CalOceans News

Imagine a world without fish

2009-06-23T13:10:00.000-07:00

It's closer than you think, according to a new documentary now showing in California. End of the Line premiered at Sundance earlier this year and is narrated by long-time ocean advocate Ted Danson. The film shows the devastating effects of overfishing on the world's oceans. To find a screening near you, visit this site.

Attend a south coast public workshop to help shape ocean protection plans

2009-06-23T13:01:00.000-07:00

You can hardly open the newspaper these days without reading about problems with the world’s oceans—fish populations are dwindling, sea level’s rising, and the water is heating up! Fortunately, scientists and governments alike are turning their attention to the other 70% of the planet, recognizing that ocean health is vital to life on Earth.

President Obama declared June World Oceans Month, and formed a task force to develop a national ocean policy. California, Oregon, and Washington are working together to restore waters off the West Coast.

And a critical effort is happening in Southern California as well, where stakeholders are mapping out an underwater parks network to protect sea life and habitats. Implementation of the Marine Life Protection Act is about half complete, and the public is invited to learn about ocean protection plans for the south coast at community workshops being held June 29 through July 13, from Carlsbad to Santa Barbara.

Please consider attending one of these public meetings to show your support for ocean protection. We have just one chance to get this right, and we need your help!

Governor says ocean health is a state priority

2009-06-03T13:12:00.000-07:00

California recognizes the urgent need for an ocean health plan. Resources Secretary Mike Chrisman wrote a memo this week confirming that the Marine Life Protection Act remains a priority for the state. Our ocean supports a diverse multi-billion dollar tourist economy, so protecting its future health is a good investment. Read more about the state's plans to implement this important law in the Los Angeles Times.

MPAs boost coastal economies

2009-05-26T15:57:00.000-07:00

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) released a new report last week on the economic benefits of marine protected areas. Case studies from Hawaii, Fiji, the Philippines, and England showed that setting aside key ocean areas can help boost fishery and tourism revenues.

“These case studies show that closing selected marine areas to fishing or other extractive uses makes economic sense,” says Carl Gustaf Lundin, Head of IUCN’s Global Marine Programme, which compiled the studies. “Marine protected areas, if well managed, help fish stocks replenish, which then increase yields in neighbouring areas and improve the economic situation of the local communities.”

Less than one per cent of the world’s oceans are currently protected, compared to about 12 percent of the land surface. The State of California is working to protect state waters with a network of underwater parks. If the IUCN study is any indication, California's new marine parks should provide long-term ecological and economic benefits for coastal communities.

State leader voices support for compromise plan

2009-05-15T16:18:00.000-07:00

Assemblymember Nancy Skinner wrote an article on the urgent need to protect our ocean. She emphasized that environmental and economic health of our state go hand in hand, and referenced strong scientific research that shows the efficacy of marine protected areas. Skinner described the Integrated Preferred Alternative plan for the north central coast as a good compromise that will benefit peopleand wildlife.

Her sentiments were echoed by Bob Wilson, a volunteer with the Marine Mammal Center who also served on the north central coast Regional Stakeholder Group that helped to map out a network of protected areas for coastal waters the extend from Half Moon Bay to Point Arena.

Big Day for the MLPA

2009-05-13T10:26:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow in Sacramento, the California Fish and Game Commission will accept public comment on plans for a marine protected area network in state waters from Point Arena to Pigeon Point. After a two year public process, with conservationists, fishermen, divers and scientists all helping to map out a solution that will work for the region's people and marine life, the decision point is close at hand. An none too soon! California's coastal waters are in crisis, with pressures like fishing, climate change, and pollution all taking a toll on our fish populations and habitat.

You can read more about the careful study and compromise that has gone into plans to protect north central coast waters in a story written by regional stakeholder group member and fisherwoman Samantha Murray.

We need your help to ensure the carefully crafted compromise proposal, known as the Integrated Preferred Alternative, is approved by the Commission. Send a letter or consider attending tomorrow's meeting to let them know you support a strong, science-based plan for California's ocean health.

