings confirm results 
from previous National Coastal Assessment studies of West Coast estuaries that have 
indicated sediment contamination issues are limited in extent, but that West Coast 
estuaries have been broadly invaded by nonindigenous species. Further refinement of 
measurement approaches for plant community and shoreline development indicators 
are needed. 
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