MONTEREY BAY NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY ADVISORY COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT April 1, 1995 - April 1, 1996 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council continues to play a vital role in the decisions affecting, not only the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, but much of the Central California Coast. The Advisory Council has proven itself to be a powerful voice for the general public, responding to citizen concerns, ideas, and needs. The Advisory Council members have continued to lay a foundation for its structures, policies, and procedures. The public brings issues to the CouncilÕs attention which has been welcomed by members. The Sanctuary ProgramÕs goals to promote research, education, and resource protection are always a major focus for the Council. Members are working to educate the public to take on the responsibilities of stewardship. From April 1, 1995 to April 1, 1996, the Advisory Council held a total of nine public meetings and two special workshops. In addition, Advisory Council members actively participated in several major events sponsored by the Sanctuary including the 1995 Sanctuary Birthday Celebration and the 1996 Sanctuary Currents Symposium, both of which highlighted the importance of community involvement in the mission to preserve the areaÕs natural marine resources. The Sanctuary Advisory CouncilÕs three working groups: the Research Activity Panel, the Sanctuary Education Panel, and the Conservation Working Group -- each respectively dealing with matters concerning research, education, and resource protection -- continued to meet on a monthly basis, serving as invaluable resources to the Advisory Council and the Sanctuary Manager. Two Council positions were vacated due to the move of one and the death of the other; sworn in as new members were Ed Brown (Tourism); and David Iverson (Citizen At-Large). Other newly ceded members were Roy Torres (NMFS/NOAA Enforcement) and LCDR Dean Lee (U.S. Coast Guard). The Council continued to pursue solutions to problems and issues which had been brought to its attention earlier, such as elephant seal harassment at Piedras Blancas, vessel traffic safety, jade collection, coordinated enforcement, permit processing and various aspects of clean water quality. Throughout the year, a variety of new issues were brought to the CouncilÕs attention and specific advice was sought from the Council by NOAA, state and local agencies, and the public at large. In particular, the California Resources Agency draft Ocean Agenda was formally presented to the Council, which helped with a public meeting on the Agenda, and the Council submitted recommendations on the document. Another major effort was the re-authorization of the State Mussel Watch Program, for which the Council lobbied extensively. In addition, several new task forces were established, notably, one to promote business and tourism partnerships with the Sanctuary Program, and the establishment of a non-profit, California Marine Sanctuaries Foundation. The Advisory Council maintains a firm commitment to the goals and objectives of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Program. In particular, when the protection of resources has required the management of multiple uses due to conflicts, the Council has been willing to act as mediator and advisor. The Advisory Council appreciates the efforts of volunteers, non-profit organizations, businesses, and citizens, Sanctuary-wide, without whose support the mission of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary would be difficult to realize. Working Groups The Working Groups -- Research, Education, and Conservation -- continued to expand the range of their activities throughout the Sanctuary. Special emphasis was placed on efforts to improve communication and cooperation opportunities among the three groups, culminating in the highly successful Sanctuary Currents Symposium in March 1996. The Symposium combined the interests of the research, education, and conservation communities into a conference that was well-attended by many aspects of the public at- large. A. Research Activity Panel (RAP) - Chaired by Gregor Cailliet, the RAP provided input on a variety of science and research related issues affecting the Sanctuary such as: the potential impact of underwater man-made sound on marine wildlife; the proposed Cambria Desalination Plant; the institutional permit process; the State Mussel Watch Program; the proposed underwater park in Monterey and Pacific Grove; and concerns over the impacts of kelp harvesting in the Sanctuary. The RAP completed an electronic database of researchers in and around the Sanctuary, began a redrafting of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Research Plan, and conducted science projects on the NOAA Ship McArthur. Several RAP members represented the MBNMS