ORANGE COUNTY VOICES : The Many-Splendored Coastline Cries Out for Protection as a Marine Sanctuary

Is the Orange County coast qualified for designation as a marine sanctuary? You bet! A recent meeting involving officials from several Orange County cities, the county, and federal lobbyists resulted in beginning the application process for such a designation.

The California coast from the mainland out to Santa Catalina Island is a special place, and the Coalition of Orange County Governments wants to be sure it is protected from industrial development and other inappropriate uses.

The federal government is now opening the application process for marine sanctuary designations. The area being considered must possess “conservation, recreational, ecological, historical, research, educational or aesthetic qualities which give them special national significance.” Additional sites will be considered if they are important new discoveries or if substantial new information is now available establishing their “national significance.” The Orange County coast is a perfect example for this designation and meets the criteria:

1. Recreational qualities: There is no question that the Orange County Coast is one of the nation’s most popular destinations for visitors. Thirty-five million people visit the county annually, with the coastline being a major attraction. It is estimated that over $600 million in direct revenue is generated by recreational activities in the coastal zone alone. Developers are investing substantially along the coast due to its recreational value. Beaches, parks, amusement areas, sportfishing and boating are an integral part of the recreational scenario along the Orange County Coast.

2. Ecological qualities: The Orange County coast is rich in important biological wetlands. It is also noted for its diverse intertidal habitats. These areas are home to many species of sea birds, marine mammals and a wealth of drifting, swimming and bottom-dwelling marine life.

3. Historical, research and educational qualities: Historical records tell of near-shore rock outcroppings being formed by volcanoes, plains Indians working their way through the mountain passes to settle along the Orange County coast and family members of the great ranchos of Orange County enjoying our beautiful beaches. It is even noted that as early as 1913, Pomona College built a marine laboratory in Laguna Beach and used it to teach marine biology students. The unique tide pools of the area were of particular interest for teaching and research. Many of those same activities continue today as students and researchers use this precious resource. Ironically, research and educational functions will probably increase due to the American Trader oil spill which occurred off of Huntington Beach in 1989, resulting in long-term impact on marine life.

4. Aesthetic qualities: One only needs to drive on Pacific Coast Highway at almost any location in Orange County to experience the aesthetic quality of the area. The rich wetlands of the northern part of the county and the bold cliffs of the southern sector provide a scenic diversity special to the Orange Coast. Long, majestic strand beaches and tiny cove-oriented inlet beaches also display a uniqueness unparalleled in Southern California. This area easily compares to Monterey Bay in Northern California, an area about to be designated as “protected.”

The other wonderful aesthetic quality of the area is the magnificent island of Catalina. Its proximity to the mainland, its size and topography provide a wonderful offshore backdrop that frames and defines the Orange County coast. Catalina Island is the aesthetic anchor to the case being made for a marine sanctuary.

Is the Orange County coast qualified for designation as a marine sanctuary? Absolutely! We must protect this precious resource for generations to come. How sad it would be to increase the number of oil tankers and oil drilling rigs off of this wonderful coastline. Oil spills, air pollution, degradation of sea life and the death of sea birds all need to be avoided as we enter the “decade of the environment.”