The other 70% of the planet

2009-05-13T09:23:00.000-07:00

For Earth Day 2009, many folks turned their attention to the other 70% of the planet, the part underwater. Earth's oceans providing us with clean air, a regulated climate and a playground for divers, boaters, swimmers, and surfers. They are also home to an astonishing variety of sea life, as you can see if you flip through a copy of Santa Cruz photographer and ocean activist Marc Shargel's coffee table book, Wonders of the Sea.

Former Assemblymember John Laird penned an op-ed for the San Francisco Chronicle applauding California for being proactive about ocean health, urging us to stay the course and create a strong, science-based network of protected areas through the Marine Life Protection Act.

Santa Barbara professor and life-long diver Carl Gwinn expressed a similar sentiment in a story that ran in the News Press--he believes setting aside key areas now will help ensure our kids and grandkids get to experience a truly abundant ocean.

MLPA author weighs

2009-04-17T10:19:00.000-07:00

Former Assemblymember Fred Keeley wrote the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) because he recognized the need to protect California's rich coastal waters. California's coast and ocean drive a multi-billion dollar tourist economy, as well as an important fishing industry, and the MLPA is about managing our vital natural resources to ensure their future health productivity.

Keeley shared his view on the need for marine conservation in an opinion editorial for the Los Angeles Times.

A sea change

2009-04-17T10:04:00.000-07:00

On April 10, Stanford University hosted a symposium on climate change and marine systems. Experts explained the need to manage for resiliency in the face of climate change impacts like rising sea levels, acidification, and warming waters. They also emphasized that resource managers should act now to buffer against future uncertainties.

In order to give sea life a fighting chance recover from climate change, we have to maintain healthy, biodiverse ecosystems.

Panelists pointed to marine protected areas as part of the solution. You can read more about the symposium here.

Like a rolling stone

2009-04-17T09:41:00.000-07:00

Southern California residents are working now to design a network of underwater parks, or marine protected areas, that will stretch from Point Conception to the border with Mexico. The network will preserve the the south coast's best habitat and a variety of local sea life while leaving the vast majority of coastal waters open for fishing and other uses.

In order to find the best possible solution for Southern California’s ocean resources, scientists are working alongside businesspeople, anglers, and conservationists. Three proposals from external groups are on the table already, but the south coast regional stakeholder group, charged with weighing ecological and economic factors to create a plan that’s good for people and wildlife, is still working to find middle ground.

A new study from the National Academy of Sciences magazine may make their jobs easier. It’s widely known that fish populations inside protected areas thrive. This study tracked the movements of young fish born inside protected areas, and found that many spread to the surrounding waters, where they help replenish populations. Others travel further to end up in nearby protected areas. The study shows how important it is to have a network of protected areas, and how vital size, spacing and sound science are to the survival of species like giant sea bass and rockfish. You can read more about the study in Science Daily.

A focus on Catalina Island

2009-03-20T13:56:00.000-07:00

The Los Angeles' Louis Sahagun joined Heal the Bay for a boat trip this week, hoping to get some insight into plans to create a network of protected areas on the south coast. They toured Santa Catalina Island and the Palos Verde Peninsula, and Louis got to speak with local scientists, divers, and fishermen. His March 20 story on the topic is a good read that sheds light on both sides of this important issue.

Learn about the state's newest underwater parks!

2009-03-19T11:19:00.000-07:00

The Pacific Grove National History Museum is launching a new exhibit this month called "Celebrate Our Underwater Parks." The exhibit, which runs March 28 through June 13, will highlight the central coast's new network of marine protected areas, created in 2007 through the Marine Life Protection Act. It will feature photography by Kip Evans, and includes fun and educational information for the whole family.

Monster lobster found off Channel Islands

2009-03-19T10:51:00.000-07:00

Long-time freediver and Monterey Bay Aquarium member Tom Powers was diving off the Channel Islands when he came across the biggest lobster he had ever seen. Determined to catch and eat the mighty beast, he wrestled the spiny lobster out of its cave. Once he reached the surface and realized how incredible a specimen he had found, Powers thought better of his plans and decided to donate the lobster to the aquarium, where it now resides in the Enchanted Kelp Forest exhibit.