research community at the All- Taxa Biodiversity Inventory Conference in Washington, D.C. and are currently working to establish an International Marine Biodiversity Institute (IMBI) in Monterey. B. Sanctuary Education Panel (SEP) - Chaired by Dorris Welch, the SEP defined its goals and priorities early in the year and conscientiously worked to achieve them. Education goals included: sponsoring teacher training and enhancement workshops; increasing teacher resources; developing links with higher education; promoting fieldwork and more hands-on projects for students and teachers alike; supporting education focuses on watershed and field components; improving the distribution of existing materials about the Sanctuary; developing teacher resources; supporting existing marine science programs; and, expanding the SanctuaryÕs presence in local classrooms. Goals to improve Sanctuary awareness and knowledge among the general public included: disseminating information more widely; providing educational materials for tourists; expanding the SanctuaryÕs web- page; supporting volunteer training programs; and promoting the sale of the Sanctuary license plates. C. Conservation Working Group (CWG) - Chaired by Rachel Saunders, the CWG maintained a strong conservation presence in decisions affecting Sanctuary resources, and many times provided the catalyst for necessary action in matters such as: obtaining signatures from all three Working Groups on a memo recommending that potential impacts from man-made underwater sound be considered a research priority; spearheading efforts to create a forum with the personal watercraft industry; advocating the development and implementation of a Sanctuary enforcement plan; promoting support for the State Mussel Watch Program; requesting closure on the Vessel Traffic Safety Study; and supporting the establishment of a Sanctuary Foundation. Subcommittees and Task Forces In addition to the regularly scheduled public sessions, the Council met on several occasions to develop priorities; to undertake short and long-term planning; and to address specific tasks. The Strategic Planning subcommittee organized two workshops: 1) to define Advisory Council goals and establish priorities; and 2) to improve public relations efforts for the Sanctuary and the Advisory Council. These special sessions were instrumental in establishing a common ground. They succeeded in more clearly identifying the role of Advisory Council members in relation to their constituents and the needs of the Sanctuary program. Follow-up sessions are planned. Additional subcommittees and task forces included: 1) the State Mussel Watch subcommittee, which has thus far proved successful in promoting State legislation in support of re-authorizing a water quality monitoring program; 2) the Economic Development Task Force, which hosted a series of meetings to build partnerships and strengthen relationships between the Sanctuary Program and the business and tourism communities; and 3) the Alternative Funding Task Force, which identified strategies for providing supplemental funding for Sanctuary programs, thereby avoiding user fees. Major Issues Addressed A. State Mussel Watch - The Advisory Council heard several presentations on the threatened status of the State Mussel Watch Program. The Advisory Council designated a special subcommittee to investigate the options for program renewal. Ultimately, the Council determined to formally pursue state legislation to provide long-term support and funding. Meetings were held with state legislators and the Council lobbied and testified extensively. B. Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Harassment - The Advisory Council continues to monitor the situation in Piedras Blancas, where growing herds of elephant seals continue to be exposed to public harassment. Under the coordination of Brian Baird (CA Resources Agency) and Tami Grove (CA Coastal Commission), the Council is working to assure that local, state and federal agencies coordinate their efforts to address traffic safety, beach access, and marine mammal protection. The goal of this interagency effort will be a long- term marine mammal management plan for the Sanctuary. C. Sanctuary License Plate - Advisory Council members continue to support the Sanctuary License Plate program. Each member purchased a plate and committed to selling as many license plates as possible before the deadline. The Council worked with the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments (AMBAG) to develop a specific marketing plan, and to promote sales and public business enterprises such as the Department of Motor Vehicles and the American Automobile Association. D. Waste Disposal and Former Dump Sites Along the Coast - Following a presentation on an exposed shoreline landfill by the Manager of the Monterey Peninsula Regional Parks District, the Advisory Council went on record in support