Why Now?Why Now?Regional, State and Federal Regional, State and Federal Interests in Our Interests in Our Oceans and and

CoastsCoasts

Why Now?Why Now?Regional, State and Federal Regional, State and Federal Interests in Our Interests in Our Oceans and and

CoastsCoasts

Krista Kamer

Program Manager

Ocean Observing Programs

SFSU

Value of Our Coast and OceanValue of Our Coast and Ocean

• $43B Ocean Economy in 2000• coastal construction, living resources, offshore

minerals, ship and boat building and repair, maritime transportation and ports, and coastal tourism and recreation

• 400,000 jobs• 77% of population lives near coast

-Kildow and Colgan 2005National Ocean Economics Program

Environmental ChallengesEnvironmental Challenges

• Climate change and sea level rise

• Invasive species and harmful algal blooms (HABs)

• Coastal erosion, pollution and declining water quality

• Habitat loss and declining fisheries

• Ocean acidification

• Many more

Scale: Local to GlobalScale: Local to Global

• Local interests

• State• OPC, MPAs

• West Coast

• National• IOOS

• Global

State Level:State Level:Ocean Protection CouncilOcean Protection Council

• California Ocean Protection Act (COPA)-2004• Ocean Protection Council (OPC)

The OPC is responsible for ensuring that California maintains healthy, resilient, and productive ocean and coastal ecosystems for the benefit of current and future generations.

State Level:State Level:Ocean Protection CouncilOcean Protection Council

Strategic Plan-2006• Increased research and monitoring• Improved ocean and coastal water quality • Improved quantity and quality of ocean and

coastal habitat • Responsible management of ocean and coastal

ecosystems - includes MPAs• Education and outreach to increase public

awareness and improve ocean stewardship

State Level:State Level:Ocean Protection CouncilOcean Protection Council

• Science Advisory Team• Kenneth Coale-MLML• Mark Moline-Cal Poly SLO• Steve Murray-CSU Fullerton• Karina Nielsen-Sonoma State • Scott Quackenbush-Humboldt State

• Authorization to disburse up to $60,000 to the University of California Marine Council (UCMC) to fund two graduate fellowships

State Level:State Level:Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)

• Marine Life Protection Act-1999• Statewide network of marine protected areas

(MPAs)• Generally disallow commercial or recreational

extraction

• Protect the state's marine life and habitats, marine ecosystems, and marine natural heritage

• Improve recreational, educational and study opportunities provided by marine ecosystems

State Level:State Level:Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)

Marine Life Protection Program• Conservation of biological diversity and health

of marine ecosystems • Recovery of wildlife populations• Improvements to recreational and educational

opportunities consistent with biodiversity conservation

• Protection of representative and unique habitats for their intrinsic value

• Ensuring that MPAs … are designed on sound science

State Level:State Level:Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)

Regional Level:Regional Level:West Coast Governors’ AgreementWest Coast Governors’ Agreement

• California, Oregon and Washington

• West Coast Governors’ Agreement on Ocean Health-2006• Formalizes cooperation among the three west

coast states to enhance ocean and coastal conservation strategies

Regional Level:Regional Level:West Coast Governors’ AgreementWest Coast Governors’ Agreement

Seven issues of regional significance• Clean coastal waters and beaches• Healthy ocean and coastal habitats• Effective ecosystem-based management • Reduced impacts of offshore development • Increased ocean awareness and literacy among the

region’s citizens• Expanded ocean and coastal scientific information,

research, and monitoring• Sustainable economic development of coastal

communities

National LevelNational Level

• Pew Oceans Commission Report-2003

• U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy-2004• Oceans are in crisis• National, unified ocean policies• Increased stewardship of our oceans and coastal

regions

National Level:National Level:Pew Oceans Commission ReportPew Oceans Commission Report

Five priority objectives• Protecting ecosystem health• Sustainable use of ocean resources• Comprehensive and coordinated governance of

ocean resources and uses• Fisheries management and habitat protection• Pollution control and water quality

National Level:National Level: US Commission on Ocean Policy US Commission on Ocean Policy

• National Ocean Policy Framework• More scientific information

• “Decisions about ocean and coastal resources be based on the most current, credible, and unbiased scientific data and information.”

• Increased education and implementation• Increase public participation• Promote a broad stewardship ethic• Train a future workforce generation

National Level:National Level:Integrated Ocean Observing SystemIntegrated Ocean Observing System

Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS)

National Level:National Level:California’s Regional AssociationsCalifornia’s Regional Associations

• Central and Northern California Ocean Observing System (CeNCOOS)

• Southern California Coastal Ocean Observing System (SCCOOS)

Areas of OverlapAreas of Overlap

• Strong national and regional interests in marine and coastal management and conservation • Responsible management for sustainable

fisheries and use of ocean resources• Improving water quality• Protecting habitats and ecosystem health• Increased research and monitoring to improve

scientific understanding• Increased public awareness and stewardship

Opportunity for the CSUOpportunity for the CSU

• State and national leadership• Expertise• Scientific information, products

• Decision-making tools

• Clearinghouse for information• Gather and disseminate

• Funding opportunities

Considering COASTConsidering COAST

If not now, when?

If not us, who?