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AN OVERVIEW OF HUMBOLDT MPAS

YOUR LOCAL ON THE WATER PLAYGROUND

An Overview of Humboldt Marine Protected Areas�Your local on the water playground

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OVERVIEW OF PRESENTATION

Introduction to Humboldt
Science of marine conservation
Deep dive into local marine protected areas (MPAs)
Species you may encounter
Guide to wildlife etiquette
Local engagement with your coast

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Gold miners discovered gold here in 1850, naming the settlement “Eureka!”

110 miles of coastline and 160,000 acres of majestic redwood to explore

Characterized by rivers, beaches, and forests offering endless opportunities for outdoor recreation

The county is home to 8 MPAs & 2 Special Closures:

3 SMCAs = blue
4 SMRs = red
1 SMRMA = green
2 Special Closure = pink

WELCOME TO HUMBOLDT COUNTY

This slide shows a map of Humboldt County and the surrounding waters.

Humboldt lies about 200 miles north of San Francisco.
Previous to the discovery of gold in 1950 Humboldt County was home to numerous native tribes, the first settlement after the gold stake was named “Eureka” which became the name of the largest city in Humboldt County.
With eelgrass meadows, marshes, coastal dunes, wetlands, rivers and forests, the area is home to coastal, estuarine and pelagic fish, with over 35 different managed species of fish including salmon, perch, and rockfishes.
In Humboldt County, there are 8 marine protected areas, or MPAs, and 2 Special Closures. 3 MPAs are state marine conservation areas, shown in blue on the map, 4 are state marine reserves, shown in red, and 1 is a state marine recreational management area shown in green.
With beaches, coastal dunes, wetlands, rivers and forests, there are endless opportunities for hiking, kayaking, boating, beach combing, and enjoying the awe-inspiring raw coastline.

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HUMBOLDT BAY �NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBAL HISTORY

Each Tribe distinct language. Original inhabitants of Humboldt (Qual-a-wa-loo):

Wiyot - South along coast from Trinidad to Ferndale & Arcata & Humboldt Bay
Yurok - Klamath River to below Trinidad Bay, Little River border between homelands of Yurok and Wiyot
Tolowa - North coast South to Wilson Creek
Hoopa - from Trinity River just before junction with Klamath, especially through Hoopa Valley and South to Grouse Creek

@California Indian Trust

Now we will discuss tribal history in Humboldt County:

Tribes are the first stewards of the land with inherent rights and responsibilities to ensure that the natural and cultural resources are sustained for future generations. Traditional tribal stewardship is based in maintaining natural balance, with the belief that if we take care of the ocean, it will take care of us.
Prior to settlers arriving in 1850, Humboldt county was home to Wiyot, Yurok, Hupa, Karuk, Chilula, Whilkut, and Eel River Athapaskan peoples.
Tribes had access to and respected the many abundant natural resources from the redwood trees, which were made into canoes, obsidian, and food sources ranging from salmon, trout to eel, game, shellfish and acorns were all staples.
The local Native American name for the bay was Qual-a-wa-loo, while the Wiyot nation called it Wike or Wiki.

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HOOPA VALLEY TRIBE

Active Fisheries Department gathering biological data and catch statistics used for determining future year’s allowable harvest levels.

Unlike most California Indians, Hupa tribe was never forced, by US to move off their original lands. Most of Hupa people live on the Hoopa Valley Indian Reservation. A treaty signed in 1864 recognized this 141-square mile area as belonging to Hupa.

