Dorris requested a follow-up discussion with the SEP about whether it is a program that the Sanctuary should fund in the future. It was agreed to put discussion of the program on a future meeting agenda. The proposal is currently waiting for approval from NOAA's Seattle office. Mr. Patrick Cotter, a water quality specialist at the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and the CA Coastal Commission, presented an update on the impacts from the January and March floods. Unfortunately the Sanctuary is the recipient of the floods and all of the pollution that was carried out to the Bay.
Pesticides are the reason for the high cost of the sampling.
Unfortunately the trees and riparian systems have been wiped clean in the Pajaro area. Rachel reminded the panel that the purpose of the document is to introduce the issue to the Sanctuary Advisory Council. Its language is broad and general. The House Committee is scheduled to vote on the issue today. Check the newspaper for the results.