Areas of Special Biological Significance (ASBS)
Contents
Summary
The state of California has thirty-four regions in the California Ocean Plans as Areas of Special Biological Significance (ASBS) in an effort to preserve marine ecosystems [3]. ASBS are regulated by the California Department of Fish and Game and the prohibition of stormwater discharge is regulated by the State Water Regional Control Board (SWRCB). In the Central Coast region, the Pacific Grove ASBS has 3.2 miles of coastline in Monterey County and lies entirely within the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. This area also contains the Pacific Grove Marine Gardens State Marine Conservation Area and Hopkins State Marine Reserve [4]
California first adopted the California Ocean Plan in 1972. The California Water Code also requires a review every three years [5]. According to the 2001 California Ocean Plan, no wastes can be discharged into ASBS. Discharges must be located outside the area of influence of ASBS to ensure maintenance of natural water quality conditions. ASBS are classified as State Water Quality Protections Areas (SWQPAs) in the California Public Resources Code [6].
References
- ↑ http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/ocean/asbs_areas.shtml/
- ↑ http://www.swrcb.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/ocean/docs/asbs/asbs_areas/asbs_swqpa_publication03.pdf/
- ↑ http://cordc.ucsd.edu/projects/asbs/
- ↑ http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/ocean/asbs_map.shtml
- ↑ http://www.opc.ca.gov/webmaster/ftp/pdf/agenda_items/20050321/swrcb_ocean_plan.pdf/
- ↑ http://www.sccwrp.org/ResearchAreas/RegionalMonitoring/MarineProtectedAreas/ASBSDischargeIdentification.aspx/
Links
- Urban stormwater management in the City of Pacific Grove
- Urban stormwater management in the Monterey Bay region
- Urban Discharges to Areas of Special Biological Significance on Monterey Peninsula
Disclaimer
This page may contain student work completed as part of assigned coursework. It may not be accurate. It does not necessary reflect the opinion or policy of CSUMB, its staff, or students.