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INTERTRIBAL SINKYONE WILDERNESS COUNCIL�

Played key role in MLPA

Successfully advocated on behalf of 18 Tribes for continuation of tribal customary cultural ways within six new SMCAs between Point Arena and Mattole River

Led Ocean Wilderness Delegation at World Congress

Publication providing significant baseline for scientists

Lead plaintiff in 2012 federal lawsuit against National Marine Fisheries Service for Navy’s Northwest Training and Testing

The Intertribal Sinkyone Wilderness Council is a consortium of ten federally recognized Northern California Indian tribes:

The Council was integral in the implementation of MPAs and successfully advocated on behalf of 18 Tribes for the continuation of tribal customary cultural ways within six new SMCAs between Point Arena and the Mattole River.
Some other great accomplishments and work of the council include:

Organizing and leading the Ocean Wilderness Delegation at 10^th World Wilderness Congress to present information on the achievements in marine conservation through this collaborative implementation of the California Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA).
The publication “Informing North Coast MPA Baseline: Traditional Ecological Knowledge of Keystone Marine Species and Ecosystems”, which provided significant cultural-historical context for scientific baselines of the nearshore marine ecosystems.
The Sinkyone Council was also the lead plaintiff in a 2012 federal lawsuit against National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). The lawsuit charged that the Navy’s Northwest Training and Testing (NWTT) program had failed to provide adequate mitigations for avoiding impacts to marine species and the Tribes’ cultural ways of life.

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TRINIDAD RANCHERIA

Manages Trinidad Commercial Pier and boat launch

Rebuilt crumbling Trinidad Pier

Rancheria facilitates crab buying for 18 boats fleet at tribally owned Trinidad Pier and Harbor

Tribe owns and operate crab fishing vessel Kai-Aku

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WIYOT TRIBE (SHAWIR DARRUDALUDUK ) NATURAL RESOURCES�

Resided in Humboldt County for thousands of years

Wiyot called Ku’wil

Table Bluff reservation

Fisheries projects in coordination with Humboldt State University

Non-point source water pollution control

Coming of Age ceremony

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YUROK TRIBE

Trinity River and Humboldt Bay acted as lifeline for Yurok peoples which sustains food supply such as salmon, sturgeon and candlefish

Yurok tribal members occupy Trinidad Rancheria in Trinidad and city of Klamath

Excellent fishermen, canoe makers, basket weavers, storytellers, healers & medicine people

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HUMBOLDT CULTURAL HISTORY

Trinidad Bay port for fur trading and Chinese trade expeditions

Gold discovered

1955

Earthquake and flood

2004

Portions of Indian Island ceded to Wiyot

1860

Indian Island massacre

The Bancroft Library

O’Cain enters Humboldt - Named “Bay of Indians”

1700s

1848

1806

In the 1700s Trinidad Bay was a port for fur trading and Chinese trade expeditions.
By 1806 an American ship named O'Cain reached the Humboldt coast which was named “Bay of Indians” for the large number (records of 20,000) settled there. A vigorous and trade with the Indians was took place with the natives that had a large surplus of seal and otter fur.
In 1848 Shasta County rancher Pierson Reading discovered gold in the Trinity Mountains. Gold seekers soon flooded the area, naming their first settlement Eureka, or “I found it”.
After the rush hostility had developed between local Indians and the settles which culminated in a series of massacres on February 26, 1860, the most infamous at Tuluwat on Indian Island in Humboldt Bay. Based upon Wiyot Tribe estimates, 80 to 250 Wiyot people were murdered.
In 1955, torrential rains and flooding caused the Eel river to overflow to record heights, damaging significant areas of Weott.
Nearly 160 years later after the Indian Island Massacre, Indian Island was effectively returned to the Wiyot when the city of Eureka deeded more than 200 acres over to the tribe.