of state funding to cover the cost of a 50+ year solution. E. Man-made Underwater Sound in the Sanctuary - In response to a memorandum signed by all of the existing Working Groups -- Research, Education, and Conservation -- the Advisory Council determined that man-made noise in the waters of the Sanctuary should be studied more closely. The Council specifically recommended that the Sanctuary dedicate some of the marine mammal research funds to investigate the impact of man-made underwater sounds on marine wildlife. It was further recommended that an outline be developed to incorporate this subject into the overall Sanctuary Program. F. CaliforniaÕs Ocean Resources: An Agenda for the Future - The Advisory Council provided written comments on the draft document titled CaliforniaÕs Ocean Resources: An Agenda for the Future, produced by the California Resources Agency. The Agenda represents CaliforniaÕs first attempt in recent times to establish a comprehensive ocean management approach for the State. G. Establishment of a Sanctuary Foundation - The Advisory Council worked to establish the California Marine Sanctuaries Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising public awareness about Sanctuary Programs and providing supplemental financial support. The roles to be played by the Foundation were discussed in detail at a number of meetings. H. Central California Regional Water Recycling Project - The Advisory Council remains vigilant about proposals that might provide a threat to the water quality of the Sanctuary. After reviewing the alternatives presented in the Central California Regional Water Recycling Project Proposal, the Advisory Council voted to strongly oppose the proposed construction of a pipeline to discharge waste water into the Sanctuary or areas adjacent to it. The Council sent a formal letter to this effect and participated in the public hearing process. The letter also stipulated that the project begin a comprehensive analysis of the environmental impacts. I. Sanctuary Enforcement MOU - The Advisory Council aggressively promoted the development and implementation of a Sanctuary Enforcement MOU. U.S. Coast Guard Representative, LCDR Dean Lee is working with other local, state, and federal agencies to develop a viable plan to coordinate enforcement in the Sanctuary. J. Proposed Edward F. Ricketts Underwater Park - Following a presentation on the underwater park by Advisory Council member Ed Cooper, the Advisory Council approved a letter to the Mayors of Monterey and Pacific Grove stating that the proposed park was in congruence with the goals and mission of the Sanctuary. The letter included a statement that research activities in the area were considered important and that extraction of species in the proposed Òno-take zoneÓ for research purposes be considered on a case-by-case basis. K. Update from the Water Quality Protection Program (WQPP) - The Advisory Council remains committed to the goals of the WQPP. Updates on the program are scheduled before the Council on a quarterly basis. Several Advisory Council members are directly participating in the development and implementation of the WQPPÕs strategies. L. Clean Water and Toxic Clean-up Programs - The Advisory Council sent a letter of support for the Clean Water Act Grant submitted by the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments (AMBAG). The Advisory Council also sent a letter of support for the Bay Protection and Toxic Clean-up Program and continues to support programs that protect the water quality of the Sanctuary. The Council held several sessions to obtain information about the potential need of clean-up on the part of the Army in the waters off Fort Ord. M. Building Partnerships with Business, Tourism and the Sanctuary - The Advisory Council remains committed to documenting the economic benefits of the region and the nation from the Sanctuary designation. Meetings with representatives of the business and tourism industries and the Sanctuary were held throughout the course of the year. The purpose of the sessions was to share information, dispel misconceptions, and create partnerships that will enhance economic opportunities while helping to develop sustainable funding for the Sanctuary region. N. California Biodiversity Council - Several Advisory Council members along with the Sanctuary Manager and staff participated in the California Biodiversity Council meeting held in Monterey this Spring. The forum featured two panels: 1) examined the linkages between occurrences happening inland and the impacts on the marine environment; and 2) presented differing viewpoints about biodiversity. Advisory Council member Greg Cailliet, provided the keynote address at a banquet during the conference. One of the focuses of his speech was the importance of marine biodiversity research and the appropriateness of using the MBNMS and the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve