Conserving marine resources in the santa barbara Channel

View of Channel Islands and Santa Barbara Channel. Photo by Linda Krop.

Conserving Marine Resources Homepage
Santa Barbara Channel Emerging Issues & Threats
National Ocean Policy
Marine Protected Areas & Marine Reserves
Ocean Acidification

By applying education, advocacy, and legal action to reduce and prevent harm to marine resources, EDC promotes sustainable wise use and enjoyment of the bountiful natural resources found within and around the Santa Barbara Channel.

The marine environment in the Santa Barbara Channel is a biodiversity hot spot and is home to thousands of species of marine plants and animals. The Santa Barbara Channel is also home to the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary (CINMS) and National Park (CINP), and is only one of a few locations in U.S. to have both a National Marine Sanctuary and National Park.

Recognizing the local and national importance of this region, EDC was among the first to advocate for creating both a National Park and National Sanctuary and has worked for over 30 years to protect and preserve the marine resources in and around the Santa Barbara Channel. While home to a diverse array of marine life, the Santa Barbara Channel also hosts a variety of high intensity human uses, including but not limited to: commercial and recreational fishing, commercial shipping, offshore oil and gas extraction, and defense operations. Other potential uses include: liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals, aquaculture, and offshore energy projects.

EDC’s Focus on Marine Conservation Aims to:

• Educate managers, stakeholders, and the public about existing and emerging threats and issue in the Santa Barbara Channel.
• Avocate for management policies and activities that protect and enhance marine ecosystems, habitat, and habitat connectivity.
• Recommend management strategies and policy that protect the intrinsic value of marine ecosystems.