A lawsuit against a proposed desalination project in coastal Carlsbad was rejected by a San Diego Superior Court judge Tuesday. But project foes say legal action will continue.

Poseidon Resources Corp. says the plant will relieve the region's water shortage, while opponents say it will harm marine life.

The lawsuit was filed by Surfrider Foundation and the Planning and Conservation League against the California Coastal Commission, which had approved the project.

The decision is likely to be appealed, said Marco Gonzalez, an attorney active in opposing the project. In addition, two other lawsuits are proceeding independently.