Fish Contamination Education Collaborative

Archived Blog Stories

Chill December Events for the Whole Family - 12/3/2013

This month there are a variety of spectacular events that spark the spirit of the holidays and create unforgettable memories for the whole family. Celebrate with your family and community this December and make it the best month of 2013!

>> Nothing says the holidays like lights, lights, lights and more lights! Attend the Hermosa Beach Holiday Open House and Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 5 and be merry!

>> It might not snow around these parts, but that doesn’t mean you can’t build a snowman! Join in on a Sand Snowman Contest at the Hermosa Pier on December 7.

>> Did you know that Santa surfs when he’s not riding his sleigh? Check it out at Redondo’s 3rd Annual Holiday Concert & Santa on the Pier on December 14.

>> Prevent cabin fever and head out to the Aquarium of the Pacific for the 2013-2014 Coastal American Art Contest on December 16 for an amazing art show.

>> December 26 kicks off the Whale Watching season. Don’t miss a once in a lifetime chance to see Pacific gray whales migrating past our coast!

>> Do you ever wish you could live under the sea? Take living under the sea for a test swim and find out what it’s like to have fish swimming overhead at the Aquarium of the Pacific’s Winter Family Sleepover on December 29.

And if that’s not enough fun, check out the FCEC calendar of events for activities all month long!

*Photo courtesy of Okeanos.

The Essence of Sustainable Seafood - 11/22/2013

How do we make sure there’s enough fish for everyone to go around? A good way to start is by eating sustainable seafood. That’s right! Eating sustainable seafood can help manage and replenish our ocean with plenty of fish for future generations.

The essence of consuming sustainable seafood is:

1. EAT small fish. NOT big ones.
2. EAT wild fish. NOT farmed ones.
3. EAT local fish. Only the healthy ones, NOT the 5 local contaminated fish.
4. EAT farmed shellfish.

Now that you know the spirit of eating sustainable, watch this 1-minute video featuring Andy Sharpless, CEO of Oceana, to find out how you can help save the ocean by making intelligent choices when choosing to eat sustainable seafood for your next meal.

November Events: Be Thankful for Family, Friends & Fun! - 11/1/2013

This November, there’s a wide range of entertaining events for everyone in your life. Give thanks for your family and friends by spending some quality time together at these fun local events!

>> If you have been feeling stressed lately, start this month off on the right foot and head over to Golden Bridge Yoga on November 2 for a Free Yoga session provided by Heal the Bay!

>> Not sure what to do for date night? Attend the Aquarium of the Pacific’s Night Dive for an evening surrounded by fish, fabulous food and cocktails on November 8.

>> Thanksgiving is just around the corner! Stay in shape and healthy the fun way, by signing up for the GI Joe Pier to Pier Run/Walk at Huntington Beach Pier on November 9.

>> Celebrate the Harvest Moon, a popular Asian Tradition, at the Autumn Festival on November 9-10. Cultural demonstrations, crafts, acrobatics and music are sure to lead your family into an exciting weekend. FCEC will be hosting a booth at this event, so make sure to stop by to play our fun fishing game!

>> Free fishing! Catch the Angler Outreach Team on the Cabrillo Pier on November 16 for an educational and fun fishing session.

>> Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? SpongeBob Square pants! If your kids are fans of the show, make sure to go to SpongeBob Appreciation Day at the Aquarium of the Pacific on November 17 for a special 4D film!

>> Not into cooking a whole feast? Experience an out of the ordinary Thanksgiving Lunch with your fishy friends at the Aquarium of the Pacific on November 28.

And if that’s not enough fun, check out the FCEC calendar of events for activities all month long!

*Photo courtesy All Posters.

 

Amusing Autumn Events for October - 10/1/2013

The times are a changin’, but don’t worry we won’t fall short on any fun events this season. There are plenty of family-friendly activities all month long that will certainly provide fresh perspectives on some fishy news.

>> Tired of the same old thing? Visit the Aquarium of the Pacific on October 5 and enjoy some diversity with live performances, music, dance and cultural craft demonstrations at the 9th Annual Southeast Asia Day.

>> Get over hump day! Enjoy some mixing and mingling at the Instacanvas Gallery Show at Hamilton Gallery to benefit Heal the Bay on October 10.

