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The panel discussion, hosted by the San Luis Obispo chapters of the Sierra Club and the Surfrider Foundation, which work together on sanctuary issues as the Marine Sanctuary Alliance, began with an address by Representative Lois Capps (D-Santa Barbara), who noted the $118 billion and 2.3 million jobs generated annually by the nation's ocean and coastal economy. "The well-being of this area depends on the health of the oceans," said Capps. "A healthy environment provides a strong economic foundation for the communities where we live." Dr. Chris Harrold of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Dan Haifley of O'Neill Sea Odyssey, former Santa Cruz City Councilwoman Cynthia Mathews and Randy Widera of Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks spoke on the events that brought about the creation of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary in 1992, and how their communities have benefited from the presence and activities of the sanctuary since then. Panelists described the business partnerships, educational curricula, volunteer and resource protection programs and benefits to the tourism industry the sanctuary has brought to their communities. They recounted and rebutted criticisms from the fishing industry, and noted the work of the sanctuary in creating a Community Supported Fishery (CSF) program. Dr. Harrold said that in terms of research dollars coming into the local communities, the sanctuary leverages from and contributes to fifty research organizations with more than 2,000 faculty, staff and graduate students, representing a $250 million combined annual budget for marine research. "I appreciate the Alliance building support for sanctuary protections on our central coast," said Capps. In reference to the position of the SLO Coast in between the Monterey Bay and Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuaries, she said "I know we're thinking about the gap in between and ways that can be connected." "We have launched a national effort to preserve America's wild legacy and minimize the loss of wild places and biodiversity to climate change," said Amanda Wallner, organizer for the Sierra Club's California Coast Resilient Habitats Campaign. "Here on the central coast we have a unique opportunity to be a part of this effort and leave a vibrant legacy for our children and our grandchildren. Creating a national marine sanctuary in San Luis Obispo reflects a growing national tide. We really do have momentum behind us to get this done." "A national marine sanctuary is not only necessary, it's also feasible." said Brad Snook, chair of Surfrider Foundation San Luis Obispo. The event can be viewed on the Cal-Span website and on Channel 21.
Great Horned Owl Image on Banner by Cleve Nash
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