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COASTAL RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES

WILDLIFE WATCHING

FISHING

HIKING

Certain take allowed in:

Reading Rock SMCA
Samoa SMCA
Big Flat SMCA

Go hiking or walking in:

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Redwood National and State Parks
Patrick’s Point State Park
Samoa Dunes Recreation Area
King Range National Conservation Area
The Lost Coast

Wildlife watching is popular in:

Ma-le’l Dunes and Mad River County Park adjacent to Samoa SMCA
South Humboldt Bay SMRMA
Sugarloaf Island and Steamboat Rock Special Closures
Big Flat SMCA

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COASTAL RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES

KAYAKING

TIDEPOOLING

BEACH SPORTS

Tidepool in:

Patrick’s Point State Park
Trinidad State Beach
South Cape Mendocino SMR
Sea Lion Gulch SMR

Go kayaking in:

Trinidad
South Humboldt Bay SMRMA

Beach sports are popular at:

Gold Bluffs Beach
Samoa Dunes Recreation Area
South Humboldt Bay SMRMA
Mattole Beach
Big Flat SMCA

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COASTAL ACCESS POINTS

Agate Beach
Trinidad State Beach
Little River State Beach
Clam Beach County Park
Mad River County Park Beach
Samoa Beach
Black Sands Beach

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There is a wide variety of beaches to choose from along the Humboldt Coast.

Located within Patrick’s Point State Park Agate beach is a wonderful for beachcombing activities as smooth sand polished agate can be found here along with access to many hiking trails.
Trinidad State Beach has incredible awe-inspiring rock formations just off the coast and great opportunity for tide pooling,
South of Trinidad are the beautiful Moonstone Beach, Little River State Beach and Clam Beach County Park featuring headlands, sea caves, picnicking, sea kayaking, surfing and more.
Mad River County Park Beach is said to be a favorite for picnicking and wildlife viewing.
The Samoa Dunes Recreation Area is unique in that it serves many purposes, beach going, picnic, fishing, surfing and more.
Black Sands Beach is located within a stretch of the Lost Coast trail, a famous backpacking route, this beach is incredibly picturesque with its black sand and offshore reefs.

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CAMPGROUNDS

Golds Bluffs Beach and Campground-dune beach camping, hiking, wildlife
Patrick’s Point State Park- ocean hikes, coastal views, historical point of interest
Humboldt Redwoods State Park- avenue of the giants
King Range National Conservation Area- tent camping, trails, stargazing, rugged
Richardson Grove State Park and Benbow State Reserve- old-growth redwoods, along the eel river

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With rolling redwoods meeting hugging the coastline there are plenty of picturesque relaxing and adventurous camping opportunities public and private.

Gold Bluffs Beach and Campground located in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, this is a unique camping opportunity as you can camp on the dunes, also a great opportunity to see Humboldt’s famous Fern Canyon.
Patrick Point State Park Trinidad from ocean hikes, wildflowers and a reconstructed Yurok village.
Humboldt Redwoods State Park in the Avenue of the Giants at the southern end of Humboldt county is the largest redwood park in California.
The King Range National Conservation Area this is a rugged stretch of untouched coast, featuring portions of the lost coast trail and diverse wildlife.
Richardson Grove State Park and Benbow State Reserve located along the South Fork of the Eel River situated in the old-growth redwood forest.

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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.) South Humboldt Bay SMRMA serves as vital eelgrass habitat, providing homes for species like Dungeness crab, pacific herring, and rockfish

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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

The 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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HUMBOLDT STATE MARINE �PROTECTED AREAS

STATE MARINE RESERVES (SMR)

STATE MARINE CONSERVATION AREAS (SMCA)

STATE MARINE RECREATIONAL MANAGEMENT AREA (SMRMA)

