Drakes Estero eelgrass beds. Photograph by EAC.
The California Ocean Protection Council (OPC) met in September on several interesting topics including the advancement of a statewide sea-level rise communications strategy, a statewide aquaculture action plan, updates to the California Eelgrass Mitigation Policy (CEMP), and plastic pollution. The OPC’s mission is to “ensure that California maintains healthy, resilient, and productive ocean and coastal ecosystems for the benefit of current and future generations.”
EAC provided testimony on a number of items that relate closely to our work. We provided support for funding of the statewide sea-level rise communications strategy:
“EAC supported the Principles for Aligned State Action, and we understand the importance of collaboration and aligned action among state agencies as our coastal villages adapt to sea level rise and climate change impacts…. [W]e [also] understand the importance of a strong and coordinated communications and education plan, and we are supportive of the authorization of a fund disbursement for the implementation of a statewide sea level rise communications strategy.”
“We take issue with bivalve facilities that use pesticides, operations that damage eelgrass, and any finfish facilities in open water.”
We also provided general support for the OPC aquaculture action plan, and we are in communications with our NGO partners and the OPC staff around the development of this plan. At the OPC meeting, the authorization of funds to develop the plan was approved, and the funds will be provided to a consulting firm. While we provided general support for the plan moving forward, we noted our concerns about unsustainable aquaculture.
We also provided support for the resolution supporting updates to the CEMP.
“Eelgrass is an important foundational species in CA and Tomales Bay, supporting Pacific herring and many other species, and eelgrass is under threat. Updates to the CEMP using the best available science are very important especially in light of the emerging science and climate crisis, as well as its ability to sequester carbon.”
A packed agenda, lastly we supported the OPC’s continued work on our plastics crisis.
“We continue our support for OPC’s strong efforts and creative ideas to reduce plastic pollution, the California Circular Economy and Plastic Pollution Reduction Act or other comprehensive solutions, and our participation in the Ocean Litter Strategy Working groups…. We are hopeful that progress will continue on this important issue. Locally, Marin County is on track to adopt a reusable foodware ordinance next year, and we are also disappointed to see all of the delays and setbacks related to COVID, which we must push past.”
The OPC unanimously approved all of the agenda items. The next OPC meeting will be in December 2020.
More Info:
September OPC Meeting Video & Agenda
OPC Strategic Plan 2020-2025
EAC’s past post on the Principles for Aligned State Action
