California has some of the most beautiful oceans and coasts of anywhere in the entire world. From Big Sur to Monterey to Santa Barbara to Santa Monica, our coastal areas are unique gems that define the state. Unfortunately, our oceans, beaches and coasts are threatened by a variety of problems. Marine debris, offshore drilling, pollution and overfishing put a strain on our marine ecosystems and the species that live within them. That’s why we are working to keep these areas safe, and to strengthen the laws that protect them.
Here are our top priorities for 2010:
Great Pacific Cleanup
Between California and Hawaii is an alarming ecological crisis: The Pacific Garbage Patch, an area twice the size of Texas filled with 100 million tons of plastic and other garbage. We're working to take concrete steps to cut the waste that fuels the garbage patch, and lead the way for others. This session we're backing measure to encourage reusable grocery bags and ban Styrofoam takeout containers. Read more.
Stop Offshore Drilling
For 40-years California has kept our moratorium on offshore drilling. But recently, a Texas based oil company has been pressuring lawmakers to open the coast. We expect renewed efforts in 2010 to open our coast to new drilling. Read more.
Protect Fish and Marine Mammals
One quarter to one third of our fish species are already depleted or headed in that direction. Many fish like cod, red snapper, grouper, and pacific rockfishes are at historical lows. Some are at one tenth their former abundance or less. Read more.
