Last of seasonal high tides to demonstrate potential impacts of sea level rise
Contact: Kristin Goodrich, Tijuana River National Estuarine Reserve, 619-575-3613 x314
Media Alert
02/03/2012
SAN DIEGO, Jan. 31, 2012 – On Feb. 7, some of the year’s highest tides will breach San Diego’s shorelines, providing a glimpse of what the region can expect as sea levels rise in the coming years. According to The San Diego Foundation’s Regional Focus 2050 Study, increases in sea level in San Diego could be 12 – 18 inches by 2050. The king tides on Monday, Feb. 6 through Wednesday, Feb. 8 are predicted to raise water levels five to eight inches above normal.
San Diego Coastkeeper and Tijuana River National Estuarine Reserve invite media for a boat tour of the San Diego Bay to learn more about sea level rise in San Diego and how king tides demonstrate potential impacts.
What: Explore San Diego Bay on San Diego Coastkeeper’s boat during the king tides to see how climate change and sea level rise could affect San Diego’s coastline. Speak with Coastkeeper’s scientist and coastal training program coordinator from Tijuana River National Estuarine Reserve about potential impacts to the community and the importance of protecting the coastline starting now.
Who: San Diego Coastkeeper scientist Travis Pritchard and Tijuana River National Estuarine Reserve’s Coastal Training Program Coordinator Kristen Goodrich.
When: The king tides will occur on Feb. 6, 7, and 8 in the morning. The tour is on Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 7 a.m.
Where: The tour will leave from the Kona Kai Marina (1561 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, CA) on Shelter Island. Boat tour will travel through various locations in San Diego Bay that highlight the impact of sea level rise. Media must RSVP with San Diego Coastkeeper (Jamie: 619-758-7743 x101 or at ) to get a ride on the boat.
Why: The communities of San Diego were mostly built with the thought that our coastline was a stable landform that wouldn’t change. With the threat of climate change and associated sea level rise looming, it’s vital that we understand how a higher sea level can affect us. The rare king tide events offer a glimpse into what impacts will occur with higher sea levels.
Also, local environmental organizations are working within a statewide project to have volunteers in San Diego County document this winter’s highest tides. Statewide, the organizations will use the photography to help policymakers visualize projected impacts from rising sea levels and take action to protect homes, harbors, airports, and other key infrastructure as well as wetlands, beaches, and public access to the coast. Residents can learn more at www.califoniakingtides.com and are encouraged to get out their cameras each morning and help capture sea level rise impacts by submitting photos, along with their contact information, photo location, orientation, and date and time of day, directly to the California King Tide page at www.flickr.com/groups/cakingtides.
Bonus: We are available for individual tours/interviews by land upon request.
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About San Diego Coastkeeper
Founded in 1995, San Diego Coastkeeper protects the region’s inland and coastal waters for the communities and wildlife that depend on them by blending education, community empowerment, and advocacy. For more information, http://www.sdcoastkeeper.org
About National Estuarine Research Reserve System
The National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) is a network of protected areas established for long-term research, education, and stewardship. Through a partnership between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Estuarine Reserves Division and the coastal states, the NERRS plays a critical role in sustaining the nation’s estuaries and coastal communities. There are currently 28 Reserves located throughout the United States, comprising more than one million acres of estuarine land and water. Reserves conduct research, monitoring, restoration, education, and training designed to improve our understanding and management of estuaries. For more information, visit www.trnerr.org
Communications Consultant Lola Dvorak supports CCKA’s strategic communications by helping waterkeepers tell their stories.
