The waters off Southern California’s shores are one of the world’s best examples of an urban ocean—a segment of the World Ocean used extensively and intensively by humans. This area is also one of the regions of the Pacific Ocean most intensively used by marine life, from dolphins to one of the largest and most diverse assemblages of whales to rich, productive kelp forests and the marine animals that inhabit them. There is little question as whether or not action must be taken to ensure a healthy and prosperous future for these Southern California waters and the Aquarium of the Pacific aims to increase awareness through its Urban Ocean Festival on May 5 and 6. Simultaneously, they hope the event will drive key stakeholders and the public to create a plan to map out a sustainable future for these vibrant waters, since industry, recreation, and wildlife all coexist in relative harmony in a delicate and dynamic balance.
The public will have the opportunity to contribute input on the future of the urban ocean for the upcoming ocean planning Aquatic Forum in July. The Aquarium’s Aquatic Forums provide a venue for stakeholders to explore complex and pressing issues related to the ocean and environment. The Aquarium will be leading a discussion among ocean experts, policymakers, and a diverse group of stakeholders to develop potential scenarios for the Southern California urban ocean out to the year 2050. These future scenarios will be based on the interplay of various actions by humans with changes in the oceanography of the Southern California Bight. Predetermined factors like estimated rates of population growth and sea level rise will be taken into account, as will driving forces like climate change, environmentalism, and the economy. The forum will also examine the critical uncertainties, like decisions made by government, which would affect the ocean and its use by humans.
Public input is being gathered via the Aquarium’s Twitter and Facebook and will be incorporated into the forum.