News Headlines
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Mix-up to begin for MLPA proposals
02.07.2010
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Marine reserve gives island paradise a second lease of life
02.05.2010
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NOAA Grant Proposal Could Launch Marine Zoning
02.05.2010
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Two paths: Ballot, budget targeted in dispute over state parks funding
02.04.2010
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EPA official visits Kettleman City, meets mothers whose babies had birth defects
02.04.2010
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Announcements
Support Marine Protected Areas in California!
The California Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) calls for the creation of a science-based network of marine protected areas (MPAs) along the state's coastline. Stakeholders in Southern California have worked for over a year to implement the MLPA; you can get involved by sending a letter to the Fish and Game Commission in support of a strong network of MPAs for the South Coast. On the North Coast, a newly-appointed group of marine stakeholders will work to integrate the diverse interests of the region’s constituents into a science-based proposal of MPAs. The success of the MLPA depends on active public participation; stay involved by attending an upcoming meeting!
CCKA Launches Interactive Water Quality Violations Map
CCKA has developed an online interactive map to help the public and state agencies track and improve compliance with water quality laws. This tool maps all dischargers within California’s six coastal Regional Water Boards that have been issued mandatory minimum penalties (MMPs) since 2000, when the laws setting these minimum penalties took effect. MMPs are issued for “serious” and “multiple chronic” water quality violations. Using the map, you can select your Regional Water Board and click on facilities to learn more about their violation records since 2000. The map also highlights facilities that have not violated in recent years. The MMP Map complements CCKA’s regular work to improve the level, targeting, and transparency of state law enforcement activities. Firm, equitable enforcement both improves water quality and ensures fairness to businesses that follow the law. Violations related to sewage releases, industrial wastes, and contaminated groundwater most frequently caused the issuance of MMPs statewide.
Spotlight On
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U.S. Oceans Data Hub Launched
The National Biological Information Infrastructure Program, coordinated by the U.S. Geological Survey, recently launched a new one-stop source for accessing data and information on the nation’s key marine biological resources. The Ocean Biogeographic Information System (OBIS) provides open access to a myriad of data on the diverse marine life that inhabit our ocean waters. -
Restoring Stone Canyon
Santa Monica Baykeeper (SMBK) is leading volunteers in a community effort to restore native vegetation and wildlife to Stone Canyon Creek on UCLA’s campus. Over the years, the creek was forced underground and now only a small segment remains. Join SMBK in their efforts to restore one of Los Angeles’ natural streams. -
Supreme Court Weakens Citizens’ Political Voice
On January 19th the U.S. Supreme Court granted corporations the same rights as people to weigh in on political campaigns. The dissent wrote that the decision was a “rejection of the common sense of the American people, who have recognized a need to prevent corporations from undermining self-government since the founding” of our country.
