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A Victory for Our Oceans: Federal Court Rules Against Industrial Fish Farming Permits

November 7, 2024 by Nate Irwin

On September 30, 2024, in a major victory for ocean advocates and coastal communities, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington ruled that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers violated several key environmental laws when it issued Nationwide Permit 56 (NWP 56) in January of 2021. The court found that the Corps violated the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Rivers and Harbors Act, and the Administrative Procedures Act by failing to properly assess the impacts of industrial fish farms on marine life, water quality, and habitat.

Santa Barbara Channelkeeper was proud to be one of the plaintiffs in this case, joining forces in 2023 with the Quinault Indian Nation, and nonprofits such as LA Waterkeeper, San Diego Coastkeeper, Don’t Cage Our Oceans Coalition, fishing organizations, and others. Together, we challenged the threat posed by unregulated offshore aquaculture in our shared ocean waters—and the courts ruled in our favor.

“This is a vital victory for the future of our oceans,” said George Kimbrell, legal director for the Center for Food Safety and council for the plaintiffs. “The Court’s decision makes clear that federal regulators cannot ignore the significant risks posed by industrial aquaculture and must rigorously analyze them before moving forward.”

Background and Significance

NWP 56 permitted large-scale fish farming structures in federal waters off the coasts of Alaska, California, Washington, Florida, Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, New York, New Jersey, Hawaii, and Virginia. These industrial aquaculture operations, which involve placing net pens and cages in open ocean waters, have been criticized for threatening marine ecosystems, traditional fishing economies, and Tribal Nations’ food security. Despite the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ own acknowledgment of the adverse impacts on wildlife and water quality, the agency unlawfully failed to adequately assess these risks when approving the permit.

In its ruling, the court specifically called out the Corps’ failure to connect the “multiple acknowledged adverse impacts” with its conclusion that these impacts would be minimal. The court held that this lack of a “logical bridge” between the risks and the agency’s decision rendered the permit unlawful.

Impacts of Open-Ocean Finfish Aquaculture

Open-ocean finfish aquaculture has been linked to a range of environmental issues, including water pollution, disease transmission, genetic contamination, and habitat degradation. They can also create navigational hazards. Net pens used in aquaculture can severely disrupt delicate ecosystems. These structures can smother benthic habitats and threaten biodiversity. For example, fish farms in the Baltic Sea have degraded local environments, with waste and uneaten feed accumulating on the seafloor, leading to oxygen depletion and loss of species (Hedberg et al., 2018). Around these farms, nutrient levels can spike by up to 500%, contributing to harmful algal blooms and the formation of dead zones (Skarbøvik et al., 2022).

Escaped farmed fish also pose a serious threat to wild populations. In Norway, genetic diversity in wild salmon populations has been reduced by 20% due to interbreeding with escaped farmed fish (Glover et al., 2019). These environmental risks underscore the critical need for strong safeguards to prevent the unchecked expansion of open-ocean finfish aquaculture and ensure the protection of the marine environment.

The legal ruling on NWP 56 marks a significant victory in the effort to protect marine ecosystems, helping to safeguard sensitive habitats from the many negative impacts associated with large-scale aquaculture operations. The court will next decide on a remedy for the unlawful permit.

Looking Ahead in the Santa Barbara Channel

Federal agencies, led by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, are pushing for the expansion of aquaculture, including a proposal to establish an “Aquaculture Opportunity Area” in the Santa Barbara Channel. While certain forms of aquaculture such as shellfish and seaweed farming may offer environmental benefits, finfish farming poses serious risks. These operations can impair water quality, spread diseases, lead to the escape of farmed fish into natural ecosystems, and significantly reduce important smaller fish populations used as feed.

Channelkeeper has been closely monitoring these developments, advocating for thorough environmental assessments before any aquaculture projects are approved. Channelkeeper is calling for a robust regulatory framework that includes continuous monitoring and strong protections for the marine environment, ensuring that projects do not harm water quality, marine life, or local fishing communities.

Opportunities for the public to provide comments are likely to occur soon. We will keep you posted.

References:

Glover, K. A., Pertoldi, C., Besnier, F., Wennevik, V., Kent, M., & Skaala, Ø. (2019). Atlantic salmon populations invaded by farmed escapees: Quantifying genetic introgression and consequences for local adaptation. Evolutionary Applications, 12(5), 919-930.

Hedberg, N., Kautsky, N., Kumblad, L., Wikström, S. A., & Elwing, H. (2018). Environmental risks associated with offshore fish farming: A Baltic Sea case study. Ambio, 47(3), 387 -396.