SPECIAL CLOSURES

1. Reading Rock SMCA

2. Reading Rock SMR

3. Samoa SMCA

4. South Humboldt Bay SMRMA

5. Sugarloaf Island Special Closure

6. South Cape Mendocino SMR

7. Steamboat Rock Special Closure

8. Mattole Canyon SMR

9. Sea Lion Gulch SMR

10. Big Flat SMCA

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

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SMR		Restrictions
Reading Rock, South Cape Mendocino, Mattole Canyon, and Sea Lion Gulch SMRs		Take of all living marine resources, including shells and rocks, is prohibited.
MPA	Allowable Take
Reading Rock & Samoa SMCAs	Recreational take of salmon by trolling, surf smelt by dip net or Hawaiian-type throw net, and Dungeness crab by trap, hoop net or hand is allowed. Commercial take of salmon with troll fishing gear, surf smelt by dip net, and Dungeness crab by trap is allowed. Includes take exemptions for some tribes.
South Humboldt Bay SMRMA	Take of waterfowl in accordance with general waterfowl hunting regulations is allowed. Includes take exemptions for some tribes.
Big Flat SMCA	Recreational take of salmon by trolling and Dungeness crab by trap, hoop net or hand is allowed. Commercial take of salmon with troll fishing gear and Dungeness crab by trap is allowed. Includes take exemptions for some tribes.
Sugarloaf Island (year-round) & Steamboat Rock (Mar 1 – Aug 31 only) Special Closures	Except as permitted by federal law or emergency caused by hazardous weather, no vessel shall be operated or anchored at any time from the mean high tide line to a distance of 300 ft. seaward of the lower low tide line of any shoreline of the special closure area. 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 the area.

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Extremely remote section of California’s coastline, west of Orick
Important nursery ground for Dungeness crabs, rockfish & flatfish
Many threatened species including western snowy plover, marbled murrelet, stellar sea lion, humpback and sperm whales, sea turtles and short-tailed albatross

©Jim Johnston

@ Mike Baird

@ Carolyn Stewart

READING ROCK STATE MARINE RESERVE &� STATE MARINE CONSERVATION AREA

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SAMOA STATE MARINE CONSERVATION AREA

Abuts shore just north of Arcata
Located in Mad River County Park
Sandy bottom shores extending far offshore, razor clams, eelgrass and sand dollars
Brown pelicans, Brandt’s cormorants, and great white sharks commonly found

©National Archives

©Anita Ritenour

@ David Safier

@ Troy Smith

@ Jillian Kern

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SOUTH HUMBOLDT BAY STATE MARINE RECREATIONAL MANAGEMENT AREA

Immensely diverse > 100 species of fish, 50 species of mammals and 260 bird species
Largest and best oyster producer in North America - famous kumamoto oyster
Over 2,000 acres of eel grass in Southern portion of bay, migratory bird feeding, and fish nursery
Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge area, wildlife view kayaking opportunity

Being one of California’s largest natural bays, you can find over 100 species of fish in the South Humboldt Bay SMRMA.
Locally known as South Spit the SMRMA is a narrow, 4 ½ mile long strip of sand dunes and marshes, separates Humboldt Bay from Ocean.
The bay holds over 2,000 acres of eel grass which performs numerous functions in that it filters the water, acts as a nursery for fish and food for migratory birds. 90% of the United States eelgrass has been destroyed so Southern Humboldt Bay is rare in that it holds such an abundance of it here.
This area offers an excellent opportunity to bird watch as they feed off the the eel grass, as well as kayaking and hiking in the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
Take of waterfowl in accordance with general waterfowl hunting regulations is allowed. Waterfowl hunters can access Humboldt Bay for hunting black brandt and other birds.

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STEAMBOAT ROCK & SUGARLOAF ISLAND SPECIAL CLOSURES

Sugarloaf Island

Home to eight different species of breeding seabirds, including the tufted puffin and double-crested cormorant, and marine mammals like Steller sea lions

Steamboat Rock

Resembles a steamboat
Important rookery for nearly 10,000 seabirds and important habitat for Steller sea lions

You can visibly tell from these photos why they call this area Steamboat Rock, This area was chosen as a special closure in 2012 because it protects seabird breeding grounds. In fact, it was identified as a ”hot spot” for marine bird breeding by the Scientific Advisory Team.
Sugarloaf Island consists of less than 0.05 square miles of rocky habitat that is home to eight different species of breeding seabirds, including the tufted puffin and double-crested cormorant. This rocky pinnacle with a 300-foot buffer zone of protected waters was designated as an MPA to protect the Steller sea lion and the diversity of seabirds that rely on this offshore habitat.
*Scientific Advisory Team is a group of experts appointed by the director of the California Department of Fish and Game to help advise the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) process.