>> Don’t forget pets are family members too. Bring the whole pack out to Santa Monica Pier on October 11 to view a classic: Snoopy, Come Home, presented by Front Porch Cinema.

>> Young anglers will want to stop by the Whittier Narrow Recreation Center on October 19 to enjoy a fun, yet educational morning reeling in some fish with the Daniel Hernandez Youth Foundation Junior Fishing Club. This remarkable club meets every third Saturday of the month and serves to enhance knowledge of safe fishing practices.

>> Want to make a big difference, but short on time? We got you covered. Come out on October 20 for a 30-Minute Beach Cleanup at Belmont Shore. A little help goes a long way to keep our beaches clean and marine life safe!

>> Need something spookier to do? On October 26 & 27 Heal the Bay is hosting Fishy Fest, which is an annual celebration of Halloween and Dia de Los Muertos at the Santa Monica Bay Aquarium. Be sure to come out and enjoy some spine-tingling facts about sharks and other misunderstood creatures!

Find out what other fun and fishing related events are going on this month on the FCEC calendar of events.

What other events will you and your family be attending this month? Let us know!

*Photo courtesy of Don Bastian Wet Flies.

 

Fall Into September With Family Friendly Events - 9/4/2013

Just because summer is over, that doesn’t mean the fun has to end. Take a look at some of the family-friendly happenings going on this September. From concerts, to local cleanups, to festivals, to free fishing sessions, September is another month that is sure to be fun-filled.

>> Grab your fork and head out to the Rainbow Lagoon in Long Beach for The Original Lobster Festival September 6-8.

>> Get your workout in this weekend on a scenic course! Aquarium of the Pacific is hosting their 2nd Annual Aquarium of the Pacific 5K September 8, and then you can head down to Rainbow Harbor for some local fishing.

>> Enjoy the last 29th Annual Twilight Concert series performance of the summer on September 12 at the Santa Monica Pier and share your favorite tunes of the summer with us.

>> Clean up, clean up, everybody, everywhere! September 21 is the official California Coastal Cleanup Day, where various organizations and communities come together for one day to clean up our local beaches and waterways. Keep our ocean and marine life safe and lend a cleaning hand this Coastal Cleanup Day with Aquarium of the Pacific, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium or Heal the Bay.

>> Get ready for some reeling and take a stroll to the Cabrillo Pier or to the Santa Monica Pier on September 28 for a free fishing session! Explore fish caught off the pier and find out how to identify the local contaminated fish with the Angler Outreach Team.

>> Join us as we attend Aquarium of the Pacific’s annual Baja Splash Festival in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month September 28-29. There will be plenty of live entertainment, crafts, educational programs and ethnic cuisine to fill your entire weekend!

Find out what other fun and fishing related events are going on this month on the FCEC calendar of events.

What events will you be attending as fall kicks off?

 

Summer Isn’t Over Without Fishing: August Events - 8/1/2013

Summer isn’t over until you’ve gone fishing! If you haven’t had a chance to go on a fishing trip, then August is your month! Take a look at some of our favorite fishing-friendly happenings this month:

>> Celebrate the final month of summer at the Redondo Beach Pier with fun community events including free summer concerts every Thursday and Saturday through the end of summer.

>> Put on your Los Anglers fishing hat and head on out to the Belmont Pier on August 2 for the 60th Annual Kids Fishing Rodeo.

>> Are you an Ocean-lover? Heal the Bay’s Santa Monica Pier Aquarium is hosting an Ocean Appreciation Weekend August 3 – 4 with interactive games, crafts, face painting, educational presentations and more!

>> Head out to the Cabrillo Pier for a free fishing session on August 9! Learn how to catch local safe fish to eat and how to identify the local contaminated fish with the Angler Outreach Team.

>> Ever been to a swap meet just for fishing? Check out the Daniel Hernandez Youth Foundation’s Fishing Swap Meet on August 10 in Long Beach and stock up on fishing supplies!

>> See the Sea, Si? The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium invites you to their floating lab on August 24, where you will learn about the world of plankton, shore animals and other sandy bottom fish.

>> Are you in for a whale watch adventure? Join Cabrillo Marine Aquarium search for whales, dolphins and seabirds aboard a 90-foot-yacht in San Pedro on August 25.

