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An Overview of Sonoma’s Marine Protected Areas

�Your local on the water playground

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OVERVIEW OF PRESENTATION

Welcome to Sonoma’s coast
Science of marine conservation
Deep dive into local marine protected areas (MPAs)
Species you may encounter
Wildlife etiquette
Local engagement with your coast

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WELCOME TO SONOMA COUNTY

SAN FRANCISCO

POINT ARENA

SAN JOSE

Monterey BAY

Crescent City

Ukiah

Bodega Bay

Point Arena

Fort Bragg

Crescent City

Ukiah

Bodega Bay

Point Arena

Fort Bragg

The county is home to 10 MPAs:

4 SMCAs (State Marine Conservation Area) = blue
4 SMRs (State Marine Reserves) = red
2 SMRMA (State Marine Recreational Management Area) = green
Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary (NMS)

Google Earth

YOU ARE

HERE!

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SONOMA COAST NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBAL HISTORY

Original inhabitants lived here for 12,000 years before “discovery”
Sonoma may stem from “NOMA” a Mayakmah word for town
Good soil, sun, water & abundant game inc. fish, wild oats, berries and acorns
Both Miwoks & Pomo along coast
Fort Ross became a commercial fur and agricultural hub
Still live in ancestral homelands near present day Fort Ross

@ClarkeHistoricalMuseum

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KASHIA BAND OF POMO INDIANS

Cultural important marine resources are: abalone, mussels, seaweed, and sea salt.
Shells are utilized and can be seen in many of the tribe's spiritual regalia and jewelry.
In 2015 Pomo reclaimed over a mile of coastline within ancestral territory.
Kashia Pomo manage these lands to protect and promote marine resources.

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SONOMA COAST HISTORY

@Masons marina

@Spud Pt

@Timber Cove

Old-growth redwoods abounded
Pocket schooners plied the coast to collect felled giants
As lands cleared, sheep and apple farmers settled
Rail line at Duncan Mills
In 1905 Jack London settled here

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COASTAL RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES

TIDEPOOLING

FISHING

HIKING

Go hiking or walking in:

Gualala Point Regional Park
Del Mar Landing SMR
Salt Point State Park
Sonoma Coast State Park
Bodega Headlands

Certain take is allowed in:

Stewarts Point SMCA
Salt Point SMCA
Russian River SMCA
Bodega Bay SMCA

Tidepool in:

Salt Point State Park
Gerstle Cove SMR
Shell Beach
Bodega Head
Schoolhouse Beach

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COASTAL RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES

KAYAKING

SURFING

WILDLIFE WATCHING

Wildlife watching is popular at:

Del Mar Landing SMR
Salt Point State Park
Fort Ross State Historic Park
Mouth of the Russian River
Bodega Headlands

Go kayaking at:

Gualala River
Russian River
Bodega Bay
Tomales Bay

Surfing is popular at:

Black Point Beach
Mouth of the Russian River
Salmon Creek
Doran Beach
Dillon Beach

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SONOMA HARBORS & BOAT LAUNCHES

Ocean Cove
Timber Cove
Russian River – Jenner Visitor Center Boat Ramp
Spud Point Marina
Westside Regional Park
Doran Regional Park
Porto Bodega
Lawsons Landing

Ocean Cove

Timber Cove

Boat Launches

@Timber Cove

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COASTAL ACCESS POINTS

Walk-On Beach
Shell Beach
Stengel Beach
Pebble Beach
Black Point Beach
Horseshoe Cove
Fisk Mill Cove
Stump Beach Cove
Salt Point SP
Gerstle Cove
Stillwater Cove
Fort Ross
Goat Rock Beach
Sonoma Coast SP
Wrights Beach
Portuguese Beach
Schoolhouse Beach
Salmon Creek Beach
Bodega Head Beach
Doran Regional Park
Shorttail Gulch Beach
Dillon Beach

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CAMPGROUNDS

Gualala Point Regional Park
Woodside Campground
Gerstle Campground
Stillwater Campground
Reef Campground
Willow Creek Campground
Wrights Beach Campground
Pomo Canyon Campground
Bodega Bay RV Park
Bodega Dunes Campground
Westside Regional Park & Campground
Doran Campground

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SCIENCE OF MARINE CONSERVATION

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WHAT IS A MARINE PROTECTED AREA (MPA)?

