IMPACT REPORT. Photo Credit: Abe Borker

Transcription

1 IMPACT REPORT 2017 Photo Credit: Abe Borker

2 It is where everything meets up the water, the air, and the land as well as the people, the animals, and the plants. We all join together through science, sports, and the arts. It is an amazing intersection!" - Janai Southworth, Volunteer The Greater Farallones Association (the Association) protects wildlife and habitats of the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary (the Sanctuary), a 3,295-square mile area of federallyprotected ocean and coastal waters, bays, and estuaries along the northern and central California coast, including 1,400 square miles in the northern region of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary from Rocky Point, Marin County to Santa Cruz.

3 3 I support the Greater Farallones Association because their program work is real, concrete solutions to preserve the Sanctuary for generations to come. From educating students on climate change to collecting data used by researchers, they are true advocates for this coastline." - Jeff L., Volunteer and Donor CITIZEN SCIENCE Page 5 While federal law protects Sanctuary waters, federal funding to study its health and inhabitants, and inspire a diverse community of active ocean stewards, is limited. The Association helps achieve these goals through scientific research, community-based conservation, and environmental education. The Association works to increase public appreciation and guardianship of the Sanctuary and to ensure a healthy and resilient ocean and coastline. CONSERVATION Page 8 The Association programs are carried out in partnership with the Sanctuary and engage nearly 14,000 adults and youths annually throughout the nine counties of the San Francisco Bay Area. They offer opportunities for participants to take a hands-on role in monitoring and protecting Sanctuary waters and coastline. EXPLORATION Page 11 The Association excels at engaging the community in preserving our local ocean and coastal environments, and in 2017, engaged: 330 volunteers who contributed over EDUCATION Page 12 10,560 hours to the Sanctuary and its wildlife. FUTURE PROJECTS Page 14

4 4 Dear Friends of the Greater Farallones, 2017 was a challenging year for our oceans. Threats, both natural and human-caused, continue to disrupt our fragile marine ecosystem including the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jon Walheim President But 2017 was also inspiring, with outcries from the community to protect our coast and ocean. After the White House issued its Offshore Energy Executive Order to look at oil potential in our Sanctuary, we spearheaded efforts that resulted in an outpouring of public support for the Sanctuary. Over 99,965 public comments supporting the Sanctuary were received, demonstrating the passion our community has for our ocean and Sanctuary. Ed Ueber Vice President Brian Stansbury Treasurer When the current Administration proposed massive cuts to marine sanctuary budgets, the Association went to Washington D.C. to meet with members of Congress from both parties to argue against cuts. We are gratified by the support we received, yet the budget battle has just begun! Victor Belfor Secretary George Brewster Federal law protects our Sanctuary waters, but the Association is needed to study its wildlife, educate our communities, and cultivate stewardship for this unique and important ocean environment. While we may have held off extreme budget cuts, an increasing share of Sanctuary programs will have to be financed by the Association and its supporters. We believe the community will rise to the occasion recognizing that it is not just a federal sanctuary it is OUR Sanctuary. Dustin Ellis Terrence Gosliner Through our programs, we restore critical coastal habitats, address climate change, educate children and adults to be good environmental stewards, and conduct crucial scientific research. Our work sustains the Sanctuary and our coastal communities for generations to come. There s so much to treasure, to preserve, to discover, and to share. We hope you will join us in our commitment to safeguard this magnificent marine habitat! Francesca Koe Jeff Loomans Erica Mattson With gratitude, Bob Wilson Executive Director Manon Settlemier Baze

5 CITIZEN SCIENCE: BEACH WATCH 5 You really feel like you re making a contribution to something much bigger than yourself, but your focus is on your beach, so it doesn t feel overwhelming. We are all on this planet together, and Beach Watch is a small part of what it will take to keep it healthy. Anne Kelley, Beach Watch volunteer since 2012 Beach Watch, a shared program of the Association and the Sanctuary, is in its 24th year of training citizen scientists to monitor the health and wellbeing of their local beaches and wildlife in the Sanctuary. ACCOMPLISHMENTS Beach Watch data is used to tell the story of large-scale climatic events like El Niño, and recently helped interpret the previously-undescribed "Warm Water Blob" of The Sanctuary's expansion into Sonoma and Mendocino counties extended Beach Watch s footprint. Beach Watch trained 20 community members in its northern survey region to be expert citizen scientists. Beach Watch staff and collaborators reviewed the status of the regional Brandt's cormorant population, linking prey availability and past management decisions to an increase in numbers of Brandt's cormorants in the population, indicating a victory for ecosystem-based management miles of coastline volunteers beaches species monitored