Aquarist Kevin Lewand estimates the 11-pound lobster is 80-90 years old. Lobsters if that size and age are becoming increasingly rare, according to the Department of Fish and Game. But the Marine Life Protection Act, now underway on the south coast, could provide a boost to the species.

New marine protected areas will allow the species to recover and thrive, and that is good for the whole ecosystem. The California spiny lobster helps to control urchin populations, and that supports healthy kelp forests.

Seeing is believing

2009-03-16T09:42:00.000-07:00

Old timers tell some impressive fish tales. But it's hard to know whether the colossal catches they boast of from the good old days are fact or fiction. Scripps marine biologist and graduate student Loren McClenachan decided to investigate. He pulled historic photos of Key West trophy fish to see whether the size of sport fish really has declined. The results were astonishing. Over 50 years, from 1957 to 2007, the average trophy fish at a certain dock went from 6.5 feet to one foot. You can see the photos and read more about the impacts overfishing here.

The State of the Oceans 2009

2009-03-11T15:19:00.000-07:00

At the Seafood Summit in San Diego last month, well-known Scripps oceanographer Jeremy Jackson presented on the Science of Sustainability. His presentation, which includes some impressive statistics and imagery about the state of fisheries and habitat, generated a lot of buzz. You can download it here.

A closer look at the process

2009-03-11T14:06:00.000-07:00

Earth Island Journal's spring issue includes a feature story called Fishing for Trust, which calls the MLPA an experiment in deliberative democracy. The article highlights a friendship that formed between a fisherman and conservationist on the north central coast Regional Stakeholder Group, and explains how different constituencies came together to find a compromise solution that will protect important natural resources while working for local business.

For more information about the north central coast process, including a schedule of upcoming public meetings, visit the Department of Fish and Game's website.

Google Earth puts oceans on the map!

2009-02-04T15:05:00.000-08:00

Google Earth 5.0 was launched this week, complete with a new feature that allows users to explore the ocean. You can now dive below the surface to check out coral reefs, scout prime surfing spots and learn about rare marine life like the prehistoric coelecanth, or dinofish.

The LA Times and SF Chronicle both ran big stories on the launch, which was kicked off with a San Francisco event headlined by Al Gore.

Gore, like the program’s creators, hopes people will use Google Earth to see for themselves how incredible our planet is, and how it’s changing.

Google Earth's new ocean feature includes footage from the BBC series Planet Earth and videos from Jacques Cousteau. The site is interactive, and is expected to grow quickly as users upload photos and comments about their favorite surf and dive spots.

Ocean was developed in partnership with marine science and educational organizations--including Monterey Bay Aquarium and Scripps Institute of Oceanography--and will highlight research, conservation efforts, and policy processes occurring in California and around the world.

This new technology will come in handy in California, where work is underway to create a new network of underwater parks, or marine protected areas along our coastline. Marine protected areas preserve key habitat, support healthy ecosystems, and provide great research and recreational opportunities.

Google Earth Ocean includes information, pictures, and stories from more than 4,500 marine protected areas around the world, including local spots like the Channel Islands. To date, only 5% of the ocean floor has been mapped in any detail, and less than 1% is designated as marine protected areas.

Check out Google Earth Ocean to learn more about our incredible undersea resources and the efforts underway to protect them!

Setting the record straight on MLPA and the budget crisis

2009-01-28T10:40:00.000-08:00

The California budget crisis is all over the news, and many people are concerned about implications for conservation efforts. We're pleased to report that the Marine Life Protection Act implementation process will continue, as will the commitment to use the best available science and consider input from the whole community of ocean users.

The MLPA is funded by an innovative public-private partnership, which enables us to continue this important work even in tight times.