Skarbøvik, E., Sample, J. E., & Skogen, M. D. (2022). Impacts of nutrient pollution from aquaculture on coastal water quality. Environmental Science & Technology, 56(4), 2047 -2055.

Why Educating Young People About Water Quality and the Environment Is Crucial for a Bright Future

August 28, 2024 by Santa Barbara Channelkeeper

In an era marked by rapid environmental changes and growing concerns about sustainability, it is increasingly clear that educating young people about the importance of clean water, healthy habitats, and the environment is not just beneficial—it’s essential. As we face challenges like climate change, water scarcity, and ecological degradation, equipping the next generation with knowledge and tools to tackle these issues is more crucial than ever.

Channelkeeper believes that investing in environmental education for young people is a vital step towards ensuring a sustainable and thriving future. By fostering an understanding of water quality and environmental systems, we empower the next generation to become responsible stewards, innovative thinkers, and passionate advocates.

On Seafari Cruises, our team hosts students aboard Channelkeeper’s boat to experience an on-the-water adventure. Students collect plankton samples, observe wildlife like dolphins, sea lions, and harbor seals, and learn about marine conservation efforts along our coast. For our Field Studies program in the Ventura River, high school students don waders to take nutrient and bacteria samples and assess water quality. Channelkeeper’s Shore to Sea program combines classroom watershed education with an outdoor experience, such as a kayaking adventure in the Santa Barbara Harbor, that introduces students to the land-sea connection.

Here’s why investing in this education can pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.

1. Understanding the Interconnectedness of Systems

Water quality and environmental health are deeply intertwined with numerous other systems—public health, agriculture, and economic stability, to name a few. Teaching young people about these connections helps them understand how their actions affect the world around them.

Furthermore, time spent on the water connects young people intimately with the natural world. It helps orient them within their watershed and allows them to interact with it. Students can see and touch some of the organisms that rely on clean water and trace the path that water takes through their community to the ocean. This brings awareness to the impacts of their everyday actions on water quality. This holistic understanding fosters a sense of responsibility and empowers young people to make informed decisions that benefit the environment.

2. Fostering a Sense of Responsibility

Educating young people about the environment can encourage a sense of stewardship. Channelkeeper provides meaningful experiences on the water with the understanding that today’s youth are the decision-makers of tomorrow and that their environmental ethics are critical to our planet’s future.

When students learn about the impact of pollution, overuse of resources, and habitat destruction, they’re more likely to feel responsible for their actions and the choices they make. This can translate into more sustainable habits, such as conserving water, recycling, and supporting eco-friendly products. By introducing young people to water science and instilling these values early on, we hope to inspire interest in protecting the environment and nurture a generation that will prioritize the planet’s health.

3. Inspiring Innovation and Solutions

A solid foundation in environmental science and water quality can ignite a passion for problem-solving and innovation. Many of today’s environmental challenges require creative solutions and technological advancements. When young people are exposed to the complexities of these issues, they’re inspired to think critically and develop new approaches. Whether through engineering new water purification technologies or creating sustainable farming practices, early education can spark ideas that lead to groundbreaking solutions.

4. Supporting Health and Well-being

Water quality directly impacts human health. Contaminated water sources can lead to diseases and long-term health issues. By educating young people about the importance of clean water and how to protect it, we’re not only teaching them to safeguard natural resources but also to take care of their own health and that of their communities. Understanding the link between environmental quality and personal well-being can lead to healthier lifestyles and communities.

5. Building Advocacy and Leadership Skills

Education about environmental issues empowers young people to become advocates for change. When students are well-informed about the challenges and potential solutions related to water quality and environmental conservation, they are more likely to engage in activism, policy-making, and community projects. This advocacy is crucial for driving societal changes and influencing policies that protect natural resources and promote sustainability.

6. Promoting a Sustainable Future

The knowledge and skills that students gain today will not only address the environmental challenges of tomorrow but also inspire a collective commitment to protecting our planet for the long haul. Channelkeeper is proud to advance environmental education that builds a brighter, greener future for everyone.

Because the decisions and actions taken by today’s youth will shape the world they inherit, we believe that our environmental education programs are supporting a sustainable future. By providing young people with knowledge about water quality and environmental issues, we are equipping them to make choices that support long-term ecological balance, advance environmental protection, and contribute to a healthier planet for future generations.