©Jim Johnston

©California State Parks

©Chad King/NPAA

Marine Protected Areas (or MPAs) are protected areas of the ocean created to ensure conservation and sustainability of marine resources for the future.

They are important to YOU and here’s why:

Fish populations are in decline worldwide

MPAs may increase abundance, size and biodiversity (variety of marine life), including fish

Many MPAs protect critical breeding, nursery and feeding habitats for fish and other marine species

Ex.) Estero Americano SMRMA provides nursery habitat for the endangered tidewater goby

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CALIFORNIA’S NETWORK OF MPAS

124 State MPAs, including 14 Special Closures

Protect 16% of California’s waters

9% no-take
84% of waters not designated as MPAs

Network completed in 2012

Managed by CDFW

Visit wildlife.ca.gov/MPAs

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A Variety of habitats

MPAS PROTECT A VARIETY OF HABITATS

SOFT-OCEAN BOTTOMS

SUBMARINE CANYONS

KELP FORESTS

INTERTIDAL

ESTUARIES

ROCKY REEFS

MPA network contains representative habitats found throughout coastal waters, including estuaries, intertidal zones, rocky reefs, kelp forests, soft-ocean bottoms and submarine canyons.

SANDY BEACHES

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STATE MARINE RESERVES

CANNOT Take, harm, or pursue anything -living or nonliving- from these areas.

CAN Swim, dive, sail, surf, snorkel, kayak, tide pool, and explore!

MULTI-USE AREA NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARIES

CAN Take most species recreationally & commercially with a license.

CAN Swim, dive, sail, surf, snorkel, kayak, tide pool, and explore!

STATE MARINE

CONSERVATION AREAS

CAN Take certain species recreationally & commercially with a license.

CAN Swim, dive, sail, surf, snorkel, kayak, tide pool, and explore!

WHAT CAN YOU DO IN YOUR MPA?

Many kinds of MPAs--- while National Sanctuaries don’t limit take, State MPAs may limit some or all fishing and collecting.

“Take” means to hunt, pursue, catch, capture, or kill, fish, mollusks, or crustaceans or attempting to do so.

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BIG OLD FERTILE FEMALE FISH (BOFFF)

Average numbers of young produced by three different sizes of vermillion rockfish.

Data: Love et al. (1990) NOAA Technical Report

Older, fatter females are much more important to reproduction than younger, smaller fish. This concept called BOFFF is key to why MPAs can and do work for replenishing our oceans.

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CALIFORNIA’S MARINE PROTECTED AREAS�(MPAs)

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SONOMA COUNTY STATE MPAS

“Take” means to hunt, pursue, catch, capture, or kill, fish, mollusks, or crustaceans or attempting to do so.

STATE MARINE RESERVES (SMR)

STATE MARINE CONSERVATION AREAS (SMCA)

STATE MARINE RECREATIONAL MANAGEMENT AREA (SMRMA)

Del Mar Landing SMR
Stewarts Point SMR
Stewarts Point SMCA
Salt Point SMCA
Gerstle Cove SMR
Russian River SMCA
Russian River SMRMA
Bodega Head SMR
Bodega Head SMCA
Estero Americano SMRMA

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PT. REYES AREA MPAS

“Take” means to hunt, pursue, catch, capture, or kill, fish, mollusks, or crustaceans or attempting to do so.

