Water—both its quantity and quality— is one of the most pressing environmental concerns in the Central Coast Region. Agricultural, industrial and urban needs all compete for the same scarce resources while the environmental community struggles to keep up with the ever increasing challenge of maintaining a level of ecological integrity. This is particularly important in an area like Monterey, a region of extraordinary beauty, and an area of biological significance due to its status as a biodiversity hot spot. Development, agricultural and industrial activity are a part of life in Monterey; if not properly regulated, however, they pose serious risk to the natural resources that sustain human and wildlife populations in the area. There is a strong need for a community advocate to address these issues to ensure that regulations are effectively upheld; the Monterey Coastkeeper intends to fill this role. Two of the largest threats to water quality and watershed health are stormwater and agricultural runoff.

The Monterey Coastkeeper is a member of the California Coastkeeper's Alliance, and as such its borders are contiguous with those of the San Francisco Baykeeper to the north, and the San Luis Obispo Coastkeeper to the south. It includes all of Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties as well as portions of San Mateo, Santa Clara and San Benito Counties.

The Monterey Coastkeeper's initial focus areas include:

• Food Safety is a major concern to consumers in our country. The 2006 nationwide outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 was traced back to bagged spinach being sold in supermarkets that was produced on Central Coast Farms. What has followed has been a quick rush by buyers and sellers of produce to try and ensure that the food being sold is “safe” for consumers. What is troubling to some is that food “safety” measures have focused on pathogens and disease, and are ignoring the pesticides and chemicals flowing into our waterways and groundwater. Riparian corridors adjacent to our waterways have also been under attack in the name of food “safety.”   Monterey Coastkeeper intends to advocate for a better balance between food “safety,” chemical safety and preservation of our waterways and riparian areas.
• Stormwater Management: Urban runoff, or stormwater, is the largest source of water pollution in California. Recent laws require that cities develop plans to mitigate the impacts of stormwater. The Otter Project and The Monterey Coastkeeper have been highly engaged in the public process as cities throughout California struggle to create effective stormwater management plans. Through public commentary, participation in public meetings and stakeholder groups, we are bringing the environmental values of our communities to the table. Our involvement in past stormwater management plans has led to a higher standard, and it is our goal to raise the bar across the Central Coast.
• Agricultural Runoff: The Central Coast is a hub of agricultural activity with approximately 600,000 acres devoted to irrigated farmland. When not properly managed, agricultural runoff poses significant threat to water quality. Nutrients, pesticides, sediments and other pollutants are among the threats to both freshwater and marine ecosystems. Currently, monitoring of agricultural runoff is minimal and inadequate. The Monterey Coastkeeper intends to advocate for more effective monitoring requirements to ensure that polluters are held accountable for their activities.
• Stewardship of Marine Protected Areas: The Monterey Bay and adjacent coastal regions are home to a diverse range of marine ecosystems encompassing a truly wondrous collection of wildlife. Various public and non-profit agencies have recognized this, resulting in the creation of a network of Marine Protected Areas off the Central Coast. The Monterey Coastkeeper applauds the creation of these MPAs, and wants to ensure that they are adequately managed. We intend to work to facilitate a strong citizen and stakeholder network to ensure that Marine Protected Areas live up to their names.

• Stormwater:

• Salinas Stormwater Management Plan
• Regional Phase II Stormwater Management Plans
• Agricultural Monitoring and Agricultural Waiver Program 
• Food Safety
• Salinas Channel
• Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs)
• Creation and Stewardship of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)

Newsletters:

• Fall 2008 Monterey Coastkeeper Newsletter