Issues and Information Requests From Marine Interests Group
[Note: This is a first cut organization of the topics raised at the February 27, 2003, meeting of the Marine Interests Group Working Committee and email submissions from other interested members of the public. The Issues Subcommittee met on Wednesday, March 12, and reviewed these issues to develop potential workshop topics and identify desirable speakers. The Subcommittee advised developing the first workshop on the topic of fisheries resources.]
Baseline Information
Current status of the resources
- What is out there-natural, geological, and man-made? Inventory of species (particularly special status species).
- What studies are available about the status of the marine resources? What does the peer-reviewed scientific literature offer?
- Can the studies be available at a central location for people to access?
- How do we separate fact from fable, credible from non-credible data sources?
- What is the current level of health for the ecosystem?
- Are "indicator" animals (or plants) increasing, decreasing, or stable in populations?
- What abnormalities are there in the marine ecosystem?
- What are the statistics on commercial and recreational use of the resources (trend lines would be desirable)? How do they correlate with other variables like population growth? What are the interactions with shore and sea wildlife?
- What economic benefits come from the ocean?
- What's the inventory of contamination areas in the coastal zone?
- What are priority areas of concern (e.g. water quality, specific marine resources-fish, invertebrates, kelp)?
- What needs protection that isn't protected now?
- Are there too many sea lions and sea otters for a healthy ecosystem? What is the status and relative importance of each of these species?
- How does the SLO coast fit into whale habitat importance?
Desired information about the status of marine resources
- Is any additional baseline research underway? If so, what are the indications?
- What synergies need monitoring and explanation?
- Ocean floor survey like the southern byte study would be desirable.
- What data need to be collected? How can people agree on what's needed? How will future data be gathered? Who will pay for it?
- How can the agencies coordinate their efforts for scientific studies?
- What are the threats to marine mammals from acoustic effects?
Suggested Data Sources
- Science, Nature, Fisheries Bulletin, Estuaries, Limnology & Oceanography
- Professor Ray Hillborn, Univ. of Washington
- Regional Water Quality Control Board with pathogen and other research
Water Quality Concerns
Current status
- Who is monitoring ocean water quality and what's the current status?
- How "clean" is our ocean?
- What are the types and sources of pollution?
- What is the impact of development and pollution in San Luis Creek estuary on fisheries?
- How does urban runoff affect the marine resources?
- What is the impact of vessel discharges?
- How does power plant cooling affect the ocean environment?
- How does sewage treatment outfalls affect the resources? Are there desirable alternatives (e.g. farther out)?
- How does disposal of harbor dredge materials affect the marine resources? Are there alternatives for it?
- What are the trends in ocean water quality over the last 20, 30, 50 years?
Potential threats
- What are the potential threats from oil development, mineral extraction, and vessel traffic? Are these uses allowed? What could happen?
- What is status of Bureau of Reclamation plans for dumping of toxics?
- What would an oilrig do to our coastline? What are the risks?
Possible actions
- How effective are different pollution prevention or reduction methods?
- Examine the existing Agricultural Water Quality Program that is supported by the Monterey Sanctuary and Regional Water Quality Control Board for application in SLO County.
Fishing Concerns
Current situation
- Need to identify the fisheries.
- What data are available for fish and invertebrate fisheries for SLO County?
- What is the relevance of SLO coast ocean currents (as a food supply) to California coast fish populations?
- What scientific studies exist showing the increase or decrease of local fisheries (size and quantity) and the causes?
- What is the impact of pinniped populations on fish populations (locally and world-wide)?
- What are the impacts of climate changes to this area on fish harvest?
- What are concerns about fishing harvest; types and amounts of by-catch; un-intended gear loss; incidental take of sea birds, marine mammals; future of harvest for people?
- If current fishery is at least 50% less than in the 20's and 30's, what baseline will be used for analysis?
- What is the efficacy of existing fisheries management by state/federal governments? How is it measured (methodology) and how are data compiled? How accurate are F&G data?
Improvement opportunities
- What is a better way than stock assessments to determine what resources are out there and to protect any in trouble while allowing access to those that are thriving?
- How can we improve the fisheries resources? How can we return to the past abundance?
- Request best available science and incorporate in maximizing opportunities for rockfish to proliferate.
- Review the Agricultural Water Quality Program that works on conservation practices and farm and ranch management plans.
Bird Life
- Bird life along the shores, especially birds that breed there (e.g. Pigeon Guillemots along the rocky shoreline) - which species are present? What are the threats?
- Pelagic environment - what is the importance of it off SLO County?
Resource Regulation and Management
Current responsibilities
- Who's accountable for what? [Outline the mission, authority, relevant budget, and activities for each agency related to the SLO County marine resources] What is now being protected and by whom?
- What are the existing laws and regulations (federal EPA, State EPA, RWQCB, Coast Guard, Cal F&G, NFWS, NOAA, etc.)?
- What geographical or ecological areas are regulatory agencies currently using for the decisions they enforce in this offshore area?
- What is the cumulative result of regulations from all jurisdictions in terms of biological benefits and socio-economic costs? How do these compare with desired goals and criteria?
- What are the impacts of the time and expense of permit processes for conservation projects and what effects do these impacts have as disincentives to improve water quality?
- Can existing agencies do the task of regulating the ocean?
- What non-governmental organizations (NGO's) are currently involved and how?
Improvement opportunities
- How can functions be consolidated and coordination enhanced?
- How can permit streamlining encourage conservation practices?
- Are there options to manage without regulating?
- What are models for best protection of resources, with special attention to the future (i.e. giving best protection to the best ocean resources)?
- How to be good stewards so that future generations of humans and other species can enjoy?
- If we want to protect resources, enhance tourism, and promote further ecotourism, what gets us there most effectively?
Sanctuary questions
- What's the legal definition of a sanctuary?
- What are the options for how a sanctuary could work along SLO County?
- Do we currently have a scientifically valid study that would tell us if our marine resources are sufficiently unique to qualify for marine sanctuary status? This is a baseline need.
- What could the geographic boundaries be?
- Can an extension of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS) provide an autonomous local forum (e.g. Sanctuary Advisory Council)?
- How relevant are SLO County ocean currents to MBNMS?
- What regulations would result from establishing a marine sanctuary?
- Whom and what would a sanctuary impact?
- Who pays for the management?
- What might be the unintended impacts of a sanctuary?
- Can a sanctuary be revoked?
Marine Reserves, Marine Protected Areas
- Are there any existing data that prove that Marine Reserves actually work?
- What effects have marine protected areas had on fisheries in terms of abundance?
- Do size limits serve as an adequate alternative?
Decision-making
- Who is going to determine valid, appropriate uses and negative uses and (subjective) criteria for deciding?
Public Involvement
- Develop public input methods to get community direction.