STATE MARINE RESERVES (SMR)

STATE MARINE CONSERVATION AREAS (SMCA)

SPECIAL CLOSURES

STATE MARINE RECREATIONAL MANAGEMENT

AREA (SMRMA)

Estero De San Antonio SMRMA
Drakes Estero SMCA
Estero De Limantour SMR
Point Reyes SMR
Point Reyes SMCA
Point Reyes Headlands Special Closure
Point Resistance Rock Special Closure
Double Point Stormy Stack Rock Special Closure
Duxbury Reef SMCA

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SMR	Restrictions
Del Mar Landing, Stewarts Point, Gerstle Cove, Bodega Head, Point Reyes, and Estero de Limantour SMRs	Take of all living marine resources, including shells and rocks, is prohibited.
MPA	Allowable Take
Russian River, Estero Americano & Estero de San Antonio SMRMAs	Waterfowl may be taken in accordance with the general waterfowl regulations.
Stewarts Point SMCA	Recreational take of plants (no sea palm), invertebrates, finfish by hook-and-line, surf smelt by beach net, and certain species by hand-held dip net.
Salt Point SMCA	Recreational take of abalone and finfish.
Russian River SMCA	Recreational and commercial take of Dungeness crab by trap. Recreational take of surf smelt by hand-held dip net or beach net.
Bodega Head SMCA	Recreational take of Dungeness crab by trap, market squid by hand-held dip net, and pelagic finfish by trolling. Commercial take of Dungeness crab by trap, market squid by round-haul net, and pelagic finfish by trolling or round-haul net.
Drakes Estero SMCA	Recreational take of clams.
Point Reyes SMCA	Recreational and commercial take of salmon by trolling and Dungeness crab by trap.
Duxbury Reef SMCA	Recreational take of finfish from shore only. Recreational take of abalone.
Point Reyes Headlands, Point Resistance Rock, and Double Point/ Stormy Stack Special Closures	Restricted boating and access. No person except employees of CDFW, USFWS, NOAA or USCG during performance of their official duties, or unless permission is granted by CDFW shall enter.

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CORDELL BANK AND GREATER FARALLONES �NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARIES

Unique cold-water current runs north to south creating one of the most spectacular & biodiverse marine ecosystems in the world.
One of largest feeding grounds for white sharks, over 390 species of fish, & over 330 species of invertebrates!
No regulations on recreational fishing in GFNMS.

Greater Farallones

National Marine

Sanctuary

Greater Farallones

National Marine

Sanctuary

Cordell Bank

National Marine

Sanctuary

Monterey Bay

National Marine

Sanctuary

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DEL MAR LANDING STATE MARINE RESERVE

MPA modifies pre-existing Del Mar Ecological Reserve to better protect nearshore finfish, abalone, and their habitat
Within The Sea Ranch community
No take allowed in SMR

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STEWARTS POINT STATE MARINE CONSERVATION AREA &�STEWARTS POINT STATE MARINE RESERVE

Nearshore kelp forests, tidepools, beaches, rocky outcroppings, coves, cobble and boulders, and deep sandy seafloor
Abundant marine life (red abalone, red urchin, rockfish)
Popular destinations for scuba and free divers, beach goers, tidepoolers, and whale watchers
No take allowed in SMR

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SALT POINT STATE MARINE CONSERVATION AREA

Many tidepools, rocky shores, and secluded cove beaches
Intertidal teeming with life such as sea stars, chitons, crabs, and aggregating anemones
Drops to depths of 30-40 feet

Rock walls that rise up from sandy bottom are dotted with large anemones and encrusting sponges

Offshore, gray whales can be seen
Adjacent to Salt Point State Park

Ingrid Taylar

@CDFW

@Hank Birnbaum Fort Ross Conservancy

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GERSTLE COVE STATE MARINE RESERVE

One of CA’s oldest and smallest MPAs
0 to 30 feet
Home to rich diversity of invertebrates and fish including red abalone and large fish such as lingcod and cabezon
Popular with divers and snorkelers
No take allowed in SMR

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RUSSIAN RIVER STATE MARINE CONSERVATION AREA &�RUSSIAN RIVER STATE MARINE RECREATIONAL MANAGEMENT AREA

