The Robert E. Badham Area of Special Biological Significance (ASBS) comprises 0.7 miles of coastline in Orange County. The Robert E. Badham State Marine Park (formerly known as the Newport Beach Marine Life Refuge) is located along the shoreline of this ASBS out to a distance of 200 feet offshore, and is administered by the California Department of Fish and Game. Adjacent to the northern end of the ASBS, Newport State Beach (administered by the California Department of Parks and Recreation) is a heavily used recreational area, while coastal bluffs and rocky tide pools dominate the southern end. Uses of the watershed, nearshore, and offshore areas include industrial service supply, navigation, recreation, commercial and sportfishing, shellfish harvesting.

Key pollution threats include the adjacent marina, commercial and residential runoff from Corona Del Mar, and flows altered by homeowners in Buck Gully, draining onto Little Corona beach.

ASBS Area: 220 acres

County: Orange

Regional Board Area: Santa Ana RWQCB

Year designated: 1974 (Resolution 74-28)

ASBS Index No.: 32