IN THIS ISSUE

A New Type of Conservation

Pinniped Deaths: What Happened?

Bolinas Lagoon

Endangered Spotlight: Brown Pelican

 

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Make a statement with your stimulus package rebate! Donate to FMSA!

As the economy continues to decline, funding for FMSA’s programs are in danger. Support your Sanctuary!

 

 

Whale Watching Trips

Sunday July 20th

Saturday, August 23rd

 

Salmon Aid Festival

May 31 and June 1

Celebrate wild salmon and steelhead with a free, family-friendly, music festival in Oakland's famed Jack London Square.

 

People Paddle for the Planet

Come join the Fun for Father's Day!

June 15th, 10am-1pm

 

 

Summer Camp registration is now open!

 

May 31 See the nesting seabirds of Alcatraz in San Francisco Bay, 8:30–11:30 A.M..

 

June 14 Join us for a Paddle in Pillar Point Harbor, Half Moon Bay, San Mateo County, 10:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M.

A New Type of Conservation

The Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) aims to protect and restore ecosystems by conserving habitats and the species dependent on those habitats by creating zones in the ocean. 

Although these zones, called Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), generally restrict extraction, it was clear early on in the stakeholder-driven process that North-central California, specifically the Gulf of the Farallones and northern Monterey Bay Sanctuaries, is a marine wildlife hotspot needing additional protection. The area is home to the largest concentration of breeding seabirds in the contiguous US and a richly-diverse population of marine mammals.

Continued >>

 

Nine Pinniped Deaths: What Happened?

The deaths of nine seals and sea lions over one weekend in early May remains under investigation two weeks later. On the weekend of May 3, three Northern Elephant Seals, two Steller Sea Lions and four California Sea Lions died in two separate incidents.

Some animals died as a result of gunfire, some while captive in holding cages. Authorities from three states and the Federal government are investigating the events.

Continued >>

 

Restoring Bolinas Lagoon

Bolinas Lagoon lies within the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, 15 miles northwest of San Francisco. Recognized by the Ramsar Convention as a Wetland of International Importance, the lagoon is located along the Pacific Flyway, making it an ideal staging ground and stopover site for migratory birds.

This 1,100 acre tidal estuary provides critical habitat for shorebirds and waterfowl, marine mammals, fish and invertebrates. The Lagoon also offers fishing, boating, bird watching and other recreational opportunities for thousands of area residents and visitors.

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Endangered Spotlight: Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)

Pelicans have been an iconic symbol of the sea for hundreds of years. To this day, we continue to be charmed by their ambitious bills and stoic flight. Of the eight species of pelicans in the world, only one, the brown pelican, is strictly coastal.

The brown pelican is the smallest pelican species, ranging from 6 to 12 pounds. Its body is generally grey-brown and a pale yellow covers its head and neck. The brown pelican’s oversized bill allows it to feed on fish by plunge diving.

Continued >>

 

Photo Credits: Elephant Seal: MojosCoast. All others: NOAA