SMRMA goes from mouth of river upstream to HWY 1
SMCA is only 1 square mile along shore
Historically, Russian River supported steelhead, coho salmon, and chinook salmon

Both MPAs set up to protect salmon

Soft bottom habitat used by bat rays, flat fish, smelt, surfperch, and Dungeness crabs

K.Spro

@USFW

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BODEGA HEAD STATE MARINE RESERVE &�BODEGA HEAD STATE MARINE CONSERVATION AREA

Expansive rocky reef encompasses 10 square miles - 260 feet deep
Gray whales feast on rich upwelling waters, as do cormorants, murres, guillemots, and auklets
Kelp forests home to rockfish, surfperch, greenlings, urchins, and abalone
White sharks occasionally spotted
No take allowed in SMR

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ESTERO AMERICANO & ESTERO DE SAN ANTONIO �STATE MARINE RECREATIONAL MANAGEMENT AREAS

Protected for striped bass, starry flounder, gobies eelgrass, ghost shrimp, mud shrimp, & brackish water clams
Vast majority of habitats are estuary and tidal creek that contain eelgrass beds
Terrific kayaking and wildlife viewing - check local outfitters for trips

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POINT REYES MARINE PROTECTED AREAS

Includes 6 MPAs and 3 special closures
Extensive recreational activities include hiking, biking, kayaking, camping, and wildlife viewing
Great diversity and abundance of birds protected by the special closures makes the Point Reyes a popular location for birdwatching

Point Reyes MPAs host many endangered and recreationally important species of plants, animals, and fish. This area includes 6 MPAs and 3 special closures.
Several species of marine mammals, notably gray whales, northern elephant seals, and Steller sea lions, share these waters with numerous fishes including surfperch, and rockfish.
Invertebrates like Dungeness crab, coonstripe shrimp, anemones, sea whips and sea pens are common occupants of the deeper offshore areas.
The 3 special closures here protect areas including the ashy storm-petrels’ breeding, breeding common murre and roosting brown pelican, pelagic cormorant, Western gull, Brandt’s cormorant, pigeon guillemot, & rhinoceros auklet habitat. This great diversity and abundance of birds protected by the special closures makes Point Reyes a popular location for birdwatching.
Other recreational activities include hiking, biking, kayaking, and camping.

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MARINE SPECIES OF INTEREST

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LOCAL FISH & ELASMOBRANCH SPECIES

VERMILLION ROCKFISH

HALIBUT

CABEZON

KELP GREENLING

LINGCOD

WHITE SHARK

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LOCAL INVERTEBRATE & MARINE ALGAE SPECIES

EELGRASS

HUMBOLDT SQUID

HORSENECK CLAM

PACIFIC OYSTER

DUNGENESS CRAB

RED ABALONE

Many marine invertebrates are abundant in Sonoma, and these are only a few examples of species you may encounter.

Humboldt squid is a large predatory squid that can grow to over 100lbs! They eat fish, small sharks, and even each other at times. They are most commonly found at depths of 200 to 700 meters and their range is spreading across the pacific northwest.
The horseneck clam prefers fine sand or sandy to muddy bottoms, especially in bays, estuaries, and sheltered beaches. Humboldt Bay, Bodega Bay, Tomales Bay, & Drakes Estero are common digging sites. They get their name for their siphon which cannot be withdrawn into their shell.
Red abalone are the largest species of abalone in the world and the most common found in Northern California. Red abalone sometimes can be found in the intertidal zone, but are more common around 40ft in deep crevices. Sea otters and humans are their most common predators!

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LOCAL BIRD SPECIES

BLACK OYSTERCATCHER

WESTERN SNOWY PLOVER

COMMON MURRE

PIGEON GUILLEMOT

WESTERN SANDPIPER

BRANDT’S CORMORANT

Sonoma’s shoreline can provide incredible birdwatching opportunities.