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SOUTH CAPE MENDOCINO STATE MARINE RESERVE

Remote section of coastline- called Lost coast of California, over 70 miles - largest stretch of undeveloped coastline in CA

Westernmost point in CA

Black sand’s color is result of offshore tectonic rock and greywacke, a dark sandstone

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MATTOLE CANYON STATE MARINE RESERVE

Gets its name from the Mattole tribe, the indigenous people native to this stretch of the Mendocino coast

Encompasses part of a deep submarine canyon

Adjacent to the Lost Coast, an undeveloped and remote area of wilderness

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SEA LION GULCH STATE MARINE RESERVE

One of the most remote of the MPAs in the state, can only be reached by boat or hiking

No-take SMR encompasses habitat types including sandy beaches, offshore rocks, intertidal areas, and underwater sand and rocky reef habitats

The Punta Gorda lighthouse is located at the northern end of the MPA

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BIG FLAT STATE MARINE CONSERVATION AREA

Selected as an MPA for its significant rockfish habitat

Accessible by a long, eight plus mile hike from Shelter Cove

Popular for surfers around the southern boundary

Bounded by creeks on both the north and south ends that provide spawning and rearing habitats for salmon

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MARINE SPECIES OF INTEREST

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LOCAL FISH SPECIES

VERMILLION ROCKFISH

SMELT

LINGCOD

COHO SALMON

CDFW

HALIBUT

@NOAA

REDTAIL SURFPERCH

Here are some of the common fish in the Humboldt Bay area, from various species of rockfish and smelt, to the bat ray who can be found up and down the California coast.

Adult vermillion rockfish live amongst rocks at the bottom of reefs, while the young are found in shallower waters. They have a lifespan of about 22 years and mature at 5-6 years.
Longfin smelt are euryhaline, so they can tolerate salinity fluctuations in water and are tolerant to fresh and saltwater habitats.
Lingcod use cryptic coloration and hide in rocky holes, and under overhangs to avoid predators. Males become territorial and females are rarely observed in these areas. It is possible they visit the area just long enough to deposit eggs throughout winter and spring. After eggs are deposited (often in crevices), the males guard them from eight to ten weeks.

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LOCAL INVERTEBRATE & MARINE PLANT SPECIES

ABALONE

KUMAMOTO OYSTER

SEA STAR

SEA SLUG

EELGRASS

ANEMONE

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LOCAL BIRD SPECIES

Brown Pelican

MARBLED MURRELET

COMMON LOON

@ L Mazur

TUFTED PUFFIN

SANDERLINGS

BLACK OYSTERCATCHER

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LOCAL MARINE MAMMAL SPECIES

CALIFORNIA SEA LION

HARBOR SEAL

PACIFIC WHITE-SIDED DOLPHIN

ORCA

HUMPBACK WHALE

STELLER SEA LION

©.Bureau of Land Management

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ENVIRONMENTAL�ETIQUETTE

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

Call North Coast Marine Mammal Center (707) 465-6265

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 North Coast 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 Bird Ally X (707) 822-8839; info@birdallyx.net

©Coastal Monument

Humboldt 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.
Pack out your trash.
Do Not Feed Wildlife.
Bring binoculars to enjoy watching seabirds from a safe distance.
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.

