However, we need to review the numerous action items identified to reduce duplication and sharpen their focus. We need to focus our efforts on the action plans having the greatest probability of success and the greatest payoff in terms of improving water quality and maintaining balanced communities of indigenous living resources in the Bay and Delta. Good decisions are usually based on sound, credible data. This is particularly important in arriving at sound public policy decisions. A future decision by the Governor to sign the CCMP will commit to a course of action that affects everyone who depends on the Bay for quality of life, recreation or livelihood, and those municipalities and industries surrounding it.
Much data exist, but there are recognized gaps.
We must ensure that sound, credible data on the status and trends of the water quality and living resources in the Bay continues to be collected. Our Year Four and Five Work Plans address some of these gaps and a draft long term monitoring plan to provide such data is under review. Finally, the success of this program ultimately lies in the hands of the stakeholders. There is great diversity among the stakeholders in the Bay. Some prize it simply for its natural beauty and wildlife, others make their livelihood by harvesting its resources or using it to support sea-borne commerce, and still others for the recreational opportunities it provides.