CARDIFF, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) -- Excess sand is clogging channels at San Elijo Lagoon, impacting the area's wildlife with several fish recently spotted dead, disrupting the local ecosystem. Experts say the issue stems from sand added to protect the coast that is now moving into the lagoon, clogging channels and keeping water levels low.  Samantha Childs, a Solana Beach resident, noticed something unusual days ago and alerted FOX 5 & KUSI.  "There were just fish floating... and I thought, what's going on?" Childs said. She captured a rare sight—hundreds of dead fish in the water.  FOX 5/KUSI joined Childs to scope out the issue days later. While most of the fish have disappeared, one was spotted during the hike. "It was sad because I really like animals, and seeing all those dead fish, I knew something was wrong," Childs added. Dr. Patrick Abbott, a geologist and environmentalist from San Diego State University, explained that there are multiple factors at play. "The water has to flow. If it sits, stagnates, and you get heat waves, algae blooms, and dies off, the oxygen content drops. There are a lot of variables going on," Abbott said. The accumulation of sand exacerbates the issue, clogging the channels and keeping water shallow. Abbott noted that natural forces, such as ocean tides, rivers, and rain, push more sand into the lagoon. "When you have a low spot like this, Mother Nature is going to fill it with mud and sand," Abbott explained. While sand buildup can have some benefits, it also causes multiple adverse reactions. "You affect one part of a living system, and it affects others. You can never make one change without other changes happening," Abbott said. The Nature Collective, the group responsible for rehabilitating the lagoon, believes there is hope, but it comes with a hefty price tag of about $1 million. "Sand is getting further into the inlet, and because of that, we’ll need to identify an aquatic-based dredge to remove the sand and get the water flowing again," said COO Jennifer Bright of The Nature Collective. Experts believe that if successful, the project could help maintain a healthy, biodiverse ecosystem for everyone to enjoy. "Having a healthy natural environment around you makes you feel connected to the world," said one local. The Nature Collective has already removed sand from Cardiff State Beach four times to protect the lagoon, but it hasn’t been enough. They are seeking funding from both state and local levels and hope to start the restoration process before the end of the year. According to the rehabilitation group, they have been sending out requests for proposals to what they identify as “several qualified operators for the crucial operation.”