For more summer fun and fishing related activities, check out the FCEC calendar of events.

What events will you be enjoying these last days of summer?

 

Wave Hello To Summer Fun: July Events - 6/28/2013

It’s sunny, clear and time for you to enjoy more fishing and ocean related events. July is a month full of community Bar-B-Que’s, 4th of July celebrations and family-friendly fun! Take a look at some of our favorite happenings going on this month and be sure to enjoy summer the right way with these outdoors and sea-side activities:

>> Start the month right with a Party on the Pier full of food, music and fireworks at the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier on July 4 or celebrate our country’s independence at the Aquarium of the Pacific for their family friendly Bar-B-Que and fireworks show!

>> Get your hands dirty and our beaches clean with the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium’s staff at their monthly Beach Cleanup July 6. You and our ocean will be glad you did.

>> You can’t enjoy summertime properly without some smooth tunes, right? Starting July 6, enjoy free live music at the Redondo Beach Pier for their Summer of Music every Thursday and Saturday through the end of summer!

 

>> How about a late night adventure this summer? On July 10 meet the grunion at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium and learn about the silvery fish.

>> More summer jams are starting this month at the Santa Monica Pier’s 29th Annual Twilight Concerts. July 11 kicks off LA’s favorite summer concert series with some of the best contemporary and classic music along with the most amazing views in Southern California.

>> On your mark, get set, dragon race! July 27-28 the largest dragon boat competition will be taking place at the Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival. There will be Chinese traditional art demonstrations, Chinese Acrobats, traditional dance, music and martial arts performances and more!

Check out our FCEC calendar for more information about these events and more. Where are you headed this summer? Let us know how you are celebrating this month!

*Photo courtesy of My Santa Monica Life.

 

Fishing for Summer Fun: June Events - 5/31/2013

Summer is just around the corner. Are you ready for what’s coming up? We have the latest news on where the most exciting fishing events are happening this month. With derbies, discounts and Fisherman’s Appreciation Day to keep you entertained, you’ll be wishing every month was like June. So grab your shades, fishing rods and ice coolers, and let the fishing fun begin!

>> Enjoy your evenings at the Aquarium of the Pacific for just $14.95 from now until September. Adults, seniors and children ages 3-11 can take advantage of this special price after 5:00 pm on selected Discounted Late Nights. The nighttime activities of the animals and beautiful evening lighting transform the Aquarium into a whole other place!

>> Join the Marina Del Rey Anglers on June 8 – 9 for the 38th Annual Halibut Derby. Compete against other anglers for the biggest catch and have fun with friends and family during these two fun filled days on the water. All proceeds from the event support two great causes.

>> Los Anglers invites local fishermen and families to the 4th Annual Fisherman’s Appreciation Day on Venice Pier. On June 15, come out to the pier for free food, games and prizes. You will even have a chance to hone your fishing skills and talk with the pros!

>> On June 16, the local Santa Monica Bait & Tackle Shop is hosting their annual Father’s Day Fishing Derby out on the pier. What better way to show love for your father than a good day spent fishing? Be sure to stop by our FCEC booth and say hello!

>> Fathers will not be short of celebrations this month. Also on June 16, get together with the family for the Aquarium of the Pacific’s Annual Father’s Day BBQ. Take in the view of Rainbow Harbor while enjoying a culinary feast that is sure to please any dad.

>> No one is too young to be a fisherman. So bring your kids to Fisherman’s Wharf on June 23 for Kids Day at the Docks and show them what fishing is all about! Hands on instructors will teach kids fishing techniques, safe places to fish, and about our beautiful ocean. Fishing on the docks and rod/reel use are free.

Check out our FCEC calendar for more information about these events and more. Can’t wait to take part in these events? Let us know below which of them are getting you excited for summer!

*Photo courtesy of Seaside Vacations.

 

 

Spring into Fishing This Month: May Events

MAY the fishing season commence! We are looking forward to a great season of fishing, and this month we have found some fun events to get you and your family excited about the fishing season too! From fish-tivals to fishing sessions there are plenty of events to keep you busy this month.

>> On May 4 and May 25 join the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium for a FREE fishing session! Learn how to catch healthy fish, how to identify fish and properly throw back local contaminated fish, such as white croaker.

