Since 1921, the Carmel River and its wildlife resources have been impacted by San Clemente Dam. As a result, the Carmel River suffers accelerated erosion, the once vibrant steelhead run has dramatically decreased, and lives and property below the dam are threatened with potential collapse of the dam — which has been deemed unsafe by the State of California. We speak with Sam Schuchat, Executive Officer, State Coastal Conservancy. He discusses an extraordinary opportunity to remove the antiquated dam through a unique example of public and private interests working together to realize benefits far beyond what either could achieve working alone.
Rain Garden: Slowing Pollution at Its Source: Play Now | Download (216)
In spring 2012, the City of Elk Grove, a community just south of Sacramento, California, opened a rain garden that is a magnet for wildlife, prevents pollution from running off into local streams, and an important tool to teach others about how use similar earth-friendly techniques in their own yard. Paul Mewton, Chief of Planning, Cosumnes Community Services District, and Greg Gearheart, State Water Resources Control Board, discuss this innovative park and how land use in the Central Valley still impacts our coast and ocean.
Saturday, September 15 is the Annual California Coastal Cleanup Day, the state’s largest volunteer event. In 2011, nearly 72,000 volunteers removed more than 1.3 million pounds of trash and recyclables from California beaches, lakes and waterways. For this year, debris from the 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami is bringing more attention to the important issue of marine debris. Eben Schwartz, marine debris program manager for the California Coastal Commission, talks about the 28th annual cleanup and how you can participate. (Photo credit: California Coastal Commission)
The Pacific Gyre is a slowly moving, clockwise spiral of ocean currents. We talked with Marcus Eriksen, the executive director of the 5 Gyres Institute, about ocean gyres and the Pacific Garbage Patch, said to be twice the size of Texas, floating between Hawaii and California. (Photo courtesy of NOAA Marine Debris Program)
On March 11, 2011, a powerful tsunami hit Japan, destroying cities and villages, and carrying tons of debris out to sea. Ocean currents are projected to carry some of that debris to U.S. shores, including the West Coast. It’s uncertain what is still floating, where it’s located, where it will go, and when it will arrive. Nir Barnea, West Coast Regional Director, NOAA Marine Debris Program, has the latest information.
With Memorial Day Weekend, the “unofficial” start of summer, we highlight ways to thank the ocean for our beautiful beaches. Brian Baird, Assistant Secretary for Ocean and Coastal Policy for the California Natural Resources Agency, discusses everyday actions we can take to help clean up our coasts and ocean. Actor and activist Edward James Olmos adds his powerful Thank You Ocean message, “Don’t Trash the Beach.”
Skyli McAfee, Executive Director of the California Ocean Science Trust, offers a perspective on decommissioning oil and gas rigs that sit off the coast of California. (Photo credit: Platform Irene, North of Point Arguello: Linda Snook)
Oil Spills in San Francisco Bay: Preparing a Better Response: Play Now | Download (748)
This Thank You Ocean Report highlights excerpts from the “Oil Spills in San Francisco Bay: Preparing a Better Response” conference sponsored by the San Francisco Estuary Partnership on May 11, 2010. | Click here to view .mp4 video in larger player
On April 22, 2010 the Transocean Deepwater Horizon drilling rig sank 130 miles southeast of New Orleans. On this report you will learn how you can find current information on the spill and how you can help. (Photo credit: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Justin E. Stumberg/Released) | Click here to view .mp4 video in larger player
This winter NOAA is predicting greater rainfall than normal. On this report, we ask the question: How does rainfall affect the ocean? Bridget Hoover, Director of the Water Quality Protection Program for the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, describes how various pollutants accumulate during the dry season and are washed into the ocean when it rains. (Photo courtesy of Warren Yogi)
Skyli McAfee, Executive Director of the California Ocean Science Trust, offers a perspective on decommissioning oil and gas rigs that sit off the coast of California. (Photo credit: Platform Irene, North of Point Arguello: Linda Snook)
This winter NOAA is predicting greater rainfall than normal. On this report, we ask the question: How does rainfall affect the ocean? Bridget Hoover, Director of the Water Quality Protection Program for the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, describes how various pollutants accumulate during the dry season and are washed into the ocean when it rains. (Photo courtesy of Warren Yogi)