In the area, you can find sandy dunes, an important habitat and refuge for the Western snowy plover or “Snowies”. They make nests in the shallow nooks in the sand to protect their eggs and shelter them from predators. They feed on small crustaceans, soft invertebrates, and small insects.
Commonly spotted black oystercatchers and western sandpiper are named after their foraging techniques and favorite prey items.
Common murre is often mistaken for penguins due to their coloring and size. They nest on steep cliff edges in dense colonies laying eggs on the bare rock instead of nests. Their bodies are heavy which makes flying hard but they are excellent divers. They can dive to depths of 100ft, but have been seen at 550ft!

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LOCAL MARINE MAMMAL SPECIES

CALIFORNIA SEA LION

HARBOR SEAL

HARBOR PORPOISE

GRAY WHALE

HUMPBACK WHALE

SEA OTTER

The coast supports a wide variety of incredible marine mammals, who either stop by along their migrations or live their entire lives within the nutrient-rich waters. You are likely to see at least a few of these walking along the coast.
Sea otters can be seen floating in kelp forests and off Goat Rock Beach. Thought to be extinct after being hunted for their thick fur, they are now listed as threatened after having recolonized the area from a few pairs found in Big Sur but have not re-established in Fort Ross.
Goat Rock State Beach is also home to the largest concentration of harbor seals along the Sonoma County coast. Females give birth to one pup annually between March and June. If you visit the Russian River Estuary in June and July, you may see the territorial displays of male seals slapping their flippers on the water’s surface as they defend where the females are hauled out on the beach.

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ENVIRONMENTAL�ETIQUETTE

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If you see a sick or injured marine mammal, please do not approach!

The Marine Mammal Center 415-289-SEAL, for deceased animals call California Academy of Sciences: (415) 379-5381

There are a few ways we can make sure our eagerness to view marine wildlife doesn’t disturb them. Please:

Learn before you go. Check out the rules and regulations for the area you are visiting.
Keep your distance – if you see them change behavior or notice you, you are too close
Do not touch for any reason
Do not feed or attract them to you. Interactions with wildlife can change their normal behavior and feeding habits which can result in harm or death to the animal, despite our best intentions
Do not approach sick or abandoned wildlife. If you find a sick or wounded animal, do not approach it, instead call the Pacific Wildlife Care or the Marine Mammal Center as soon as possible
Leave pets at home
Do not harass or chase wildlife
Pack your trash, and
Teach others around you to be responsible viewers. Our marine life thanks you!

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TIDEPOOLING ETIQUETTE

Keep an eye on the water. Never turn your back to the ocean.

Be aware of your surroundings, including water and waves, slippery rocks or algae, and tidepool creatures.

Step carefully. Avoid crushing animals, algae, and plants whenever possible.

Be gentle. Always touch lightly so you don’t disturb intertidal life.

Leave them. Take only pictures and return the animals, algae, plants, rocks, and shells to where you found them.

Remove trash. Pick it up and dispose of it in waste bins.

Avoid wading in tidepools

Give marine mammals space. Remain 50 yards away from them.

©Coastal Monument

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BE SEABIRD SAFE

Stay on trails – view from a distance.
If you see seabirds acting nervously (head bobbing, fluttering, or flying away), you are too close - back away.
Pack out your trash, recycle plastics.
Do not feed seabirds.
Never dump oil, fuel, or other foreign substances into the water or drains.
To learn more, visit: SeabirdProtectionNetwork.org
To report a dead or injured seabird, call Wildlife Rescue Sonoma County (707) 526-9453

©Coastal Monument

Sonoma is an important area for seabirds, but a few easy steps can help keep them safe. Approaching too close to seabird colonies causes birds to panic and fly away, potentially abandoning their nests. Abandoned nests leave eggs or chicks exposed to predators. In some cases, disturbances can cause complete breeding failure of a seabird colony, in which no chicks survive.

You can help protect seabirds by following these tips:

Stay on the trail at all times to avoid damaging underground nests.
If you see wildlife acting nervously you are too close; slowly back away and leave the area. Bring binoculars to enjoy watching seabirds from a safe distance.
Pack out your trash.
Do Not Feed Wildlife.
You can help protect seabirds by raising your awareness of seabirds and gaining a greater understanding of the places they go and the food they eat. To learn more, visit: SeabirdProtectionNetwork.org

Please report dead or injured seabirds to Wildlife Rescue Sonoma County. Here is the contact for you.

