2005/02/08 City Council Resolution (3)RESOLUTION NO. 2005- 32
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
SUPPORTING HR 5352 (WOOLSEY)
THE GULF OF THE FARALLONES AND CORDELL BANK NATIONAL MARINE
SANCTUARIES BOUNDARY MODIFICATION AND PROTECTION ACT
WHERAS, while the coast just south of Bodega Head is protected by the Gulf of the Farallones and the
Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries, the rest of the biologically productive Sonoma Coast must be
protected from oil spills and land -based pollution. Additionally, the Russian River and Gualala River
estuaries along this stretch of coast need protection.
WHEREAS, HR 5352 would adjust the boundary of our two existing sanctuaries north and westward.
The westward adjustment will take the sanctuaries out into deeper water making it more difficult to
extract oil from the ocean floor. The northern adjustment for Cordell Bank will add an area called the
Bodega Canyon, the vortex for much of the nutrient -rich upwelling along this coast. Moving the
boundary of the Gulf of the Farallones northward would bring it up to the Gualala River, protecting the
entire Sonoma Coast.
WHEREAS, the National Marine Sanctuaries are only designated in areas that have special biological
significance. The Sonoma Coast is one of the most biologically productive regions in the world. It is
within one of the five coastal upwelling zones on the planet, comprising only I percent of the ocean, but
producing 20 percent of the world's fish. Nutrient -rich water rises from deeper levels to replace the
surface water that has drifted away and these nutrients are responsible for supporting the large fish
population found in this area. Additionally the coastal estuaries are important passages for endangered
salmon and steelhead, essential haul outs for seals and sea lions, and prolific nurseries for hundreds of
aquatic species.
WHEREAS, HR 5352 does not add any additional regulations to fishing. That will be left to the State of
California, which has jurisdiction in state waters, and to the Pacific Fisheries Management Council, which
already has federal jurisdiction.
WHEREAS, by protecting the entire Sonoma County coast and estuaries, HR 5352 will protect the
Bodega Marine Laboratory investment in marine research, jobs that are dependent on a tourist economy
and sports fishing. And, because the bill will protect fish habitat, it will protect the livelihoods of
commercial fishermen.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Rohnert Park supports the
passage of HR 5352 legislation that will preserve our Sonoma County coastal and estuary properties
DULY AND REGULARLY ADOPTED this 8th day of February, 2005.
City of Rohnert Park
FLORES: AYE SMITH: AYE SPRADLIN: AYE VIDAK- MARTINEZ: ABSENT MACKENZIE: AYE
AYES: (4) NOES: (0) ABSENT: (1) ABSTAIN: (0)