Welcome to the CMSF newsletter! It's been a while since our last newsletter, and we sure have been busy! From now on, you can look forward to monthly newsletters for programmatic updates and organizational insights. | | | |
Letter from the Executive Director | |
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
This month a large marine heat wave in the Pacific Ocean provided the fuel for Hurricane Hilary, driving its path northward into California. While scientists have been monitoring this warm mass for nearly a decade, it’s a new troubling development that coincides with a progressing El Niño in the equatorial Pacific. These environmental changes make our work here at the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation much more urgent.
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Yet, we start each day knowing that our collection of projects across marine conservation, water quality, climate change mitigation, and coastal restoration are making a real difference in protecting our ocean, coasts, and local communities. We couldn't be more dedicated to achieving even greater conservation impacts.
As CMSF continues to grow our staff and the projects we manage, we are excited to share program and organizational updates with you much more frequently. Starting with this newsletter, you can expect to hear from us monthly, sharing news and stories from the field. We’re also producing a blog series where you can learn more about our staff and get a personal view of our work.
Toward a sustainable future,
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Robert Mazurek
Executive Director
California Marine Sanctuary Foundation
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2022 Results: Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies Program | The results of the 2022 Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies Program (BWBS) were compiled and announced earlier this year. Twenty-three global shipping lines voluntarily reduced their vessels' speeds for more than 265,000 nautical miles while transiting along the California coast during peak whale migration, between May 1 - December 15. | |
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California's Marine Protected Area Network is Working! | Over a decade ago, California led the nation to become the first network of marine protected areas (MPAs) in the United States. When the program was put in place, many were skeptical, others hopeful, some celebrated and few understood what to expect. About 852 square miles of ocean– a little over 16 percent of the State’s waters – were protected, with about 9% in strict no-take areas. | | | |
Marine Resource Protection Projects Highlighted at MPA Day: Management Review Forum | In March of this year, CMSF’s Marine Resource Protection Program Director, Jess Morten, participated as a member of the Enforcement and Compliance Panel at California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s MPA Day: Management Review Forum. | | | |
Exploring Plasticulture - Pollution Prevention Together | The recent Plasticulture Field Day in coastal Oxnard, California was a success. This field day brought together agricultural industry leaders, plastic manufacturers, environmentalists, and farmers to explore innovative solutions for reducing plastic pollution. Hosted by the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation (CMSF), Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS), Good Farms, and other collaborators, this event provided attendees with a firsthand look at end-of-life solutions for agricultural plastics. | |
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Stacey Lydon joined CMSF in early 2023 as the first Director of Organizational Advancement. She concentrates on building philanthropic partnerships, strategic planning, and communications. Previously, she spent 20 years working in program management, outreach, and fundraising for universities and non-profit organizations with a global reach. Stacey works out of the Channel Island National Marine Sanctuary office in Santa Barbara. She has lived most of her life in coastal California, and has spent time in and near the water for as long as she can remember. Stacey is thrilled to join CMSF and support ocean conservation. | |
Saying Goodbye to Board Member Scott Hennessy | |
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Scott Hennessy served on the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation Board of Trustees for more than 20 years. With a robust background in county planning, environmental restoration, and nonprofit service in Monterey County, Scott was an invaluable member and his enthusiasm, support, and leadership will be missed at CMSF.
Scott’s career included time as the Director of the Monterey County Planning and Building Department and the Director of the Watershed Institute at CSUMB. He also founded a native plant nursery focused on providing vegetation for restoration projects. As a land use consultant, Scott worked on projects including the MPRPD Garland Park Southbank Trail Reconstruction, Palo Corona Aerial Spraying Program, the Palo Corona Parking Facility, and the MPWMD Steelhead Barrier Access Acquisition and Permission to Work Program. In addition to his service to CMSF, Scott served on many non-profit boards, in service to his community and in efforts to conserve the beautiful, natural spaces that he loves. Thank you, Scott, for your dedication and friendship.
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