President-elect Barack Obama has appointed Oregon State University professor Jane Lubchenco, one of the nation's most prominent marine biologists, to head the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 

Lubchenco, a conservationist who has devoted much of her career to encouraging scientists to become more engaged in public policy debates, is also an advocate for curbing greenhouse gases linked to global warming.  She is also a Trustee of the Monterey Bay Aquarium and a Trustee Emerita of the David and Lucile Packard Foudation.  The appointment marks a shift for NOAA, which oversees marine policy (including the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary) as well as much of government's climate work.  Lubchenco has criticized the agency in the past for not doing enough to curb overfishing. 

SOS is partnering with Pacific Edge Climbing Gym to host a special cleanup of Aptos Creek.  We need volunteer climbers to help us out!

There is a section of Aptos Creek that has been subject to illegal dumping.  This trash is harming steelhead and salmon habitat and we want to get it out!  However the canyon walls here are very steep making it hard for regular volunteers to access.  If you're a climber and interested in a fun and exciting way to give back, look no farther.  The cleanup is on Saturday January 10th from Noon to 4 pm.  SOS will provide all cleanup materials and have limited climbing equipment available to volunteer climbers.

Everyone is encouraged to join us on Valencia Creek for a cleanup before the winter rains begin and flush a year's worth of debris into the ocean!  The cleanup will happen on Saturday, December 20th from 10 am to Noon. All volunteers should meet on the field at Valencia Elementary.

Save Our Shores will be sending a staff member with a big box of rubber boots, bags, gloves, shovels, rakes and data cards.  You just need to show up in work clothes ready to roll up your shirt sleeves and get in the creek.  Try to bring your friends and family with you too, the more the merrier! 

Students, this is an easy and rewarding way to knock out a couple of your community service hours!  All youth need a parent/guardian signature on their waiver form and those under 14 need adult supervision.  Waivers can be downloaded at http://saveourshores.org/forms.

See you on the river!

The Ocean Protection Council has finally released their Implementation Strategy for their Resolution to Reduce and Prevent Ocean Litter.  Save Our Shores has been following this closely to make sure that statewide priorities for reducing and preventing marine debris are as strong as possible.  We are excited to see the state take important actions towards preventing marine debris by re-evaluating the widespread use of single-use disposable items. 

Some of the measures include:

• Implement a producer take-back (EPR) program for convenience food packaging: to minimize packaging waste shift responsibility for packaging materials to producers by placing physical or financial responsibility for collection and disposal of packaging waste on those throughout the distribution chain, including producers of packaging and manufacturers of products that use packaging.
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On December 3rd Save Our Shores staff members attended the Scotts Valley City Council meeting to provide support for the first reading of the polystyrene ban that Scotts Valley Public Works staff presented.  Polystyrene, commonly know as Styrofoam, is widely used in the food service industry and is also know to be a prevelant and dangerous type of marine debris.  This ordinance will amend existing municpal code to prohit all local food service providers from using take out containers made from polystyrene or other non-recyclable or non-biodegradeable materials.  The ordinance was crafted to closely resemble similar bans already in place in the City of Santa Cruz and Santa Cruz County. 

This holiday season consider giving ocean friendly gifts to your friends and family.

Save Our Shores just launched our Bring Your Own! Gear, which includes reusable items to help you transition away from disposable plastics that clog our ocean and harm marine wildlife. Not only will the oceans appreciate the plastic we eliminate, but a portion of the proceeds go to support SOS programs. Choose from Save Our Shores' Kleen Kanteens, ChicoBags and bamboo sporks. For more info or to order visit: http://www.byogear.org.

Looking for sponsors, venders and volunteer help!

Earth Day Santa Cruz 2009 will  take place on April 18th at  the San Lorenzo Park Benchlands.
Once again the County of Santa Cruz, the City of Santa Cruz, local non-profits, and concerned
citizens are working together to make Earth Day 2009 the premier environmental event for the
greater Santa Cruz community, with educational information, activities for kids, live music and
a focus on green businesses. Come help make this a great event!
For information go to www.ecocruz.org and contact Amy Gross at (831) 477-3988
or email amy.gross@co.santa-cruz.ca.us