CalOceans update thinks Matthew Wilder said it best when he penned the iconic lyrics, "Ain't nothing gonna break my stride...nobody's gonna slow me down...oh no, I've got to keep on moving." Because when it comes to the MLPA, ain't no way a little budget crisis is gonna' breaks its stride. This legacy is well underway and California doesn't have to break the bank to keep it that way.

Showing your support

2009-01-28T10:13:00.000-08:00

Kids of all ages turned out to learn about California's spectacular ocean resources at Underwater Parks Day. Many folks showed their support by participating in our "hold a sign" campaign. If you would like to get involved, just take a picture of yourself or friends holding a sign like the one here. Then join us on Flickr or Facebook!

Many thanks to the staff at Cabrillo, Birch, SeaLife, Aquarium of the Pacific, SeaLife, Ty Warner Sea Center, and Santa Monica Pier Aquariums for putting together such a great event. We're already looking forward to next year, when Underwater Parks Day will be back and even better!

You can read more about the first annual Underwater Parks Day in this article from the North County Times.

Santa Cruz resident Randy Widera took time to reflect on the benefits of marine protected areas, since the central coast's network has been in place since 2007. You can read his thoughts on the connection between land and sea in the Santa Cruz Sentinel.

Celebrate Underwater Parks Day on January 17!

2009-01-09T17:08:00.000-08:00

January 17 is Underwater Parks Day! Join Southern California aquariums and ocean lovers across the state to celebrate ocean conservation and learn more about the process to create new Marine Protected Areas in Southern California. Visit our event page on Facebook to RSVP and tell your friends!

Where to celebrate:
Aquarium of the Pacific (Long Beach)
Birch Aquarium (La Jolla)
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium (San Pedro)
Ocean Institute (Dana Point)
Santa Monica Pier Aquarium (Santa Monica)
Sea Life Aquarium (at LegoLand in Carlsbad)
Ty Warner Sea Center (Santa Barbara)

Creating a sustainable "blue" economy

2008-12-18T11:26:00.000-08:00

Last week the Ventura Star ran an excellent op-ed by Marc Shargel, who provided many of the spectacular photos on CalOceans.org. He makes the case for how marine protected areas benefit all Californians:

"As a diver and underwater photographer, I've made a living from healthy, beautiful underwater habitats and wildlife. While my "use" of marine wildlife is unusual, my appreciation for it makes me a typical Californian. Anyone who has gone surfing, kayaking, whale watching, looked to sea over a romantic meal or taken snapshots on the beach has participated in the sustainable "blue" economy."

Read the full article here on the Ventura Star's website. Then go check out Marc's photos and see what he's talking about.

Spectacular photos of Fitzgerald Marine Reserve

2008-11-18T17:25:00.000-08:00

In case you haven't been to a tide pool recently, take a look at this quick QUEST video featuring the photography of John Albers-Mead. You can discover these sea creatures for yourself at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, one of the central coast's Marine Protected Areas.

As usual, head over to KQED's site for higher quality video. You can also browse and download John's tide pool photos on Flickr.

New MLPA resources and downloads

2008-11-18T15:38:00.000-08:00

CalOceans is rolling out a new Resources and Downloads page where you can get access to fact sheets, videos, maps, and posters (like this one) all in one place. Check it out!

http://www.CalOceans.org/resources/

Mark your calendars: South Coast stakeholder meetings

2008-11-10T10:28:00.000-08:00

If you've been watching the South Coast MLPA process and want to get involved, here are two opportunities to participate. You can download the meeting agenda from the official MLPA Initiative schedule.

Upcoming Regional Stakeholder Group (RSG) meetings

Tuesday and Wednesday, November 18-19, 2008
Crowne Plaza, 450 East Harbor Boulevard, Ventura, CA 93001

Tuesday and Wednesday, January 13-14, 2009
Location to be determined (check the schedule in January for details)

Underwater Wilderness on KQED

2008-10-29T14:52:00.000-07:00

KQED recently produced an amazing 10-minute special report on California's leadership in protecting our underwater wildnerness. You can watch it below, but we recommend going to their website to watch the video in HD quality.

Take a moment to dive in. Then share this video with your friends using the link below.