IN THIS ISSUE

An Interview with the Honorable Senator Barbara Boxer

How are we doing in implementing sound ocean policy?

Volunteer Spotlight:
Keary and Sally Sorenson

In the News: Mavericks - the environmental cost of the contest

Wildlife Spotlight:
Killer Whale (Orcinus orca)

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Whale Watching with FMSA

Witness the Gray Whale migration with FMSA on Sunday, March 19th (the original date for March 5th was rescheduled due to concerns over the big storm brewing). This all day trip is an excellent opportunity to witness marine mammals and seabirds against the stunning backdrop of the Gulf of the Farallones. Tickets are $75 for members and $85 for non-members. Contact us at 415-561-6625 ext 310 to reserve your space or emailkmclaughlin@farallones.org for more information.

Beach Clean-ups for 2006

Clean up marine debris from 10-12, and bring your lunch to picnic with other volunteers.
March 4 - Kehoe Beach, Point Reyes National Seashore
May 27 - Drakes Beach, Point Reyes National Seashore
July 8 - Muir Beach, Marin
September 16 - California Coastal Cleanup Day at Drakes Beach and Crissy Field Beach
To sign up, email your name and phone number to jmohr@farallones.org.

Click here to explore the beaches.>>

An interview with the Honorable Senator Barbara Boxer

As GFNMS celebrates its Silver Anniversary and 25 years protecting the California coast, our executive director Linda Hunter sat down with Senator Barbara Boxer to talk about how it all began.

LH: The Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary was designated in 1981. What were you doing at this time?
BB: I was pleased to be serving on the Marin County Board of Supervisors. Continued >>

How are we doing in implementing sound ocean policy?

by Linda Hunter, Executive Director
The Joint Ocean Commission Initiative recently sent the Bush administration a report card that graded the federal government on its progress in implementing the recommendations of the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy and Pew Oceans Commission as well as the actions described in the Administration's U.S. Ocean Action Plan.

Click here to see the Ocean Policy report card >>

Volunteer Spotlight: Keary and Sally Sorenson

Interviewed by Mara Flores Naumann
When I asked Keary Sorenson if he and Sally would be willing to come to our offices in Crissy Field early for an interview, Keary answered yes immediately, without missing a beat,"If the Sanctuary needs us to do anything, we'll do it." This is the Sorenson's attitude towards volunteering in general. They are entirely committed to the Sanctuary, and I set out to find why. Continued >>

In the News: Mavericks - the environmental cost of the contest

The Mavericks Surf Contest brought over 50,000 spectators to Pillar Point last week, eager for a glimpse of the death-defying surfers who receive 24 hours notice of the famous competition. Despite assurances from Maverick authorities that the event area would be left in better condition than when found, there was environmental damage from visitors to the fragile terrain. Continued >>

Wildlife Spotlight: Killer Whale (Orcinus orca)

On October 9, 1997, a rare and awesome event took place within the Gulf of the Farallones. Two killer whales attacked and killed the ultimate predator: a white shark. Never before witnessed, this attack bears witness to our lack of knowledge about these majestic animals. Intelligent and cunning, playful and deadly, transient and offshore pods of killer whales travel through the waters of the Gulf of the Farallones in search of prey. Continued >>