Photos: Balboa Island’s Grand Canal

Boaters paddle through the Grand Canal, which is turning into a mudflat because of accumulated sediment.   (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

For every square foot of eelgrass that is disturbed, 1.2 square feet must typically be replanted and maintained for five years.   (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

A woman paddles over eelgrass on the Grand Canal. Environmental protections for eelgrass hinder dredging of accumulated sediment.   (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Mayor Pro Tem Ed D. Selich holds a piece of dried eelgrass. Some residents say it’s as if the city has forgotten the Grand Canal.   (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times )