>> Explore and celebrate the Southern California Coast at the Aquarium of the Pacific’s annual Urban Ocean Festival May 4 -5. There will be a fashion show, educational booths, contests and more!

>> Ready for some fishy fun? Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is hosting a Special Grunion Fish-tival May 11 to learn and celebrate Southern California’s very own Grunion fish!

>> Did you know there’s an Endangered Species Day? Learn about the marine life that are endangered on May 18 and have some fun with a beach walk, scavenger hunt, story time and more!

>> Gear up to clean up! Heal the Bay is coordinating their monthly Nothin’ But Sand Beach Cleanup for all of you to get your hands a little dirty and help clean up a local beach. May 18 join Heal the Bay and your community to do some good work for our beaches.

Check out our FCEC calendar for more information about these events and more. Are you attending any events this month? Let us know!

Celebrating Love Sea-Style This February - 2/4/2013

There are plenty of ways to spread the love all month long with family and friends at local community events. Here are some of our favorites for this month:

>> The Whale Watching continues! Catch a ride with Cabrillo Marine Aquarium all month long for the chance to see a Pacific grey whale.

>> It’s boating time. February 7 – 10 browse through the Los Angeles Boat Show at the LA Convention Center and Marina del Rey locations and sign up for a hands on clinic to learn about power boating and sailing from experts.

>> On February 13, join Cabrillo Marine Aquarium for their “Birds and the Bees, Under the Seas” program and learn how marine creatures mate, reproduce and ensure their young survive.

>> It’s the most romantic time of the year. Celebrate Valentine’s Day February 14 at the Aquarium of the Pacific for a gourmet dinner and a chance to explore the Aquarium at night with its elegant and romantic lighting.

>> Want to get your kids hooked on fishing? February 16 the Daniel Hernandez Youth Foundation is providing kids 10-14 a memorable and safe day of learning and fishing.

>> It’s shark time! The Santa Monica Pier Aquarium is hosting Shark Sundays through the month of February. Don’t miss your chance to learn some fun facts about the misunderstood creatures and get up close to the shark tank every Sunday at 3:30 pm.

>> Cultural festivals are always fun. February 23-24 Aquarium of the Pacific is hosting their annual African American Festival featuring live entertainment, ethnic food, dancers, musicians, storytellers and more!

>> Learn about California’s Love Affair with the Sea. Join author David Helvarg on February 28 at the Aquarium of the Pacific, as he discusses his book The Golden Shore, which dives into the state’s connection with the sea.

More information about these events and others are on our FCEC calendar.

How will you be spreading the love this month?

*Photo courtesy Aquarium of the Pacific.

Doing Good & Having Fun in 2013: January Events - 1/1/2013

A new year brings new activities. FCEC is here to provide you with the latest community events, volunteer opportunities and local fishing related activities for 2013. This January check out some of the happenings in your area and get involved!

>> During the month of January, join the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium for Whale Watching any day of the week!

>> It always feels rewarding to do some good. Kick off the New Year right by lending a hand and helping clean a local beach for Cabrillo’s monthly beach cleanup on January 5. Or join Heal the Bay on January 19 at Venice Beach for their Nothin’ But Sand Beach Cleanup.

>> January 19 the Daniel Hernandez Youth Foundation Junior Fishing Club is hosting a youth get together at their brand new clubhouse. Learn the basics of fishing then go out to the local lake for some fun fishing times!

>> Ready for a whale-sized fiesta? Join Cabrillo Marine Aquarium for their annual Whale Fiesta on January 27. It will be a family day filled with games, arts and crafts, puppet shows, food and gift vendors, marine awareness organizations and music. A guaranteed good time for you and the family!

>> Get up close and personal with the oceans ultimate predator at the Aquarium of the Pacific’s Shark Lagoon Nights every Friday in January.

>> Want to be a part of a major project happening at the Belmont Pier? Now’s your chance! Join MSRP for their “Building an Artificial Reef Along the Belmont Pier” public meeting on January 30 to learn about the project and provide any comments related to the project.

More information about these events and others are on our FCEC calendar.

What events will you be attending this month? Share with us below!

*Photo courtesy of Top Events USA.

It’s the Holiday Season! Time to Give, Fish and Be Merry! - 11/28/2012

This year has flown by, but it’s not too late to get involved in some fun, FCEC-friendly events this year. From holiday concerts on the pier to shark nights, we have a December filled with events to remember!