Planting the Seeds of Environmental Stewardship Through Art

April 23, 2024 by Santa Barbara Channelkeeper

An interview with this year’s Student Art Show Juror, Kelly Clause

Every spring for the past twenty-one years, Channelkeeper’s Student Art Show has celebrated the connection between young people and the ocean. High school students from Carpinteria to Goleta are invited to create their interpretations of what the Santa Barbara Channel means to them. The artwork they produce is expressive, personal, and powerful.

Inspiring the next generation of environmental leaders is one of the show’s fundamental goals. This year, we’re thrilled to welcome artist Kelly Clause, who participated in Channelkeeper’s Student Art Show in 2005, as a high school student, as the show’s juror.

Kelly’s artwork is influenced by the ocean and its inhabitants, as well as the unique beauty of the California coast. She believes that connecting young people to the ocean through experiences like the Student Art Show helps plant the seeds of environmental stewardship—a connection with nature that can be nourished over time and can inspire a life-long sense of environmental responsibility and care.

In the interview that follows, Kelly shares her profound, personal connection to the ocean as well as her experience as a young participant in Channelkeeper’s Student Art Show and the positive impact that it had on her as an artist.

Channelkeeper (SBCK): As an artist, what draws you to paint the ocean and its creatures?

Kelly Clause (KC): The ocean and its creatures are the object of my never-ending curiosity, awe, and respect. The ocean is full of life, full of mystery, and will humble even the most confident of human beings. It feels so natural for me to paint the ocean because I was raised near it, in it, and with this constant hunger to understand it more. I love to surf, dive, paddle, and generally just spend time near the water. I feel really lucky to have been raised here in Santa Barbara and want to do my best to protect the unique beauty of our coast! I believe art has the potential to impact people to pause, appreciate, grow curious, and ultimately become better stewards of our environment.

SBCK: What was your first experience with Channelkeeper’s Student Art Show?

KC: I believe it was my sophomore or junior year of high school at Dos Pueblos High School, and my art teacher asked if she could enter me into a local art show that was all about the ocean. Naturally, I said yes, painted a big wave in acrylic, turned it in, and was completely shocked when they announced I had won an award for it. I really had no idea what Channelkeeper was at the time, but I vividly remember the kindness and enthusiasm in that room.

SBCK: What was the Student Art Show experience like as a student?

KC: It was fun! It was my first ever experience being a part of an art show, and Channelkeeper did such a great job at making us students feel important and honored for showing our work. It was a positive experience for me, and increased my confidence and helped me take chances and enter other art shows down the road.

SBCK: Why do you think it’s important to highlight the artwork of young people?

KC: Young people not only have artistic talent that should be celebrated and seen, but by investing in youth, we are investing in our future community and environment. Art can be a powerful voice to spark curiosity, prompt questions, increase emotional literacy, and promote beautiful causes. Encouraging young people to be vulnerable in expressing themselves through art as a means of communication is a worthy investment

SBCK: As you know, the theme of the show each year is “What the Channel Means to Me.” If you were going to create one piece of art that evoked what the Channel means to you, what would you create?

KC: It’s difficult to sum up what the Channel means to me in one piece of art, but I guess that’s the beauty of art. You don’t have to say it all! At this point in time, I would probably paint Giant kelp, because of its beauty and the unique ecosystem it creates in our Channel.

SBCK: Do you have a favorite ocean creature to represent in your artwork? Why?

KC: Humpbacks! To me, whales are completely majestic creatures. Their size alone is absolutely awe-inspiring and will make you feel humbled in a second if you are fortunate enough to get close to one. Their devotion to escorting their young thousands of miles home to safety, their acrobatic skills and playful nature, their singing, gentle but fierce demeanor…whales are incredible to me. My first watercolor was a whale, and it inspired the entire direction of my artistic journey.

The community is invited to join us in celebrating the artists at a reception on Thursday, May 2^nd from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm that will take place at the Jodi House Gallery at 625 Chapala Street in Santa Barbara.  Click here for more information.

The show is sponsored by Trillium Enterprise, Inc. and the City of Goleta Grant Program. 

Annie Lovell Joins Channelkeeper

January 2, 2024 by Santa Barbara Channelkeeper

Channelkeeper is pleased to welcome Annie Lovell to the team as our new Development Director. In this role, Annie will help develop strategic partnerships and raise funds to support Channelkeeper’s mission and programs.

Annie brings experience in fundraising, grant writing, and community building, along with a deep appreciation for the ocean and a background in environmental science.

We took a moment recently to chat with Annie and learn more about her experience and interests.

Tell us a little about yourself. Where did you grow up? What were you interested in as a young person?

