On August 2, 2024, EAC Executive Director, Ashley Eagle-Gibbs, and Communications Intern, Kate Loomans, attended the Greater Farallones (GFNMS) & Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries (CBNMS) Joint Advisory Council meeting in Point Reyes Station.

Since the last council meeting, GFNMS and CBNMS published the Blue Carbon Education Toolkit to increase communication and education about the value of preserving and restoring blue carbon habitats and processes, and published an addendum to the Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment for the North-central California Coast and Ocean which provides the latest climate vulnerability information for key species, habitats, ecosystem services, and maritime heritage resources.

A major highlight from the meeting included hearing the Condition Reports from both sanctuaries. CBNMS faces several pressures, including climate change, ocean acidification, fishing impacts, vessel activity, and marine debris, posing challenges to the sanctuary's health and resilience. From 2009 to 2021, CBNMS maintained generally good water quality despite challenges like a marine heatwave that led to harmful algal blooms. The offshore location has helped protect habitats from direct human impact, though climate change and noise pollution from ships remain concerns. The sanctuary's living resources are diverse and stable, with some species fluctuating due to ocean conditions. Whale populations are recovering but still vulnerable to ship strikes and climate impacts. To address these challenges, CBNMS has ramped up research, monitoring, and educational outreach, aiming to mitigate climate change impacts, reduce ship strikes on whales, and guide future management to preserve the sanctuary's health.

GFNMS’s report identified climate change as the primary threat, impacting water quality, species distribution, and habitats, with notable events like the 2014–2016 marine heatwave causing severe ecological disruptions. Human activities such as land use, fishing, vessel traffic, and marine debris further pressure the sanctuary by introducing pollutants, disturbing wildlife, and damaging ecosystems. The presence of non-indigenous species also poses risks to native species and the overall ecosystem balance. Despite these challenges, the GFNMS has made strides in monitoring and responding to pressures. Water quality has been affected by marine heatwaves and harmful algal blooms, leading to temporary fishery closures, while kelp habitats have significantly declined. However, there are positive signs, such as the recovery of eelgrass in Tomales Bay. Efforts to mitigate these pressures include enhanced monitoring, climate adaptation strategies, and ongoing education to promote conservation and awareness of the sanctuary's ecological and cultural significance.

After hearing condition reports, we heard from Sara Hutto, Conservation and Climate Program Coordinator, on key findings of the Climate Vulnerability Assessment conducted within the sanctuaries. Offshore oceanographic drivers remain a great concern, as marine heatwaves were a pressure on almost every resource assessed over the last 10 years. Hutto underscored the critical need for long-term monitoring and the importance of these assessments in informing the Management Plan.

Project Scientist Nerea Lezama-Ochoa, from the Southwest Fisheries Science Center, then presented on the Sanctuaries Futures Project. The Project uses species distribution models and projections for Marine Spatial Planning, which is a critical tool in coastal biodiversity conservation. Lezama-Ochoa spoke about the need for these frameworks to improve “climate-smart” management, especially within Marine Protected Areas.

During the public comment period, we highlighted the importance of sequestering blue carbon and updating regulations to prevent seafloor dredging or other disturbances mapped as heavy carbon sink areas of the sanctuary, and spoke about the vulnerability of rocky intertidal habitat like Duxbury Reef due to sea level rise and recreation. Ashley also provided support of two resolution action items: the Joint Proposed Resolution to Support Inclusion of the San Francisco-Pacifica Exclusion Area into the National Marine Sanctuary System, which would close the gap in the sanctuary; and the Joint Proposed Resolution to Support Funding for Farallon Islands Research and Monitoring. We view this long-term research as critical to the continued protection of this important ecosystem, endangered species, and marine conservation. We also thanked the Sanctuary for its continued support of expanding boundaries and protections at Duxbury Reef State Marine Conservation Area, which is in line with California's 30 x 30 goals, and our hope that the Sanctuary reviews its role in 30 By 30 in its 10-year management plan review.

All recommendations for the Management Plan Review passed, including setting up a subcommittee on education to develop program priorities, considering the inclusion of species distribution changes over the next ten years, the inclusion of Blue Carbon as an ecosystem service in the Condition Report, and the amendment of the sanctuary permitting process to include appropriate outreach plans, to inform sanctuary users of permits and site locations. Additionally both the Joint Proposed Resolution to Support Inclusion of the San Francisco-Pacifica Exclusion Area into the National Marine Sanctuary System and the Joint Proposed Resolution to Support Funding for Farallon Islands Research and Monitoring passed.

Learn more:
- Meeting Materials