On April twenty eighth, 2026—formally proclaimed by Governor Newsom as California Ocean Day—tons of of scholars, birders, surfers, fishermen, tribal members and group leaders got here collectively in Sacramento to have fun California’s coast and advocate for its future.
This yr’s Ocean Day marked the fiftieth Anniversary of the California Coastal Act. The success of the Coastal Act tells the outstanding story of how a grassroot motion saved the California shoreline from unchecked oil and gasoline firms, massive companies, and privatization. Whereas these threats nonetheless exist right this moment, the Coastal Act established crucial protections to maintain our coast wholesome, resilient, and accessible for all.
Over the previous 50 years the Coastal Act has helped:
- Shield 12,000 acres of open house and habitat
- Restore 4,600 acres of shoreline, wetlands, bays, and shores
- Maintain 1,100 miles of the California shoreline accessible to the general public
Audubon California employees, fellows, and members from Sea and Sage Audubon Chapter flocked to the State Capitol to share why defending our ocean is crucial for communities and for the seabirds and shorebirds whose populations have declined by 70 p.c for the reason that 1950’s and 1970’s. All through the day, we mirrored on how right this moment’s advocacy efforts might form the way forward for California’s shoreline for the subsequent 50 years.
Highlights from the day that made a splash:
Welcoming a Sea of Change – Reception and Press Occasion
Lots of of ocean stewards gathered within the morning to listen to inspiring remarks from coastal leaders, together with the Kate Hecklebridge, Government Director of the California Coastal Fee, and Susan Jordan, Government Director of California Coastal Safety Community. Audio system mirrored on the legacy of the Coastal Act and celebrated current victories alongside the coast, whereas emphasizing the continued want for advocacy within the face of local weather change and habitat loss.
Bringing the Seashore to Sacramento
The Audubon staff gathered in Capitol Park with companions to get pleasure from a “seaside celebration” stuffed with networking and group constructing. It was a enjoyable approach for ocean advocates throughout the state to attach and have fun the distinctive roles all of us play in defending our coast.
The Audubon staff gathered in Capitol Park with companions to get pleasure from a “seaside celebration” stuffed with networking and group constructing. It was a enjoyable approach for ocean advocates throughout the state to attach and have fun the distinctive roles all of us play in defending our coast.
“We beloved having Sea and Sage Audubon be a part of us for this occasion and subsequent yr, I’m excited to have extra of our California chapters out to Sacramento to hitch us for this sort of hands-on advocacy. It was a good way to fulfill different conservation leaders and to speak in regards to the significance of our coast for the birds we love!”
—Rachel Bailey, Audubon California’s Neighborhood Constructing Supervisor
Anchored in Advocacy
Audubon employees and members met with state representatives to debate key conservation priorities and spotlight Audubon’s influence throughout California. The staff advocated for laws that expands coastal entry funding (AB 2734) and the Out of doors for All Initiative (SB 1268), which Audubon co-sponsors. Members noticed firsthand how group voices may also help form state coverage.
“Ocean Day was my first expertise lobbying and I discovered it very informative to work alongside and share data with different coastal stewards. I had an opportunity to fulfill with representatives from the governor’s workplace, a consultant from my district, and brokers from the Fish and Wildlife Service, and we talked about payments associated to shoreline improvement, equitable environmental funding, and offshore oil drilling. Ocean Day gave me a deeper understanding of the community of passionate environmentalists working alongside California’s coasts, and the processes we will entry to drive legislative change.”
—Kate Brewster, Neighborhood Conservation Fellow at Richardson Bay Audubon Middle and Sanctuary
Hope on the Horizon
We wrapped up the day with a phenomenal night reception, the place conversations shifted from laws to memorable moments of the day—just like the fascinating individuals we met and the numerous teams who acquired misplaced looking for the “Swing Area”. The reception was a reminder that Ocean Day shouldn’t be solely about advocacy, but additionally about strengthening group and discovering hope alongside others that deeply care about California’s coast.
“As somebody who had no prior expertise in lobbying or attending campaigning occasions just like this one, Ocean Day was a precious expertise. I had the chance to work together with somebody from my District Senator’s workplace and even briefly spoke with my Senator himself! Moreover, having the possibility to attend the panels and study in regards to the breadth of labor within the realm of water throughout California was extremely informative. I am grateful that Audubon gave me the chance to interact on this expertise!”
—Kris Hung, Neighborhood Conservation Fellow at Richardson Bay Audubon Middle and Sanctuary
The day left us feeling impressed, energized, and hopeful. The Coastal Act formed the California shoreline to what it’s right this moment, and Ocean Day highlights how grassroots advocacy continues to form what comes subsequent. If you wish to be a part of this motion, join our publication or e mail our Coasts Program Supervisor, Liliana Griego, to hitch us subsequent yr for California Ocean Day!
Learn extra in regards to the thrilling day on the Capitol from our companions at Surfrider Foundation and Environment California.
