CITY COUNCIL: Resolution in Support of California Assembly/Senate Joint Resoltuion 49 for a Comprehensive Assessment of Gray Whale

Meeting Date: 6 October 2009
Prepared by: Rich Guillen

City Council
Agenda Item Summary

Name: Consideration of a Resolution in support of California Assembly/Senate Joint Resolution 49, calling on the Federal Government to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the California Gray Whale.

Description: In 1970, the Federal Government protected the California Gray Whale under the Endangered Species Act. At that time, it was estimated that there were only 12,000 California Gray Whales. In 1994, the population had increased to 23,000, so they were taken off the endangered list. In the period from 1999-2000, as a result of mass starvation, the numbers declined by one third, with some scientists estimating the population at less than 14,000.

Since 2001, there have been no comprehensive studies, population estimates or funding
for California Gray Whale research.

In July 2008, the California Assembly and Senate adopted Joint Resolution 49, calling for urgent studies of the major threats facing the Gray Whales. More recently, Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey (D-6) submitted an appropriations request for government funding for a comprehensive study of the threats facing the California Gray Whale.

The City of San Diego has already adopted a resolution supporting this push for federal funding to conduct these studies. Other area cities, including Monterey and Seaside, have similar resolutions planned for their October City Council agendas.

Overall Cost:
City Funds: N/A
Grant Funds: N/A

Staff Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution.

Important Considerations: In 2008, whale watching in California generated $14.3 million in direct revenue, with an additional $68.5 million in indirect revenue, and an estimated 1.3 million participants. Whale watching is an important tourist attraction on the Monterey Peninsula.

Decision Record: None.

Reviewed by:

__________________________ _____________________
Rich Guillen, City Administrator Date

CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA
CITY COUNCIL
RESOLUTION 2009-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA IN SUPPORT OF CALIFORNIA ASSEMBLY/SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 49 CALLING ON THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO UNDERTAKE A COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT OF THE CALIFORNIA GRAY WHALE

__________________________________________________________________
WHEREAS, the federal government placed the California Gray Whale on the endangered and threatened species list in 1970 when its estimated population was approximately 12,000 and removed it in 1994 when the population rose to 23,000; and

WHEREAS, a major collapse in 1999 and 2000 is estimated to have wiped out onethird of the total population since 2001; and

WHEREAS, the National Marine Fisheries Service has not published an estimate of the California Gray Whale since 2001; and

WHEREAS, in 2008 the California State Legislature adopted Assembly/Senate Joint Resolution 49 requesting Congress and the President of the United States to call upon the National Marine Fisheries Service to undertake an immediate and comprehensive assessment of the California Gray Whale; and

WHEREAS, there is no current habitat protection for the Pacific Coast Feeding Aggregation in California, Oregon, or the State of Washington; and

WHEREAS, there are inconsistencies in the protection states give to Gray Whales;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA DOES:

1. Call on the Federal Government to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the California Gray Whale. This assessment should include all current research covering the migration routes, population dynamics, mortality of the California Gray Whale, and the impacts of threats to the California Gray Whale.

PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA this 6th day of October 2009, by the following roll call vote:

AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS:

SIGNED,

___________________________
SUE McCLOUD, MAYOR

ATTEST:

________________________________
Heidi Burch, City Clerk