Coast & Ocean
Coast & Ocean Program focuses on one of the most iconic locations in the Bay Area, the waters coming into and out of the Golden Gate. This is the part of San Francisco Bay that is farthest downstream and includes the nearshore coast and ocean waters off the Golden Gate. We support education, outreach, and advocacy regarding this dynamic area where fresh and salt waters meet.
Marine Protected Areas
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are like national parks, such as Yosemite or Yellowstone, but are located underwater. The Coast & Ocean Program is involved with improving the implementation of MPAs at the national, state, and local levels. To drive awareness, we produced video about MPAs, created an MPA Aquarium Exhibit, wrote a national report on MPA financing, and generated a pledge to support MPAs that was signed by people from 23 states and 34 countries. Key roles include
- National Level: Chair of the MPA Federal Advisory Committee
- State Level: Work with the MPA Leadership Team on implementation of MPAs.
- Local Level: Co-Chair of the Golden Gate MPA Collaborative
Marine Debris (Ocean Trash)
We aim to reduce trash in the ocean by increasing public awareness and understanding of how single-use plastic trash negatively affects the environment, the economy, and people. We produce lectures and beach cleanups to raise awareness throughout the year. Currently an Action Plan to reduce the loss of fishing gear and to improve ways to recover fishing gear that is lost is in progress.
Climate Change Adaptation
We support efforts to adapt to Climate change within the Bay and along the coast through our advocacy efforts (supporting Measure AA to fund critical activities) and through our events.
Exploration of the Waters Off the Golden Gate
We are working to support and inspire ocean exploration to help with resource management and to support marine archaeological expeditions (usually for shipwrecks) off our coastline. Currently we are partnering with Dr. Sylvia Earle and Deep Ocean Exploration and Research to establish an Exploration Hub at Aquarium of the Bay.
Film & Lecture Program
The Film & Lecture Program is one of the most effective tools that reach and educate the public about ways to help protect the San Francisco Bay Watershed from the Sierra to the Sea. We lead by example serving only sustainable seafood at the events and provide films, book releases, and lectures that address challenges protecting the watersheds, the bay, the coast, and the ocean.