>> Tis the season of giving. December 1-21 you can give back to the community by visiting the Redondo Pier and contributing to their Annual Pier Toy Drive for the local all-volunteer organization, Cheer for Children.

>> Join the Aquarium of the Pacific December 1 & 2 as their “Santa diver” will be giving special treats to the marine life during the Holiday Treats for the Animals weekend. Families will be treated to holiday music, crafts, unique presentations and more!

>> What’s up with Marine Protected Areas? Get the scoop from the perspective of the California Department of Fish and Game on December 7.

>> Join the club! December 15 the Daniel Hernandez Youth Foundation Junior Fishing Club is getting together to learn the basics of fishing then going out for a morning of fishing!

>> Holiday music puts everyone in a cheerful mood. On December 15, the Redondo Pier Association is hosting their 2nd Annual Holiday Concert and Santa on the Pier. So grab a hot cocoa and bring your Holiday spirit to the pier to enjoy with your loved ones!

>> Holiday fun, fishing and sharks, oh my! Every Friday of the month you are invited to the Aquarium of the Pacific’s Shark Lagoon Nights, where you can touch sharks and rays. Or each Sunday of the month you have the opportunity to expand your shark knowledge at the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium’s Shark Sundays.

More information about these events and others are on our FCEC calendar.

How will you be celebrating this month? Share with us below! Happy Holidays from FCEC!

*Photo courtesy of California Coastal Commission.

 

FCEC is Thankful for Fishing and More This November! - 11/5/2012

November is the time of year to reflect and give thanks for what we appreciate most in life, whether it’s fishing, a warm meal or living in sunny Southern California. This November take some time to be thankful for what you have and celebrate with your community at some of these exciting events:

>> November 10, join Heal the Bay as they help restore Malibu Creek State Park from invasive plants.

>> Remember to thank a veteran, November 11. In honor of Veterans Day, all veterans will get in free to the Aquarium of the Pacific and receive special discounts at the Redondo Pier.

>> Sea Stars and kids can feast every Tuesday in November at the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium for FREE! Take your kids to help feed the sea stars and they can eat for free at Rusty’s Surf Ranch on the Santa Monica Pier.

>> Get your cook on! November 16 is the last day to get your healthy seafood recipe entries in our Sustainable Seafood Recipe Contest to win $60 to the best seafood restaurant in Orange County – Slapfish!

>> Are you thankful for free fishing? Join Sportfishing with Dan Hernandez as he hosts a Youth Fishing Derby for all kids under 15 to enjoy some free fishing at El Dorado Regional Park November 17.

>> It’s feasting time! Treat yourself and your family to a traditional Thanksgiving meal on November 22 and dine with the Aquarium of the Pacific family.

More information about these events and others are on our FCEC calendar.

How will you be celebrating your thankfulness this month? Share with us below!

*Photo courtesy of Galveston Daily News.

Reading the Signs and Drawing the Conclusions - 10/22/2012

If you’ve been out on the piers and the beaches from Santa Monica to Seal Beach in the last year, then you’ve probably seen FCEC’s signs that help to identify fish species that are especially prone to chemical contamination. The reason we know you’ve probably seen them is that in addition to placing the sings, we’ve been sending our team, with help from the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium and Heal the Bay, out to measure the sign’s effectiveness. And guess what? They are working!

In the course of our research, we interviewed anglers and beach goers asking them if they had seen the signs, what they remembered about them and if they planned to change their behavior. Meanwhile, we compared that data against the number of sings we place, where we placed them, and other media that has supported the message.

To share the results in a clear and fun way we translated the data into an easy to read info-sheet. This sheet can be shared though FCEC and our partners, with each other and our communities, to show the real progress we are making towards changing how anglers are choosing and sharing their catches with their friends and family. Take a look at the info sheet to see the results for yourself and tell us if the pier signs have helped you or your friends when you’ve been fishing in Southern California!

 

FCEC’s 2012 Strategic Planning Meeting Update - 10/12/2012

In mid-September FCEC stakeholders, representatives and partners gathered at the City of Long Beach Family Health and Education Center for the annual Strategic Planning Meeting.

Take a look inside the Strategic Planning Meeting and see the FCEC Team at work!

