Oceans News

For Immediate Release: May 5, 2008                                                          

Contact: Mike Gravitz, Oceans Advocate

Phone: 202-683-1250 x 349

mikeg@environmentamerica.org

or

Dan Jacobson, Legislative Director

Envionment California

Phone: 916-446-8062 x 105

djacobson@environmentcalifornia.org

Senate Oceans Subcommittee Hearing May 6, 2008

Will Support Marine Sanctuary Expansion off California Coast

WHAT:           Witnesses, including Dr. Williams from the Bodega Bay Marine Laboratory, will support the expansion of the California sanctuaries with testimony on the significance of the ecosystem and marine animals (whales, fish, sea turtles, sea birds, forage fish) in proposed new area. The proposed expansion is home to one of the most productive marine ecosystems on the Pacific coast, sending nutrients and food to areas as far south as Monterey Bay.  Not only would H.R. 1187 nearly double the size of the existing Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Bank sanctuaries, but it would also protect the source of their immense productivity which is the California Current Coastal Upwelling centered on Point Arena.  At Point Arena cold, nutrient rich water rises from below the continental shelf and fertilizes the base of a vast food chain for 250 miles as far south as Monterey Bay.  It is one of just four deep coastal upwelling zones around the world and the only one in the U.S. 

WHO:             Various witnesses including Dr. Susan Williams, Director Bodega Bay Marine Laboratory, University of California- Davis in support of Gulf of Farralones – Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary expansion (H.R. 1187) and Mr. Jefferson Gray, Superintendent of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary in favor of sanctuary expansion (S. 2281).

                        Michael Gravitz, Oceans Advocate for Environment America, said, “Of all the possible places for marine sanctuaries around our coasts, this expansion area would be on the top of anyone’s list. It has such a rich diversity of sea life and provides food and nutrients for thousands of square mile of ocean as far south as Monterey Bay.”  Dan Jacobson, Environment California Legislative Director, said, “Californians of all walks of life support this proposal –fishermen, surfers, beachgoers, environmentalists, and state and local politicians-- because they know that protecting the ocean helps protect the wonderful coast and sealife.”

WHERE:         Russell Senate Office Building, Room 253

WHEN:           Tuesday, May 6, 2008  10:00 AM