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REPORT SARGASSUM HORNERI

Non-native brown seaweed from China, Korea, and Japan.
Arrived in southern CA in ports of LA early 2000s.
Recently recorded at Monterey Breakwater in June 2020.
Highly invasive – adults fragment easily, and each can produce hundreds of fertile eggs in one receptacle (shown in yellow).
Help prevent spread, check vessel props & anchors before transiting!
If spotted, record the date and location and report to CDFW’s Invasive Species Program:

Call (866) 440-9530
Send an email to invasives@wildlife.ca.gov
Fill out the form at: wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Invasives/Report

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STRANGE FISH IN WEIRD PLACES

Recently an influx of warmer water off California has brought unprecedented sightings of marine organisms found outside their typical habitats and range. Larger predatory fish and bigger schools of fish are staying around later in the year. Non-native species not previously recorded in Monterey are now being spotted here. These new species have the potential to displace native species.

To understand the effect that changing oceanic conditions will have on fish and benthic invertebrate communities, the California Undersea Imagery Archive is initiating a crowd-sourcing effort called Strange Fish in Weird Places.
Relying on you and others on the water, they will document your observations of organisms in new and unusual places.
They are requesting any or all of the information below, with an emphasis on the location, depth and date that any imagery was collected:

Desired attribution for use of photo on website and outreach materials
Time and date
Species ID (lowest taxonomic level possible)
Depth (if collected via SCUBA or breath-hold diving)
Location (lat/long if possible, general location if not)

For questions or to report, please contact them at cuia@csumb.edu. They very much appreciate your contributions.

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CLIMATE CHANGE ON THE WEST COAST

Warming Ocean Temperatures:

Much of the northeast Pacific Ocean was warmer than normal from April 19 to July 18, 2020.
Effects most dramatic offshore between Hawaii and Alaska.

Atmospheric Pressure Changes:

High pressure over Gulf of Alaska, Low pressure in NE Pacific in summer of 2019: causes reduced winds

Why is this a concern?

Winds remove heat, mix the surface waters with cooler waters below

Consequence: rapid warming of surface waters in NE Pacific

Marine Heatwaves:

New marine heatwave off the West Coast in Sept, 2019
Researchers monitoring effects on the marine ecosystem, resembles “The Blob” heatwave of 2014.

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/feature-story/new-marine-heatwave-emerges-west-coast-resembles-blob

Climate has been changing on the west coast- how does this impact our ocean?

Some of the major features that have impacted our coast in recent years include:

Warming ocean temperatures. We have had warmer temperatures from Hawaii to Alaska for the past decade including 2020.
Second, for a few years prior to 2020, a large body of warm surface water, called the “BLOB” placed itself off the west coast south of Alaska, and off the coast of Oregon and Washington. This blob acted like a heatwave in the ocean with major impacts to species distributions, as well as catches of fish and crab.
Finally, a high pressure over the Gulf of Alaska created reduced winds in the summer of 2019. The lack of wind is of concern since the winds push the warm surface waters offshore, so that cooler waters upwell, or rise to the surface. This upwelling is responsible for the incredibly productive coastal waters of the West Coast.

These recent changes are of concern to commercial fishermen and anglers as well as coastal communities and are being monitoring carefully.

