Blog featured image courtesy of Laguna Bluebelt Coalition.
Last year, harmful algal blooms killed hundreds of sea lions, dolphins, seabirds, and other marine animals along California’s coast. These heartbreaking events are becoming more frequent, and nutrient-rich runoff from land is a major contributor.
California’s coastal waters are becoming more acidic and losing oxygen, creating large areas where marine life struggles to survive. Scientific research shows that nutrient pollution intensifies ocean acidification and hypoxia, forming toxic hot spots that can span more than 1,000 square miles and stretch up to 50 miles offshore.
In partnership with the California Coastkeeper Alliance, OC Coastkeeper is calling on state leaders to take decisive action. One of the most impactful steps California can take right now is reducing pollution from sewage discharges into the ocean and establishing strong water quality standards that directly address ocean acidification and hypoxia.
Locally, the Orange County Sanitation District has been exploring alternatives to manage excess nutrients and reduce ocean discharge. The Santa Ana Regional Water Board is also expected to release its draft MS4 permit very soon, which will dictate nutrient discharges across Southern California.
Our ocean cannot wait. For immediate action, please add your name to California Coastkeeper Alliance’s petition today! Once the MS4 permit draft is available, OC Coastkeeper will be calling upon our community again to take action.
