Here is a report from our BWTF Coordinator Sam Blakesley on his recent trip to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Currents Symposium:
The theme of this years Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Currents Symposium was "The Rise of Citizen Science," so I knew that the Blue Water Task Force would be a great representation of the work we are doing here at Surfrider. My poster focused on how our Santa Cruz Chapter's BWTF is going above and beyond as an all-volunteer operated water quality monitoring and education advocacy program.
Our team of citizen scientist who regularly sample and test the water for bacteria on a weekly basis make up the largest and most consistent BWTF program out of all Surfrider chapters worldwide! Furthermore, we use the results of our tests to inform the entire community of the water quality at their favorite spot, as well as making presentations at local school to educate kids, the next generation of future activists, about ocean pollution in general. More specifically, the poster had information regarding Cowell's, and how Surfrider and the BWTF are well represented in the Cowell's Working Group, a collaboration of the most prominent and dedicated environmental groups with the City and County of Santa Cruz to address the water quality issue at Cowell's Beach. Upon recommendation of the Cowell's Working Group, the BWTF has implemented more sampling sites on the beach, in the surf area, and along the wharf to try and locate a source of the bacteria, all with the help of some citizen scientist.
Aside from my own presentation, it was awesome to see and hear about all the good work my fellow students and peers are doing in the name of environmental stewardship. The Sanctuary Currents Symposium was an inspiring event, and although I didn't win, I learned what I need to do to make a better report next time, and I am still very proud of the Blue Water Task Force! - Sam Blakesley
