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Our oceans are home to more
than 97 percent of all life on Earth. They are critical to the survival
of the planet. They help control our climate, provide more oxygen than rain forests,
shelter for countless animals, raw materials for medicine and food for all of
us. Our oceans’ coasts also provide endless recreational opportunities as well
as a source of spiritual renewal for many. Over 51 percent of the population of
the United States now lives in coastal counties. The number of people living in
coastal watershed areas is projected to reach 165 million by the year 2015. Our top priority: Protect our coast: On November 7, 2007 58,000 gallons of petroleum
were spilled into San Francisco Bay. Beaches were soiled and
contaminated and hundreds of animals died. We will need to learn from
this dirty and dangerous accident. We are working to get the
legislature to reduce the chance of another accident and make sure we
have adequate resources to clean up another spill.
Other priorities:
Stop offshore oil drilling: Even with the new Congress, oil and gas
companies are working to open up our coast to more dirty drilling. We need to tell our leaders in Congress to
stop the rush to drill—and start pushing sensible choices like getting better
gas mileage from our cars and trucks.
Reduce ocean pollution: From six-pack rings to abandoned fishing gear,
pollution in our ocean kills thousands of fish and mammals every year. California can take the
lead in reducing plastic pollution
Protect fish and marine mammals: The concept of marine protected areas
includes marine reserves, where no fishing is allowed, marine conservation
areas (where some commercial and/or recreational fishing is permitted) and
marine parks where only recreational fishing is permitted. A plan to create 29 marine protected should receive
final approval in 2007 after environmental and regulatory review.
Overview Fact Sheet The Los Angeles Times has created an outstanding series called “The Crisis In The Seas.” For a look at this incredible
mulitmedia presentation click here.
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