Conservation Plan Developed by Unlikely Partners
The Morro Bay Commercial Fisherman’s Organization, The Nature Conservancy and Environmental Defense applauded the Pacific Fishery Management Council’s (PFMC) decision to ban bottom trawling in large swaths of the ocean off the central California coast. Trawl fishermen and environmentalists laid the groundwork for consensus before the Council vote. As a result, this action will protect many historic fishing grounds, fishing families, livelihoods and public access to fresh local seafood while also protecting ocean ecosystems.

The Nature Conservancy and Environmental Defense identified the region between Point Conception and Point Sur (the central California coast) as a high priority for ocean conservation, as it contains one of the richest assemblages of habitats and marine life in the world. Based on an analysis of threats to biological diversity and ecological health in this region, the two groups concluded that trawling should be reduced.

To soften the economic impacts of creating large no-trawl zones, The Nature Conservancy and Environmental Defense teamed up to purchase vessels and permits from trawlers willing to sell, contingent upon a commitment by the federal government to establish no-trawl zones.

Aquarium Docents Wanted; Training Available
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is now accepting applications for its annual Docent Training Class to be held September-December, 2005. Docents guide children on 50-minute tours through the Aquarium exhibit hall and give demonstrations on the beach. They provide information and conduct various activities relating to animals and plants of our local tide-pools, beaches, kelp forests, islands and open ocean. Docents also make new friends and become part of one of the world’s premier educational aquariums.

Training sessions take place on Monday mornings for 12 weeks beginning September 12. Following training, docents volunteer one morning a week, on the day of their choice (Tuesday - Friday), through June.

Volunteer qualifications and commitment include an interest in the ocean and sharing with children; the desire for continued learning; and a willingness to work with the Aquarium consistently for two school years. Docents must be able to remain on their feet for two hours as they guide groups through the exhibit hall and perform demonstrations on the beach.

The fee for the docent training is $55 and covers the cost of training, docent manual, textbook, name badge, T-shirt and a Friends of Cabrillo Marine Aquarium membership. Fee waivers are available. Applications are due by September 2.

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is located at 3720 Stephen White Drive in San Pedro and is a facility of the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks. For more information regarding this volunteer opportunity, please contact Randi Abrams-Gonzalez, Volunteer Coordinator, at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, (310) 548-8398.

NCUPS Photo and Video Competition
SEA 2005 is a "mail-in" underwater photography and videography competition open to amateur photographers and videographers around the world. This year’s photography competition features Novice and Open skill levels, competing in Macro, Wide Angle, and Underwater California categories. Entrants may enter up to 5 images in each of the categories in each media; 35 mm Slides, Digital Still, Prints and Creative Prints. The videography competition features Novice and Open skill levels competing with short underwater videos. Entries must be postmarked or received through e-mail by October 7 or may be hand carried to the NCUPS Membership Meeting on October 14, in Millbrae, California. Winning entries and prizes will be announced on the NCUPS website in November. Download Rules and Regulations, and the Entry Form from the NCUPS website http://www.ncups.org or e-mail Kathy Mendes sea2005@ncups.org.

California Ocean Economic Report Released
An economic report with far reaching implications was released July 22 by the Resources Agency during the first California Ocean and Coastal Economic Summit.

The report, California’s Ocean Economy, is the most comprehensive of its kind in the country and provides conclusive evidence that the state has the most significant ocean economy in the nation. “This report reaffirms the critical role that the ocean plays in the economic health of California and this nation,” said Secretary for Resources Mike Chrisman. “It underscores the fact that our efforts to manage California’s ocean and coastal resources not only benefit the environment, but play a significant role in maintaining and enhancing California’s economic engine.”

The report is a key provision of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s ocean action plan. It was written by Dr. Judith Kildow, California State University Monterey Bay, and Dr. Charles Colgan, University of Southern Maine. The findings detail critical areas that include California’s coastal economy, employment and gross state product; California’s ocean economy versus other coastal regions; the growth in coastal tourism and recreation and commensurate decrease in wages; high coastal population density and an increase in inland population; and regional growth related to ocean economic trends.

According to the report, the total Gross State Product of California’s ocean economy in 2000 was approximately $42.9 billion. California’s ocean economy was responsible for nearly 700,000 jobs in 2000. “Our beaches, ports, and other coastal and ocean resources provide critical goods and services for California and the nation,” said Chrisman. “We must continue California’s ongoing leadership to protect and manage these national treasures for the benefit of current and future generations.”

For more information, and to download the report, go to: http://resources.ca.gov/ocean online.