6 6 CITIZEN SCIENCE: LiMPETS It's an incredible opportunity for my students; universally respected as something real and important. The LiMPETS scientists and educators are fantastic ambassadors for the oceans." - Jon Lew, Teacher LiMPETS provides hands-on, science-based environmental education that empowers students grades 6thcollege to become informed and engaged ocean stewards. The program connects over 5,000 youth to the ocean each year. EDUCATIONAL RESULTS 80% of students reported increased interest in and concern for environmental stewardship and conservation. 82% of students aquired new or deepened knowledge of important marine science concepts, as shown in student test results. 90% of teachers reported that the program helped them, as teachers, gain confidence in and increase their understanding of teaching science. 2, students monitoring sites teachers species monitored

7 CITIZEN SCIENCE: MARINE DEBRIS MONITORING 7 I know the beach is for everyone to enjoy, but when I'm out here it feels like my own, and so I want to protect it. The marine debris program allows me to keep 'my beach' healthy and clean." - Allan Schreiber, Volunteer Marine debris is a global problem that impacts marine life, damages habitat, impedes navigation, impacts our economy, and is a risk to human health and safety. Over 8 million tons of plastic pollution enter our oceans every year. To develop strategies to address it, the Association's Marine Debris Program collects important baseline information on the types, quantity, and frequency of debris hitting our shores. Since 2012, volunteers have conducted monthly beach surveys at six locations along the Point Reyes, San Francisco, and San Mateo coastlines, recording and removing man-made debris items. Through hands-on citizen science, the program educates the public about marine debris and engages the community in removing trash from our beaches ,000+ volunteers beach surveys items recorded and removed

8 8 CONSERVATION: BOLINAS LAGOON RESTORATION Every time I stand on that small island between mountains and sea I feel small and insignificant to the grand scale. Our restoration efforts will have earth moving consequences for the Lagoon ecosystem!" - Bruce Bowser, Volunteer The Association partners with Marin County Parks on restoration projects that strengthen the function and sustainability of Bolinas Lagoon, an internationally recognized estuary. Volunteer programs work to restore Kent Island, remove invasive crabs from Seadrift Lagoon, and reconnect wetlands. ACCOMPLISHMENTS 22 volunteer events comprising 655 work hours removed 20 invasive plants from Kent Island in This included hundreds of citizen, student, and organizational volunteers. 20 acres of habitat were restored and maintained, allowing native plants to regrow and thrive. 4,039 invasive crabs were removed in Thanks to the Bolinas Lagoon Restoration project, native species are returning to Seadrift and numbers of invasive green crabs in Bolinas Lagoon remain low ,039 invasive plant species removed acres of habitat restored invasive crabs removed

9 CONSERVATION: SEABIRDS & WHITE SHARKS 9 SEABIRD PROTECTION NETWORK When people, boats, or aircrafts get too close, seabirds flee, endangering newborn chicks who may be left behind. In partnership with the Sanctuary and the State, the Seabird Protection Network has significantly reduced boater and aircraft disturbances to key seabird colonies along the central California coast, helping seabirds and other marine animals thrive. ACCOMPLISHMENTS The Seabird Protection Network: Partnered with the Half Moon Bay Airport to educate pilots to fly high over the common murre colony at Devil's Slide Rock; Educated Central Coast pilots, reducing overflight disturbances in Big Sur associated with the closure of Highway One; Photo Credit: OCNMS/NOAA Built a partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration Safety Team in central California to educate pilots about flying seabird-safe. WHITE SHARK STEWARDSHIP Every autumn, one of the world's largest concentrations of white sharks migrates to the Sanctuary to feed. Sharks play an important role in maintaining healthy ocean ecosystems, however, according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, 32% of pelagic sharks are threatened with extinction. The Greater Farallones White Shark Stewardship program educates the public about white sharks, helps conserve them, and fosters active stewardship. ACCOMPLISHMENTS Over 1,600 people from the Bay Area celebrated the return of the white shark to the Sanctuary at Sharktoberfest, a partnership with Shark Stewards. White shark naturalists educated operators about white shark protections, conservation, and regulations. Over 500 students learned about the importance of white sharks in ocean ecosystems through K-12 education programs.

