News Headlines
Quick Links
Announcements
Support Marine Protected Areas in California!
The California Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) calls for the creation of a science-based network of marine protected areas (MPAs) along the state's coastline. Stakeholders in Southern California have worked for over a year to implement the MLPA; read more here. You can get involved by sending a letter to the Fish and Game Commission in support of a strong network of MPAs for the South Coast. On the North Coast, a newly-appointed group of marine stakeholders will work to integrate the diverse interests of the region’s constituents into a science-based proposal of MPAs. The success of the MLPA depends on active public participation; stay involved by attending an upcoming meeting! Scientists at this year's annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science demonstrated the effectiveness of marine reserves in benefiting both fish and fishermen.
CCKA Launches Interactive Water Quality Violations Map
CCKA has developed an online interactive map to help the public and state agencies track and improve compliance with water quality laws. This tool maps all dischargers within California’s six coastal Regional Water Boards that have been issued mandatory minimum penalties (MMPs) since 2000, when the laws setting these minimum penalties took effect. MMPs are issued for “serious” and “multiple chronic” water quality violations. Using the map, you can select your Regional Water Board and click on facilities to learn more about their violation records since 2000. The map also highlights facilities that have not violated in recent years. The MMP Map complements CCKA’s regular work to improve the level, targeting, and transparency of state law enforcement activities. Firm, equitable enforcement both improves water quality and ensures fairness to businesses that follow the law. Violations related to sewage releases, industrial wastes, and contaminated groundwater most frequently caused the issuance of MMPs statewide.
Spotlight On
-
Klamath Dams Removal Agreement Signed
An historic agreement to remove four dams on the Klamath River was signed last week by heads of state, local tribes, farmers, fishermen, environmentalists, and PaciCorp, owner of the dams. Klamath Riverkeeper was instrumental in pressuring PacifiCorp into signing the agreement. Removal will begin in 2020 pending Congressional approval and environmental review. -
Speak Out for Clean Water
California's State Water Board is gathering water quality data and information to update its list of severely polluted waterways. Waterways placed on this list must be cleaned up to restore beneficial uses. Stay tuned as CCKA and its member Waterkeepers will host workshops to help you submit your data and information. -
U.S. Oceans Data Hub Launched
The National Biological Information Infrastructure Program, coordinated by the U.S. Geological Survey, recently launched a new one-stop source for accessing data and information on the nation’s key marine biological resources. The Ocean Biogeographic Information System (OBIS) provides open access to a myriad of data on the diverse marine life that inhabit our ocean waters.