Judy Huang, EPA Project Manager, and Robert Lindfors of ITSI kicked off the meeting with an update on the monitoring and capping efforts off the PV Shelf. In the presentation they highlighted that traces of chemicals are reducing in the sediment, but not in the fish. There is no explanation for this quite yet, but they are keeping a close eye on it.

Next, a presentation on the Seafood Consumption Study was given. A significant finding has been that compared to the same study conducted in 1994, for every 3 anglers seen in 1994 only 1 angler is still fishing. Information on Pier Outreach efforts was then presented, and it was noted that over 8,800 anglers were reached during July 2011 – June 2012. It was found that compared to anglers who haven’t received outreach, a greater proportion of those who did receive outreach reported awareness of the local fish contamination.

The last presentation was given by Gabrielle Dorr from the Montrose Settlements Restoration Program, where she discussed their priorities for the restoration projects on fishing and habitat, bald eagles, falcons and seabirds. In addition, she reviewed the goals of the fishing restoration project, which is to provide public information to restore lost fishing services and construct artificial reefs and fishing access improvements.

October Events: Fear Not, Fall is Here! - 9/28/2012

With plenty of volunteer events, fairs and Halloween fun this month, you will find events the whole family can enjoy. Take a look at some of our favorite happenings this month and dive into the fall fun:

>> Wednesdays and Saturdays in October, join the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy and lend a hand as they maintain the preserves to ensure healthy habitats for local wildlife and safe trails for visitors.

>> Aquarium of the Pacific is hosting an Aquarium Kids Fun Run Saturday, October 6. Sign your child up and they will receive a commemorative marine animal medal, a finisher certificate and free Aquarium admission!

>> Do you love clean water and healthy water bodies for marine life? Join Cabrillo Marine Aquarium on Saturday, October 13 for the World Water Monitoring Challenge and be a part of the team that protects our water resources worldwide.

>> Take a trip to Redondo Pier and experience their 3rd Annual Taste of the Pier. On Sunday, October 14 hop on the Redondo Pier for food tastings, face painting, live music and more!

 

>> Join FCEC and head over to the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium for their annual Autumn Sea Fair on Sunday, October 21. There will be ocean-related activities for every age, face-painting, cast a fishing line class and a Beach Olympics! We will be hosting a booth at this event so stop by to play our fishing game and say hello.

>> Are you ready for some ‘spooktacular’ fun this month brings? You’re in luck! Aquarium of the Pacific will be hosting their annual Scarium of the Pacific October 20-21, for friends and families to enjoy a costume contest, pumpkin carving, spooky storytelling and kooky crafts!

>> For some not-so-scary fun, join the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium’s Sea Scare 2012 on Saturday, October 27 for an underwater world of chills, thrills and gills or have a good time at the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium for a fishy fest celebrating Halloween and Dia De Los Muertos on October 27-28.

May you have a frightfully good time this month! For more information about these events and others, check out the FCEC calendar. Have you been to any of these events before? Share you past experience with us!

*Photo courtesy of Aquarium of the Pacific.

September Events: Celebrating Clean Water & Fiestas All Month Long - 8/30/2012

 

>> Kick off the first weekend of September with Fiesta Hermosa at the Hermosa Beach Pier. Stroll down the beach to catch the sea breeze and hundreds of artists and crafters including painters, photographers and sculptors.

>> United Anglers of Southern California is holding their annual Tri Tip BBQ event on September 2 featuring some great raffle prizes, tasty food and good times with your fellow anglers.

>> The Original Lobster Festival is back in Long Beach September 7, 8 & 9 with fresh Main lobsters, live entertainment and more family fun.

>> Join Heal the Bay and participate in the Stream Team Restoration at Malibu Creek State Park on September 8 to help remove invasive plants and make a positive impact in our local ecosystem.

>> Aquarium of the Pacific is hosting a special exhibit, Ocean Amor, starting September 15 where you can observe life-sized marine animals sculpted to inspire the preservation of the ocean and the creatures in them.

>> The largest volunteer event in the world is back! On September 15 join forces with Heal the Bay or the Aquarium of the Pacific for Coastal Cleanup Day and help keep our ocean and fish healthy by cleaning local beaches of trash.