as vehicles for the programs. O. Coast Guard Reduction in Monterey - The Advisory Council sent letters supporting the retention of the U.S. Coast Guard Group Monterey. Advisory Council members were concerned that the reduction of the Coast Guard from a Group to a Station would inhibit the ability of the organization to respond in the event of an oil spill or a marine related emergency, or, to participate as an integral part of the Sanctuary Enforcement Plan. P. Sanctuary Currents Symposium - The Advisory Council and its Working Groups participated in all stages of planning and conducting the 1996 Sanctuary Currents Symposium. The Symposium successfully combined the interests of research, education, and resource protection into one special event. Les Strnad, the Sanctuary Advisory Council alternate for the California Coastal Commission, was honored with the Ironman Award for ÒExcellence in Marine Sciences.Ó The Symposium will become an annual event. Q. Cruise Ships in Monterey Bay - In response to requests from the U.S. Coast Guard, private businesses, and the public, the Advisory Council provided a forum for a discussion of the pros and cons of cruise ships stopping in Monterey Bay. Representatives of the City of Monterey, Seabourne Cruise Lines, and private citizens expressed their opinions about the possibilities. In general, the overall benefits to the area are numerous including economic incentives and public education and outreach opportunities. Potential concerns identified by Sanctuary Advisory Council members included: possibilities of illegal discharge; threats to the area from potential introduction of exotic species; and possible damage to the seafloor from anchoring. R. Kelp Harvesting - Concerns over possible overharvesting of kelp resources in the Sanctuary became an issue of importance for the Sanctuary Advisory Council. Council members heard several presentations on the issue from specialists on kelp biology, sea otter habitat, kelp harvesting practices, and the California Department of Fish and Game regulations. The Sanctuary Advisory Council strongly urged all affected parties to establish a mechanism for on-going communication and to develop cooperative monitoring efforts that would protect the resource while sustaining local economic needs. S. Management issues for the MBNMS - The Advisory Council was asked by the Sanctuaries and Reserves Division (SRD) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to aid in identifying a mechanism that would best facilitate coordination of management efforts for the northern region of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The Advisory Council is committed to working with Sanctuary Managers to review recommendations for improved coordination. T. Chumming for Sharks - The Council participated in Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking hearings on chumming for white sharks in the Sanctuary. The Council heard from a variety of groups on this topic and passed a resolution recommending that chumming for great white sharks in the Sanctuary be prohibited. The Sanctuary is supportive of NOAAÕs efforts to change the regulations to prohibit this activity. U. Collecting of Jade at Jade Cove - The Council responded to an outcry by the Jade Cove community regarding their inability to continue to collect jade. Several public hearings were conducted by the Council on this subject. In addition, a presentation was heard from Dr. Gretchen Leupke, a Geologist with the US Geological Survey. The Council believes the Jade Cove community should have the right to remove pieces of jade for personal or artistic use, so long as no machinery is utilized. A subcommittee was established, chaired by Marc Del Piero, to investigate the best way to proceed on this issue. It was ultimately determined by the Council that NOAA be requested to initiate a formal process to change the regulations. Enclosures: (1) Conservation Working Group Annual Report, April 1995 - June 1996 (2) Sanctuary Education Panel Annual Report, May 1995 - June 1996 (3) Proposal for legislation in support of the State Mussel Watch Program (4) Letter of invitation to President Clinton and White House Chief of Staff Leon Panetta (5) Advisory Council comments on the ÒCaliforniaÕs Ocean Resources: An Agenda for the FutureÓ (6) Letter to Randy Raines re: the Central California Regional Water Recycling Project (7) Letter to the Mayor of Monterey re: Underwater Park Proposal (8) Letter re: Support for the Bay Protection and Toxic Clean-up Program (9) Letter in support of the U.S. Coast Guard (10) Letter to public re: kelp harvesting (11) Letter to Karin Strasser Kauffman from James Lawless re: MBNMS management strategies (12) Letter of Reply from the Advisory Council to James Lawless re: MBNMS management strategies Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council 1995/96 Annual Report - FINAL Page 6