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GET INVOLVED

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STEWARDS OF COAST & REDWOODS

Bring your class to a State Park

Hands-on environmental education programs to enhance environmental curriculum in classrooms
School groups from pre-school - 12^th, unique tours, on-site activities and follow-up lessons

Multi-visit Forest to the Sea curriculum designed to take students on journey from the Forest to the Sea

Redwood ecology, watershed science, intertidal

and marine studies

Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods is a non-profit organization that partners with the Russian River Sector of California State Parks to promote, restore and protect the natural and cultural resources in our parks through interpretation and public stewardship. They do this with the help of 300 volunteers by a variety of programs and opportunities to experience and explore these exceptional parks.
Stewards has developed hands-on environmental education programs designed to enhance the environmental curriculum being taught in classrooms. Pre-school through 12th grade; these programs are available for Armstrong Redwoods SNR, Austin Creek SRA, Sonoma Coast SP beaches and in the Willow Creek watershed covering topics like Redwood ecology, watershed science, intertidal and marine studies.
Visit https://www.stewardscr.org/ to learn more.

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Mission: teach ocean safety and awareness while developing fitness and skills in surf and ocean activities such as wave riding of all types, swimming, sailing, first aid/CPR, coastal ecology and conservation.

JUNIOR LIFEGUARDS

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FORT ROSS CONSERVANCY

Marine Ecology Program:

An exciting outdoor educational field trip including:

Hands-on marine mammal ID & observation
Exploring the diverse species of the intertidal zone
Discussing the importance of biodiversity & marine conservation

Steller and California Sea Lion Surveys: Volunteers monitor one of the most southerly populations of Steller Sea Lions that haul out on Sea Lion Rocks, just offshore near Fort Ross.

Harbor Seal Monitoring: Our citizen science volunteers monitoring the Harbor Seal population that haul out along our coast. Trainings happen annually, just before pupping season in March.

MPA Collaborative Network ROV Pilot Program: FRC is part of the statewide ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) pilot program, collecting data on the health of our local marine habitats such as MPAs.

Citizen Science & Outdoor Education at Fort Ross

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BODEGA MARINE LAB

Dune and coastal bluff restoration on the Bodega Head Marine Reserve

Abalone research

Invasive green crab

Public aquaria display

Public education

Wetland health

Https://marinescience.Ucdavis.Edu/about/volunteer-opportunities/marine-ecology

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POINT REYES �NATIONAL SEASHORE

Partner with the National Park Service to create opportunities for all people to experience, enhance, and preserve Point Reyes National Seashore for present and future generations
Engage more than 6,000 youth and adults annually through environmental education programs
To volunteer, contribute, or participate in classes, contact Point Reyes National Seashore Association at www.ptreyes.org

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CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS�SONOMA-MENDOCINO COAST DISTRICT

Bird and Marine Mammal Monitoring and Surveys
Mendocino Coast Whale Festivals
Marine Mammal Guided Hikes and Presentations
MPA Watch Community Science Program
Coastal Exotic Plant Removal
Docent-led Tidepool Explorations
Junior Ranger and Junior Lifeguard Programs
PORTS Programs offering live virtual field trips to local MPAs

To volunteer contact Schall.Ameila@parks.ca.gov

For information on public programs contact Michelle.Levesque@parks.ca.gov

Volunteer Opportunities and Public Programs

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WILDLANDS CONSERVANCY - JENNER HEADLANDS PRESERVE

Come join us on the land! Free public access 7 days a week, 14 miles of trails, seasonal guided hikes with environmental experts, wildflower hikes, fall raptor migration hikes

Volunteer with us! Monthly workdays, tree planting, wetland enhancement, invasive species removal

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Since 1993, fighting to ensure a thriving river system and to inspire the community to protect the Russian River forever.

Restores riparian areas to decrease erosion, improve water quality, and improve critical wildlife habitat. Many of these parks give families and students a place to enjoy and learn about the watershed, which empties into the Pacific at Jenner.

Advocates for clean water policies & for government enforcement of environmental laws to stop polluters.

Mobilizes volunteers to annually clean up over 400,000 pounds – as much as a blue whale – of trash. Trash strangles our river ecosystem and local economy, and turns our ocean into a garbage patch.

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Pole Mountain Preserve – 238 Acres

Sea to Sky Trail: 7.2 mile hike from the Jenner Headlands Parking Lot

Open Daily, 8am-Sunset

More information and trail map: www.sonomalandtrust.org

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Estero Americano Preserve – 127 Acres

Partnerships with RCD, NRCS, and CDFW to manage coastal grasslands, study the native flora and monitor estuary water quality.