I grew up in Arizona and spent a lot of my childhood playing sports, volunteering, camping, hiking, and traveling with my family. I learned how to swim before I learned how to walk, and as a kid, I spent a lot of time underwater in the pool and then swam competitively in high school and into college. I volunteered at various local non-profits, including the foodbank and women’s shelter. I participated in a life-changing service-learning trip to Nicaragua in college. My parents also took us on wonderful family vacations that connected us with nature in different parts of the country. This translated to my spending a lot of time planning trips with friends to explore beautiful areas of the southwest, and then New Zealand, as a study abroad student. These early interests have persisted throughout my life. I was recently looking through my “special box” of memorabilia from my childhood and it was so fun to see how the things I spent my time doing as a child are still my primary interests as an adult.

It sounds like you have a deep personal connection with the ocean. Mind sharing a little about that?

Many of my childhood summers were spent at the beach. I always loved the ocean, spending hours playing in the waves and collecting shells. When I moved to Hawai’i after college, my love for the ocean deepened. While living on O’ahu I spent as much time as possible playing in the ocean – surfing, outrigger canoe paddling, swimming, scuba diving, and sailing. Water, and the ocean in particular, provides so much to me – it’s my happy place, the basis for my community connections, and I feel most at home when I am in or near the water.

What inspires your work to protect coastal ecosystems?

When I was living in Hawai ‘I, I began volunteering for local non-profits working to protect the ocean and coastlines, including the Surfrider Foundation and Hui o Ko’olaupoko. The more time I spent at the beach and in the ocean, and the more I learned about coastal and marine ecosystems, the more I wanted to protect these special places. Protecting our coastlines and oceans and the communities that rely on these resources gives me great purpose in my life.

I believe that everyone should have access to clean water, not only in terms of its value to human health, but as a sanctuary for individuals to escape to for recreation, reflection, or connection. For this simple reason, I am motivated to protect these ecosystems for both my own benefit, but also for the benefit of everyone, both current and future generations.

Do you have a personal hero?

Captain Liz Clark has been a role model and hero since I first learned about her sailing ventures and environmental advocacy. Her capabilities and adventurous spirit inspire me to pursue my dreams and feel capable of anything I set my mind to. I also respect her environmental ethic and how she leads by example. She has done so much to change the perspectives of young women wanting a more conscious and self-aligned life. While not many of us can live this same low-impact, ocean-centric lifestyle, I often dream about one day sailing around the world or living on a remote Pacific Island.

You have experience in both environmental science and fundraising. Tell us about how you use your superpowers to support environmental conservation.

My 8^th grade biology teacher first got me interested in the natural sciences and I went on to get a degree in environmental studies and psychology. Then I began my career in environmental consulting focusing on water resource management. I spent a lot of my time in the field – gathering water samples, building rain gardens, or writing environmental assessments. However, I was always most interested in the human components of the projects – Why would someone care about this work? What policies can be changed to protect our environment in the long term? How can the community be engaged in this work? When I started combining my experience as an environmental scientist with my understanding of human behavior, I found that I was most effective at developing relationships, building community, and communicating the importance of protecting our environment.

What aspects of Channelkeeper’s work are you most excited to engage in?

Before moving to Santa Barbara, I spent about five years working for an active travel company, leading hiking and cycling trips around the world. Travel has always been an important part of my life, but it has felt at odds with my environmental values. I’ve been very interested in the sustainable tourism industry and finding ways for travel to have a positive impact on the environment and communities. Therefore, I am excited about engaging in SBCK’s efforts to address the cruise ship industry’s impacts in Santa Barbara.

In graduate school, I also became fascinated with seaweed aquaculture and the development of the industry along the U.S. west coast. I am looking forward to supporting potential opportunities for Channelkeeper to guide responsible aquaculture development. I’m also very excited about participating in the Watershed Brigade cleanups as a way of connecting with the community and getting my hands dirty to protect our watersheds and coastlines.

Any highlights so far?

Within my first month on the job, a highlight has been developing the relationships between Channelkeeper and the UCSB Bren School of Environmental Science and Management. After graduating from the Bren School in 2022, I wanted to continue my connection with the program. I am now excited to find ways to meaningfully collaborate with students and faculty.

How do you balance your life? What do you do for fun?

I love to spend as much time in the water as possible – mainly surfing and swimming. I also love outrigger canoe paddling, which is an incredible way to enjoy the ocean and be part of a wonderful community. Other than that, I enjoy hiking, backpacking, riding my bike, and doing yoga. While I prioritize movement and time outdoors, I also love reading and getting together with friends for a meal or venturing to new parts of the world that I have yet to explore.

