SACRAMENTO, CA—Assembly Bill 1056 authored by Assemblyman Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) and Assemblyman Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael), which would provide the California Ocean Protection Council (OPC) with the scientific expertise necessary to conserve our coastal and ocean resources, passed unanimously in the Assembly today.  AB 1056 now moves to the Senate.

“Our oceans are seriously threatened by trash-laden urban runoff, sewage discharges, unsustainable fishing, and a complex mix of bioaccumulating fire retardants, pharmaceuticals, mercury, and other heavy metals,” said Assemblyman Leno. “The voters of California have committed millions of bond dollars to ocean and coastal protection. AB 1056 will ensure that the people’s money is wisely spent on policies and programs based in science that yield real improvements in the health of our fragile oceans.”

 The California Ocean Protection Council is comprised of Resources Secretary Mike Chrisman, Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi, Environmental Protection Secretary Linda Adams, and two non voting members, Senator Darrell Steinberg and Assemblymember Pedro Nava. AB 1056 would authorize the OPC to establish an advisory team of distinguished scientists to assist with key spending and policy decisions expected in the coming years as $90 million of Proposition 84 bond funds are allocated to the Council for ocean and coastal protection. The bill also removes unnecessary red tape to improve the OPC’s day-to-day operations.

“Our health and the health of the planet are inextricably linked to protecting our oceans,” said Assemblyman Huffman. “The Ocean Protection Council coordinates state efforts to address ocean and coastal protection.  Expanding the Council’s capacity for scientific evaluation is crucial to that mission.”

Tim Eichenberg is Pacific Region Director of the Ocean Conservancy which is sponsoring AB 1056. “Reversing the global decline of oceans and fisheries will require the best minds in a variety of disciplines from marine biology to ocean physics. This week, as thousands of people celebrate World Ocean Day, we are reminded of the importance of the science-based ocean conservation that AB 1056 promotes,” said Eichenberg.

June 8th was first designated World Ocean Day in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro with the goal of highlighting the connection between people and our oceans. It is celebrated in communities around the world. This year, California celebrations will take place Monterey, Santa Barbara, Culver City, and Dana Point.