Guided Outings and Raptor Walks: https://sonomalandtrust.org/outings/

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SEABIRD PROTECTION NETWORK

Partners with boaters, kayakers, pilots, and seabird biologists to reduce disturbance to seabirds and other marine wildlife

Disturbance to seabirds during the breeding season can be detrimental to the ecosystem

Learn about seabirds and how you can protect them by visiting https://seabirdprotectionnetwork.org/

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SONOMA SURFRIDER

Beach Clean Ups and Plastic Pollution Education
Blue Water Task Force: water quality testing for bacteria
Annual Blue Water Paddle Race and other family oriented, community events

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Grassroots environmental organization protects unique lands, waters, and biodiversity of W. Marin thru advocacy, education, and stewardship. �

Tired of Trash? Join us for our watershed and beach Annual Coastal Clean Up. Volunteers remove more than 5,000 pounds of trash annually-Our plastics program helps stop pollution by advocating to remove single-use plastics.�
Join Our Team as an Intern! Our internship program accepts applications for fall and summer legal and coastal advocate internships for students looking to gain experience.

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Dive with a Purpose!

Join us today!

Want to get your fins wet, make a difference, enjoy diving with others and collect invaluable long-term data?

These data are used by marine managers, researchers and the public for the sustainable management of our ocean resources

Photo: Andrew Harmer

We train citizen scientists to collect data, on the health of their local reefs

Reef Check helps ensure the long-term sustainability and health of California’s nearshore rocky reefs and kelp forests

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One of the world’s most popular nature apps.

iNaturalist helps you identify the plants and animals around you.

Get connected with a community of over a million scientists and naturalists who can help you learn more about nature!

By recording and sharing your observations, you’ll create research quality data for scientists working to better understand and protect nature.

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SNAPSHOT CAL COAST

Annual statewide effort to document coastal biodiversity.

Get out on the coast and share observation of plants, animals, and seaweeds using iNaturalist app.

Your chance to help build an annual snapshot of biodiversity along the California coast.

Become a part of community of observers and recorders answering questions about California’s MPAs.

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CCRFP

California Collaborative Fisheries

Research Program

A partnership of people and communities interested in fisheries sustainability.

With help of volunteer anglers and fishing community, we collect data on economically important nearshore species to inform fisheries management and evaluate marine protected areas (MPAs).

If you want to contribute to research and learn more about nearshore fish stocks, become a volunteer angler!

For more information, visit: www.mlml.calstate.edu/ccfrp/

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MPA WATCH

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1-888-334-CALTIP (1-888-334-2258), DOWNLOAD THE APP CALTIPS

Help stop poaching and polluting:

1-888-491-GEAR (4237)

Report lost fishing gear:

www. Boatingcleanandgreen.com

Learn about clean boating and how to recycle fishing line:

California Academy of Sciences (whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions and sea turtles): 1(415) 379-5381

Report Dead Marine Mammals:

415-399-3547 or via VHF-FM radio channel 16

Coast Guard Bodega:

visit www. SeabirdProtectionNetwork.org

Help Protect Seabirds:

www.wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Invasives/report

Reporting Invasive Species in California:

1(800) 367-8222

24 Hour Vessel Assistance (Fees Involved):

1-877-SOS-WHALE (1-877-767-9425) for distressed whales and dolphins
707-951-4722 NorthCoastNMC.org

Statewide Whale Rescue Team

NorthCoast Marine Mammal Center

IMPORTANT REPORTING & RESPONSE NUMBERS

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USEFUL MOBILE APPS

iNaturalist

iNaturalist, LLC

Identify plants and animals around you and record your observations

CalTIP

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW)

Submit anonymous tips to CDFW

Your Coast

California Coastal Commission

Explore beaches, trails and parks along the California coast

Seafood Watch

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Provides recommendations for sustainable seafood and sushi

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THANK YOU