If you were an aquatic organism, what would you be and why?

If I were going to be any aquatic organism, I would be a dolphin so that I could swim fast, glide gracefully through the water, and surf the waves. I’ve had a lot of dolphin encounters, and I have never lost my appreciation for their presence and beauty as they play in the water.

If you would like to connect with Annie to personally welcome her, you can reach her at [email protected].

Welcome Aboard, Nate!

October 2, 2023 by Santa Barbara Channelkeeper

Channelkeeper is pleased to welcome Nate Irwin to our team as a Policy Associate. In addition to his passion for environmental science and profound local knowledge, Nate brings extensive policy development and community organizing experience and ebullient positive energy. He will be leading the charge on many of Channelkeeper’s advocacy campaigns and environmental policy programs. We took a moment recently to learn more about Nate, his deep appreciation for the ocean, and what inspires his work to protect the Santa Barbara Channel and its watersheds.

Tell us a little about yourself. Where did you grow up? What were you interested in as a young person? 

I grew up on the Mesa and spent most of my time outside, either playing an organized sport, or surfing. My interests haven’t changed much since I was a kid. I have always felt a connection to the natural world, and luckily, I still feel the same today. There is no better teacher, healer or communicator than mother nature.

It sounds like you have a deep personal connection with the ocean. Mind sharing a little about that? 

My dad taught me to surf when I was three in Cabo San Lucas, and I have been completely obsessed ever since. There has not been a bad day that couldn’t be cured by a jump in the ocean. Growing up so close to the beach has allowed me to become in tune with its natural rhythms, the tides going in and out, afternoon northwesterly winds, flat spells, big swells, and glassy mornings. I was extremely privileged to have a dad that felt the same way about surfing as I did, calling us both in sick when there were good days. I have a deep reverence for the ocean because of its enormity, complexity, beauty and importance to the health of the earth.

What inspires your work to protect coastal ecosystems?  

I am inspired to protect coastal ecosystems because of their interconnectedness with the health of the land. The Santa Barbara Channel is such a unique and important part of the world and keeping it healthy involves protecting both the watersheds that flow into it, and the ocean that receives this freshwater. Our coastal ecosystem is both beautiful and highly productive, making it incredibly important to ensure that we keep it healthy. I have spent the majority of my life in close proximity to the coast and feel a sense of responsibility to protect it in return for all it has done for me.

Do you have a personal hero? 

My parents are my heroes because they allowed me to grow up in Santa Barbara and taught me to have respect for nature. They are both educators in Santa Barbara and I was fortunate to have their guidance growing up. My mom influenced me to be aware of my surroundings and appreciate all living things and each moment we get to be on this planet. My dad taught me that it is important to be yourself and to use your creativity to express yourself.

You have experience in environmental advocacy and inspiring others to get involved in conservation. Tell us about Illuminate Conservation. 

In my final year of college at Antioch, Santa Barbara, I learned about Bradbury Dam/Lake Cachuma and its impact on the endangered Southern California steelhead. This species really got me interested in conservation and inspired me to get involved in helping to save them from extinction. I started an initiative to raise awareness about the importance of this species by using art, advocacy events, a petition and through writing about the species. My dad and I painted large scale steelhead inspired abstract art to highlight the conservation issue this species was facing. The fact that this species is disappearing is so alarming because they are the indicators of healthy watersheds. Illuminate Conservation is a platform that has raised over $16,000 to support NGO’s that work in watershed restoration, 48,000 signatures in support of the steelhead on the Santa Ynez River and taught local students about this issue using art as a catalyst for change and awareness.

What aspects of Channelkeeper’s work are you most excited to engage on? 

I am most excited to get involved in watershed protection projects and the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary designation. I feel that public awareness of the importance of healthy watersheds will guide policy towards a more sustainable future for our county and state. The Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary designation is a once in a lifetime opportunity to preserve a section of the marine environment forever and for future generations to enjoy. This is a monumental moment because the sanctuary designation incorporates Indigenous voices and traditional ecological knowledge in the preservation of their lands that they have stewarded since time immemorial.

Any highlights so far?

My biggest highlight so far has been attending the “Rally at the Rock” organized by the Northern Chumash Tribal Council to advocate for the inclusion of Lisamu’ (Morro Rock) and its surrounding waters in the sanctuary proposal. It was an incredible day, and I was so honored to be a part of it.

If you were an aquatic organism, what would you be and why? 

I would be a dolphin off the coast of California because they are so graceful and look like they are having so much fun. They also seem to have such a close-knit family that they get to explore the ocean with.