10 10 CONSERVATION: CLIMATE CHANGE The Ocean Climate Program leads innovative projects to prepare coastal communities for climate change. Promoting nature-based solutions, the program works to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance carbon sinks, reduce climate change impacts on wildlife and people and enhance resilience, and sustain vibrant and diverse ecosystems. ACCOMPLISHMENTS The Ocean Climate Program: Identified communities along the Sanctuary coast vulnerable to rising sea levels, extreme storms, and erosion, and developed strategies to protect these communities; Worked with marine sanctuary communities in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico to determine which marine habitats are most vulnerable to negative impacts of climate change and established best practices to enhance resilence of those habitats; Developed climate-informed sediment management recommendations for 14 coastal sites in Sonoma and Marin counties in an unprecedented multi-agency collaboration; Is developing a climate change adaptation toolkit for marine protected area managers across North America. FUN FACT: The Greater Farallones Ocean Climate Program presented its groundbreaking work at the White House!

11 EXPLORATIONS: OPEN ACCESS OCEAN & DEEP-SEA & SEA 11 ACCESS The Applied California Current Ecosystem Studies (ACCESS) project monitors seabird and marine mammal distribution and abundance, zooplankton prey availability, and oceanographic conditions. Partnering with the Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries, and Point Blue Conservation Science, Association researchers monitor the ecosystem conditions of nearly 3,700 square miles of ocean. With 14 years of ongoing data collection, ACCESS continues to identify important patterns, trends, and anomalies. Photo Credit: Chad King NOAA ACCOMPLISHMENTS ACCESS completed its 50th journey since the program launched in During the May-September sampling season, ACCESS recorded 328 whales, including 19 blue whales and 244 humpback whales. Data collected by ACCESS were used to examine ship strikes to blue, humpback, and fin whales and helped reduce deadly ship strikes to large whales along the California coast. Photo Credit: (c) Ocean Exploration Trust, funded by NOAA DEEP SEA The Association works with the Sanctuary to discover and protect sensitive deep-sea coral and sponge habitats before they are gone. Deploying robotic submarines, Sanctuary researchers discover and document deep-sea corals the ancient forests of the sea by collecting vital information in unexplored areas. This year, the Association supported the research and documentation of a newly discovered deep-sea sponge (pictured above). This yellow glass sponge was found on the USS Independence, a shipwreck near the Farallon Islands at a depth of 2,600 feet.

12 12 EDUCATION: K-12 EDUCATION Using the weird and wonderful creatures of the sea to inspire curiosity and wonder, Association and Sanctuary expert educators help K-12 students to discover the ocean, sparking interest in science and their local coastline. In 2017, using Next Generation Science Standards, Association education programs served 8,862 students, of which 45.5% were low-income students, bringing exciting hands-on ocean science directly to Bay Area classrooms. 2,329 students participated in lab activities and explorations of exhibits on marine life and ecosystems through Sanctuary Visitor Center Field Trips. 3,609 students experienced the Sanctuary with topics like sharks, salmon, seabirds, whales, squid, and plankton in their Bay Area classrooms. 467 low-income San Francisco children received progressive, interactive lessons on Sanctuary wildlife and habitats through the Oceans After School program. 899 students, double the previous year s reach, learned about sustainable fisheries from Fishermen in the Classroom (in partnership with the Aquarium of the Bay). The 18-hour Oceans After School program was one of the best programs our school has ever had! Every part of the program tied into our science standards and my kids just loved it. Elementary Afterschool Teacher Photo Credit: Michael Layefsky

13 EDUCATION: FAMILY & PUBLIC PROGRAMS 13 The Association offers classes, excursions, and events for the whole family. Through family workshops, public programs, and summer camps (in partnership with Randall Museum and 7 Teepees), San Francisco Bay Area residents learn about our local ocean environment and how to protect it. Last year: 133 kids experienced ocean science at the Sanctuary Summer Camp, doubling the previous year s reach. 1,060 budding marine biologists and their families learned about the ocean and its wildlife at our Family Workshops. 239 people explored the Sanctuary through excursions such as wildlife walks, bioluminescence kayaking trips, whale watching, and tidepool adventures. 375 people attended Association-sponsored Sanctuary Art & Science Soirées where they learned about marine wildlife from world-renowned scientists. 1,600 scientists, educators, and community members celebrated the annual return of white sharks to the Sanctuary at Sharktoberfest.

