Linda Sheehan, Executive Director of the California Coastkeeper Alliance, says cleaning up pollution is half of the answer - the other half is teaching Californians how to prevent pollution in the first place. (Photo courtesy of Sarah Wilson)

For more information, visit:

• California Coastkeeper Alliance Map
• Waterkeeper Alliance
• Zero Waste California

David Beckman, Director of NRDC’s Coastal Water Quality Project, says that urban runoff is the largest source of water pollution to California’s coast. On this program he shares some easy ways to lower the environmental impact of our existing homes. (Photo courtesy of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services)

For more information, visit:

• NRDC document: “Rooftops to Rivers”
• Surfrider Foundation’s “Ocean-Friendly Gardens”
• Low Impact Development Center
• EPA: Low impact development

Learn about this joint effort to protect and manage the vast marine resources shared by California, Oregon and Washington. Our guest is Brian Baird, Assistant Secretary of Ocean and Coastal Policy for the Resources Agency of California.

For more information, visit

• West Coast Governors’ Agreement
• California Ocean Resources Management Program
• Office of Governor Kulongoski, Oregon
• Washington State Department of Ecology

Low impact development is a way of protecting water resources by building in greenscape - trees and grasses and natural types of plantings - to absorb rainwater instead of discharging it onto city streets. This urban runoff has become the biggest source of water pollution in California and in the country. David Beckman, Director of NRDC’s Coastal Water Quality Project, discusses this environmentally and economically viable building option. (Photo courtesy of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services)

For more information, visit:

• NRDC document: “Rooftops to Rivers”
• Surfrider Foundation’s “Ocean-Friendly Gardens” 
• Low Impact Development Center
• EPA: Low impact development

The California Coastkeeper Alliance coordinates, supports and enhances the work of local California Waterkeepers in order to ensure that Californians enjoy clean water and a healthy coast.  In this Thank You Ocean report, CCKA Executive Director Linda Sheehan talks about the Alliance’s Severely Polluted Water Bodies of California Interactive Map which is available on their website. (Photo courtesy of Sarah Wilson)

For more information, visit: 

• California Coastkeeper Alliance Map
• Waterkeeper  Alliance
• Natural Resources Defense Council

The Farallon Islands off the coast of San Francisco are a haven for seals, seal lions, seabirds and sharks. Mary Jane Schramm, Media and Public Outreach Specialist for Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, shares the natural history of the sharks that inhabit this area and their important role in this ecosystem.  (Photo courtesy of Scot Anderson)

For more information, visit:

• TOPP
• SIO Shark Tracks
• PRBO Conservation Science

The creation of a network of Marine Protected Areas along the coast of California is in progress. Melissa Miller-Hensen, Program Manager for the California Marine Life Protection Act Initiative, explains what’s involved in designing MPAs and gives a status report on the implementation process.  (Photo credit: Matt Meier, www.matthewmeierphoto.com)

For more information, visit:

• Marine Life Protection Act Initiative
• Channel Islands Marine Reserves
• National Marine Protected Areas Center
• A Sheltered Sea

Mary Jane Schramm, Media and Public Outreach Specialist for Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, suggests ways to respectfully observe the natural behaviors of harbor seals and their pups along our beaches. She also shares tips for ways to enjoy coastal lands with our dogs without impacting the wildlife. (Photo courtesy of Jamie Hall)

For more information, visit: 

• Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association
• Marine Mammal Center
• NOAA Fisheries Service

This important tool for managing and conserving marine life and habitat in California is explained by our guest Melissa Miller-Hensen, Program Manager for the California Marine Life Protection Act Initiative.  (Photo courtesy of the Marine Life Protection Act Initiative) 

For more information, visit:

• Marine Life Protection Act Initiative
• “The Science of Marine Reserves” by PISCO
• National Marine Protected Areas Center

The issue of marine debris is an extremely important and troubling problem in our ocean. Our guest Greg Helms, the Santa Barbara Field Office Coordinator for the Ocean Conservancy, explains.

For more information, visit:

• Algalita Foundation
• Heal the Bay
• Ocean Conservancy