Flotilla 64 11NR Department "M" · Monterey, CA Marine Safety and Environmental Protection Flotilla 64 Information    Division 6 Home Page     District 11 Home Page     National Auxiliary

Quick News and Links	Briefings
Monterey City Council Relaxes "No Discharge" Rule for Cruise Ships (19 FEB 2003) CA State Fish and Game Commission Bans Net Trawling for Spot Prawns (19 FEB 2003) Ocean Salmon Fishing Season opens March 29th in the Monterey area - please click this link for regulations and more information (31 JAN 2003) New Changes to Sport Rockfishing Regulatoins (03 JAN 2003) SPOTLIGHT: OILED WILDLIFE (20 FEB 2003) DID YOU KNOW? The operational area of Flotilla 06-04 is home to over 90% of the range of the entire population of the endangered California Sea otter? It is also vital habitat for a dozen species of marine mammals, such as the familiar harbor seals and California sea lions, and literally hundreds of species of aquatic birds. For endangered species, the death of even one individual can have a severe impact on the chances of survival for the entire species. One of the most severe species-wide threats comes from accidental oil spills from marine vessels. A single major oil spill might wipe out the entire otter population. The International Bird Rescue Research Center (IBRCC) and the Oiled Wildlife Care Network (OWCN) are both headquartered in Northern California. These organizations provide training and direct assistance world-wide for all types of oil spills, particularly in the rescue and rehabilitation of oiled wildlife. Local members of the OWCN include the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the Monterey County SPCA (ask for the Wildlife Center), and the Elkhorn Slough Foundation. The Monterey Bay area has recently has seen a number of unexplained oiled birds, possibly in connection with the wreck of the SS Jacob Luckenbach. What You Can Do to Help: Familiarize yourself with safe boating and diving procedures in practices and how to clean up your own spills; an Auxiliary boating class is a good first step. The OWCN offers training to individuals on how to care for oiled wildlife. If you spot a distressed or oiled animal, contact one of the organizations listed above (we're working on a list of numbers to be posted here). DO NOT ATTEMPT TO RESCUE AN ANIMAL YOURSELF. It requires proper training, and your well-intentioned efforts may well further injure the animal.	What is "Department M?" (15 FEB 2003) Among the US Coast Guard's missons are ensuring the safety and security of our waterways, including the important area of environmental protection. To paraphrase the National Department website slightly: The Marine Safety and Environmental Protection ("M") Department [of the Auxiliary ] is responsible for the planning and administration of Auxiliary programs to support the Coast Guard's Marine Safety and Marine Environmental Protection ("M") Directorate's Programs. This includes support for such things as spill reconnaissance and sampling, port safety and security, remote area inspections, vessel factory visits, licensing exam administration, public affairs, local planning, information systems support, and environmental education. If this seems particularly broad and somewhat diverse area of responsibility, it is. It may be useful to think of this as the area responsible for making it possible to use our waterways without negative consequences -- whether it be through the qualification of mariners and vessels, or ensuring boaters don't foul the environment. The Auxiliary's activities in this area are diverse as well. One of the most important Auxiliary activities in general is public education -- providing information and training, particularly about the environment and the impact of boating on our oceans and other waterways. Environmental protection and the proper maintenance and conduct of vessels is a theme that runs through much of our formal public education material, increasingly so. The Auxiliary has several traditional outlets for this education, including formal classes, voluntary Vessel Examinations, distribution of nformation via our Marine Dealer Visitation programs, and events like National Safe Boating Week. We are also increasing our efforts to coordinate our activities in this area with the many outside parties, groups, and organizations with overlapping goals in an effort to better perform our missions. The Auxiliary also plays an important role in providing an additional operational capability to the Coast Guard to respond to disasters, such as oil spills. While this may bring to mind disasters such as the recent tanker break-up off the coast of Spain, the responsibility for a clean environment starts with each boater. A single spill of fuel in a harbor like Monterey's could be responsible for dozens of deaths or foulings of birds, marine mammals, and result in beach closings and consequent high economic impact on our community. So the Auxiliary's Marine Safety efforts range from participation in the USCG's coastal response plans to spotting minor spills and picking up beach trash. Our responses also range from full operational patrols under official Coast Guard orders to individual members educating their fellow boaters one on one or reporting a distressed marine mammal. In the area of responsibility for Flotilla 06-04, which extends from the Pajaro river well down the Big Sur coast, some of the most important areas of concern we have identified for 2003 include: Prevention of new invasions by unwanted aquatic species. There are several species that have been detected in the SF Bay area in particular that can "piggyback" their way to our area on vessels. Continued protection of marine mammal species, particularly in in-shore areas, through education and increased vigilence. Increased efforts at safety and environmental education and accident prevention among kayakers and divers in particular. Establishing more formal liaisons with groups in our area with similar concerns, and exchanging information, training, and capabilities. If you would like to establish formal liaison relationship with the Auxiliary, PLEASE CONTACT US. Monitoring of the cruise ship visit/pollution issue. Participation in ongoing beach clean-up efforts in our area. New harbor patrol initiatives TBA aimed at both safety and environmental goals and new homeland security goals. A new pamphlet on "Keeping Our Waterways Safe and Secure" is available from the Coast Guard and the Auxiliary and is being distributed to marinas, marine dealers, and at Auxiliary vessel examination stations. Please let us know if you want copies in quantity -- everyone can help!
Resources	Archives and More Items of Interest
Coming soon, a full link page for local ocean resources! US Coast Guard Marine Safety, Security, and Environmental Protection Website Department "M" National Website Trident Program Information (now includes links to training materials) "Safety Lines" Newsletter Archive California Department of Fish and Game website	No archived articles currently available.  "Do what you can with what you have, where you are." - Theodore Roosevelt

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Last modified: February 20, 2003