14 14 FUTURE PROJECTS Through its programs, the Association studies and solves environmental problems affecting the Sanctuary and greater ocean ecosystem. New projects planned for 2018 include Kelp Recovery, and Pacific leatherback education. KELP RECOVERY PROJECT Since 2012, bull kelp forests in the Sonoma and Mendocino regions have been decimated due to an unusual combination of climatic conditions and ecological stressors. Led by the Association and the Sanctuary, the Kelp Recovery Project will identify the management, restoration, and research needed to increase climate resilience of bull kelp forests, which provide food and shelter for thousands of marine species. PARTICIPATING PARTNERS INCLUDE: Photo Credit: Steve Lonhart NOAA California Department of Fish and Wildlife The Nature Conservancy, California Coastal Fisheries Program Reef Check California Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians University of California, Santa Cruz and Long Marine Lab University of California, Davis and Bodega Marine Lab Partnership for the Interdisciplinary Studies of Coastal Oceans California Sea Urchin Commission PACIFIC LEATHERBACK TURTLE PROJECT Globally, the number of leatherback turtles has sharply declined in recent years due to intense egg collection and fisheries bycatch; and the Pacific Ocean subpopulation is considered critically endangered. Through the newly developed Pacific Leatherback program, and with support from the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, the Greater Farallones Education Team will raise awareness of this endangered species and foster public stewardship through science-based classroom activities, after school programs, and family workshops. Photo Credit: Matt Cotter

15 FINANCIALS 15 FUNDERS $50,000+ California Division of Boating & Waterways California Natural Resources Agency David & Lucile Packard Foundation Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary National Fish & Wildlife Foundation Resources Legacy Fund Foundation $25,000+ Anonymous Donor Hellman Foundation National Marine Sanctuary Foundation NOAA Marine Debris Program & Office of Response & Restoration San Francisco Department of Children Youth & Their Families Seadrift Homeowners Association $10,000+ Anonymous Donor Donald B. Tanklage & Carole F. Tanklage Foundation Firedoll Foundation Frances Hellman Jan Chong JEC Foundation Jeff Loomans Joseph & Vera Long Foundation JW & HM Goodman Family Foundation $5,000+ BlackRock Bernice Barbour Foundation Campbell Foundation Change Happens Foundation Marin County Parks Nancy Black Office of National Marine Sanctuaries Tom & Linda Ciotti $2,500+ Douglas Campbell EcoAdapt Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund George Brewster Jeff Mace National Environmental Education Foundation West Marin Fund $1,000+ David Brown David Rio Coffee & Tea, Inc. Gant Family Foundation Jon Walheim Francesca Koe Rick Clark Robert Townsend Robert Wilson Six Flags Wythes Family Foundation Krill Club (monthly giving) Aaron Ximm Allan Schreiber Beth Kattleman Betty Johnson Robert Wilson Dave Reyna Heather McPherson Jay Stewart Keith Mowery Manon Baze Maria Brown Melissa DuBose Misako Hill Monica Douglass Peter White Legacy Society Robert Wilson Thomas Kowalski FINANCIALS Income 2017 Contracts Donations Fees for Service Grants Total Income $558,835 $151,225 $101,268 $566,806 $1,378,134 Expenses Education Conservation Admin & Dev Sanctuary Support Citizen Science Total Expenses $314,901 $228,875 $195,439 $142,802 $427,493 $1,309,510 *Includes joint venture with Sanctuary Supporters, LLC.

16 Photo Credit: Matt McIntosh ONMS Thank you to Josephine Courant for her time and talents in desiging this report. Cover photo: Matt McIntosh ONMS Photo Credit: Matt McIntosh ONMS Photo Credit: NOAA Photo Credit: GFNMS Photo Credit: J. Moore NOAA