Jeanne Sparks
SPEAK UP FOR OCEAN PROTECTIONS:
Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary
Proposed Marine Protected Areas
OCEAN PROTECTION COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, June 16 from 1pm-5pm
ONLINE
INFORMATION FROM NATURAL RESOURCES DEFENSE COUNCIL:
The Ocean Protection Council is having their quarterly meeting Tuesday, June 16th from 1pm-5pm.
This is a key opportunity to advocate for effective 30x30 implementation for the ocean, including supporting specific marine protected area proposals like Pt. Sal and Mishopshno. We hope you will testify if you are able!
Agenda Item 5a: Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary
Under this agenda item OPC will give updates on the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary (CHNMS) management plan. OPC designated the CHNMS as a 30x30 area last year despite significant concerns from NGOs and some Tribes.
As of June 5th, two of the offshore oil platforms in the Santa Ynez complex are transporting oil from federal waters through this 30x30 conserved area. This means that the CHNMS now allows for active oil transport and commercial trawling and purse seining — all activities that scientists have determined are “incompatible” with the conservation of nature.
Under this item, we would like to raise our concerns that this area is not offering meaningful biodiversity protections and request more information on how OPC plans to address these activities to strengthen biodiversity protections.
Agenda item 10: General public comment
Here we can advocate for new ocean protections as an outcome of the MPA petition process, including the proposed Mishopshno and Pt. Sal MPAs. We believe it is crucial to continue voicing the need for the state to establish new marine protected areas, especially in light of recent federal orders and the many ocean threats California’s ocean is facing.
OPC is in the process of preparing their MPA recommendations to the CA Fish and Game Commission, and hearing from supporters is helpful.
Here is a link to the meeting agenda and a link to some talking points we have organized, as well as Mishopshno-specific talking points and Point Sal-specific talking points.
You can register here to attend the meeting virtually through Zoom or by phone. We expect speakers to have two minutes to speak. Please give comments if you are able to, this meeting will be critical for 30x30 implications.
Bella Sullivan, NRDC
[email protected]
Erin Eastwood, Blue Spark Strategies
[email protected]
SANTA MARIA RIVER LEVEE TRAIL EXTENSION
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SBCAN AT 25:
Honoring the Work
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Join us on June 28 at the stunning Sunstone Winery in Santa Ynez as we celebrate Santa Barbara County Action Network turning 25−and what a quarter-century it's been! We're raising a glass to Co-Executive Directors Jeanne Sparks and Ken Hough, who have poured their hearts into leading Santa Barbara County Action Network for 14 remarkable years. Under their guidance, SBCAN diversified its board, deepened community partnerships, and championed environmental, economic, and social justice across the county. Their legacy is woven into everything we do. While we'll miss them at the helm, the story continues! Ken joins the SBCAN Board of Directors and Jeanne steps into the SBCAN Advisory Council — so their wisdom stays close. And the future? It's bright. We're thrilled to welcome Nancy Avoce as our incoming Executive Director, effective July 1. Spotted early as a rising star by Jeanne and Ken, Nancy has spent nearly three years as Assistant Director exceeding every expectation. She's now building a dynamic, energized team ready to take SBCAN to bold new heights. U.S. Senator Adam Schiff and State Senator Monique Limón have been invited and will try to make it. We hope to see them−and you, too! Come celebrate with us! Onward in the fight! Co-Presidents Lawanda Lyons-Pruitt and Dick Flacks Click here for tickets or to sponsor |
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