Making Waves at California Ocean Day

On April twenty eighth, 2026—formally proclaimed by Governor Newsom as California Ocean Day—lots of of scholars, birders, surfers, fishermen, tribal members and neighborhood leaders got here collectively in Sacramento to have a good time California’s coast and advocate for its future. 

This 12 months’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 fuel corporations, large firms, and privatization. Whereas these threats nonetheless exist at the 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:

• Defend 12,000 acres of open area and habitat
• Restore 4,600 acres of shoreline, wetlands, bays, and shores
• Hold 1,100 miles of the California shoreline accessible to the general public

Audubon California workers, 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 % for the reason that 1950’s and 1970’s.  All through the day, we mirrored on how at the 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

A whole lot of ocean stewards gathered within the morning to listen to inspiring remarks from coastal leaders, together with the Kate Hecklebridge, Govt Director of the California Coastal Fee, and Susan Jordan, Govt 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 workforce gathered in Capitol Park with companions to take pleasure in a “seaside occasion” crammed with networking and neighborhood constructing. It was a enjoyable means for ocean advocates throughout the state to attach and have a good time the distinctive roles all of us play in defending our coast. 

The Audubon workforce gathered in Capitol Park with companions to take pleasure in a “seaside occasion” crammed with networking and neighborhood constructing. It was a enjoyable means for ocean advocates throughout the state to attach and have a good time the distinctive roles all of us play in defending our coast.

“We liked having Sea and Sage Audubon be part of us for this occasion and subsequent 12 months, I’m excited to have extra of our California chapters out to Sacramento to affix us for this sort of hands-on advocacy. It was an effective way to satisfy different conservation leaders and to speak concerning the significance of our coast for the birds we love!” 

—Rachel Bailey, Audubon California’s Neighborhood Constructing Supervisor

Anchored in Advocacy

Audubon workers and members met with state representatives to debate key conservation priorities and spotlight Audubon’s impression throughout California. The workforce advocated for laws that expands coastal entry funding (AB 2734) and the Outside for All Initiative (SB 1268), which Audubon co-sponsors. Members noticed firsthand how neighborhood voices can assist form state coverage.  

“Ocean Day was my first expertise lobbying and I discovered it very informative to work alongside and share information with different coastal stewards. I had an opportunity to satisfy 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 growth, 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 ravishing night reception, the place conversations shifted from laws to memorable moments of the day—just like the attention-grabbing folks we met and the numerous teams who received misplaced looking for the “Swing House”. The reception was a reminder that Ocean Day will not be solely about advocacy, but in addition about strengthening neighborhood 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 helpful 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 concerning the breadth of labor within the realm of water throughout California was extremely informative. I am grateful that Audubon gave me the chance to have interaction 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 at the 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 affix us subsequent 12 months for California Ocean Day!

Learn extra concerning the thrilling day on the Capitol from our companions at Surfrider Foundation and Environment California.