Please report dead or injured seabirds to the Humboldt Wildlife Care Center/Bird Ally X. Here are the contacts 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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TRINIDAD COASTAL LAND TRUST

Land stewardship program
Volunteer opportunities
California Coastal National Monument Ambassador Training
Community Science Seabird Monitoring

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HUMBOLDT SURFRIDER

Ocean Night
Ocean Friendly Gardens
Samoa Trash Bash
Rise Above Plastics
Marine Protected Areas
Ocean Friendly Restaurants

Visit: www.h umboldt.surfrider.org

Helped prevent a giant liquified natural gas terminal in Humboldt Bay
Fought against the dumping of dredging spoils at Samoa Beach/Power Poles

One of Surfrider Foundation’s first victories was a successful Clean Water Act lawsuit filed in 1989 and settled in 1991 against pulp mills in Humboldt County

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NORTH COAST ENVIRONMENT CENTER

Serving Northern California and Southern Oregon for nearly 50 years
Endless volunteer opportunities-

Adopt a Block
Adopt a Beach
Marine Debris

Contact us at : yournec.org or email coastalcleanup@yournec.org.

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FRIENDS OF THE DUNES

Humboldt Coastal Nature Center
Naturalist Training: Zoom classroom sessions with distanced field sessions in small groups to immerse you in the natural diversity of Humboldt’s coastal environments
School Programs
Guided Walks

www.FriendsoftheDunes.org

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COASTAL ECOSYSTEMS INSTITUTE

Dedicated to promoting and interpreting north coast coastal ecosystems

Coordinates the Humboldt Bay Initiative (HBI)

Offers regional climate change lesson plans

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HUMBOLDT BAY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Field Trips
Guided Walks
Visitors Center
Photography
Wildlife Viewing

Habitat Restoration

Invasive Species projects:

Salmon Creek
Hookton Slough
Lanphere & Ma-le'l Dunes

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NORTH COAST MARINE MAMMAL CENTER

@Kirt Edblom

@Ruthie Maloney

North coast Marine Mammal Center staff is almost completely volunteer based.

Many volunteer opportunities in rescue, animal care, gift shop, media and more.

For more information, go to https://www.northcoastmmc.org/opportunities/volunteer/

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PATRICK’S POINT JUNIOR LIFEGUARDS

Ocean safety training

Education on Marine Protected Areas

Science behind swell and ocean currents

CPR training

Beach patrolling

Community outreach

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HUMBOLDT BAY KEEPER - WATERKEEPER ALLIANCE

Maintain clean waters and healthy ecosystems through education and presence on the bay.

Bacteria pollution studies, mercury level testing, sea level rise assessment

To Get involved contact the Humboldt Baykeepers at Alerts@humboldtbaykeeper.org or visit the website at www.humboldtbaykeeper.org

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REDWOOD NATIONAL AND STATE PARK

Curriculum and Video- based learning

Howland Hill Outdoor School

Youth Conservation Corps

Live Virtual Interpretive Program

Many interpretive centers

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HUMBOLDT STATE UNIVERSITY

Discovery Days
School Visits
Workshops
Monthly Speaker Series

Volunteer Opportunities: contact us at (707) 826-4479 or natmus@humboldt.edu

Visit www.natmus.humboldt.edu to learn more

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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 (CCFRP) - 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, email Timothy.Mulligan@Humboldt.edu or

jtyburczy@ucsd.edu

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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:

((707) 443-0801 Day / (707) 496-2542 Evening "After hours"

Local Harbor Patrol

1-800-OILS-911

Report Oil Spills

Humboldt State University Vertebrate Museum (whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions and sea turtles): 1(707) 826-4872

Report Dead Marine Mammals:

Bird Ally X (707) 822-8839; info@birdallyx.net

Report Sick or Dead Seabirds:

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
North Coast Marine Mammal Center: 1(707) 465-6265

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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LOCAL MOBILE APP DISCOVER NATURE

Developed by Discover Nature Apps, an award winning mission-driven app:

“Discover Humboldt” and
“Discover Ma-le’l”

Games include a GPS-guided, nature-based scavenger hunt; the ability for users to post and view field tips and photographs; and the opportunity to share their experiences on social media. Simply search for “Discover Nature Apps” at the App Store or Google Play.

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THANK YOU