>> End the month with a big splash at the Baja Splash Cultural Festival at the Aquarium of the Pacific September 29 & 30 to celebrate the National Hispanic Heritage Month. Don’t miss out on the live entertainment, crafts and delicious ethnic cuisine!

For more fun and fishing related activities, check out the FCEC calendar of events. Do you know of any fun local events coming soon? Share them with us in the comment section below, and we’ll add them to our calendar.

 

*Photo courtesy of the California Coastal Commission.

August Events: Let the Games Begin! - 8/1/2012

When you’re not watching USA compete in the Olympic Games and if are looking for more ways to fill your days with some local summer fun, check out this list of FCEC approved events:

>> Celebrate USA’s Olympic victories at the Redondo Beach Pier with fun community events including free summer concerts every Thursday and Saturday through the end of summer.

>> Grab your fishing hats and head on out to the Belmont Pier on August 3 for the 59th Annual Kids Fishing Rodeo.

>> The City of Huntington Beach is also hosting a fishing competition, the Annual Huck Finn Fishing Derby on August 11 at Huntington Beach Pier. Kids up to the age of 15 can participate and kids who dress as Huck Finn or Becky Thatcher from Mark Twain can compete for costume awards.

>> Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is inviting you to go aboard a floating lab and Sea the Sea on August 11, where you will learn about the world of plankton and other sandy bottom fish.

>> Join Aquarium of the Pacific for some family fun on August 25. This Saturday Family Fun program is designed to introduce your 4-6 year olds to marine life.

>> Are you up for a whale-sized adventure? Join the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium wildlife experts for a coastline ride on a yacht to site whales, dolphins and other beautiful sea life on August 26.

For more summer and fishing related activities, check out the FCEC calendar of events. What events will you be enjoying these last days of summer?

*Photo courtesy of Folbot.

July’s A Time To Enjoy The Outdoors - 7/3/2012

The sun is shining and the fish are biting! It’s that time of year to get out and enjoy the beaches and neighborhood Bar-B-Ques. This July, celebrate Independence Day and summer with some family fun events we’ve listed below:

>> Party on the Belmont Pier on July 4 with local bands, an all American food court and of course a great view of the nighttime fireworks show. Or celebrate the 4th in red, white and blue fish fashion with the Aquarium of the Pacific for a family friendly Bar-B-Que.

>> How about listening to some great tunes by the coast? The Redondo Beach Pier is hosting free community events including free summer concerts every Thursday and Saturday starting July 7 through the end of summer.

>> For those junior fish lovers, sign them up for Aquarium of the Pacific’s “Fish Fry Camp” July 17-19 and make some lasting marine memories with hands on exploration, games and crafts that your child will never forget.

>> Icthyology classes for 5-6 graders are available at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium July 23-27. Students will learn about the inner and outer workings of fish and even get a cool free T-shirt for attending the class!

>> Join the City of Long Beach for the largest Crawfish Festival outside of Louisiana. On July 28-29, thousands of seafood lovers will come together for great New Orleans sounds of music, fresh crawfish, dancing and beach bars.

For more summer and fishing related activities, check out the FCEC calendar of events. What events will you be participating in this July? Share with us the fun local events you will be checking out!

 

*Photo courtesy of Sightseeing Sam.

 

It’s a Bright and Sunshiny June - 6/1/2012

Why worry about “June gloom” when you can, “June zoom,” over to some fun and eco-conscious activities? Whether you’re in the mood for a concert or a contest, a day on the ocean or a night at the aquarium, we’ve got a line-up that will start your summer off right.

>> Come and Say Aloha on June 3 at the 9th annual Pacific Islander Festival hosted by the Aquarium of the Pacific. Get shaking with multi-cultural dancing, games, art and food!

>> For something soothing, drift away on June 7 to the sounds of the ocean and the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra for “Sounds and Spaces,” ant the Aquarium of the Pacific.

>> Obey the law of the lake for a chance at $2000 in cash prizes. Head out to Convict Lake on June 8-10 for the Hangman’s Bonus Fishing Derby.

>> A day late but not at all short, celebrate World Ocean Day on June 9, at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium or join the beach party at the Santa Monica Pier’s Paddleboard Race and Ocean Festival. Both filled with facts and fun for the whole family.

>> Come and appreciate Dads, fisherman—or both. The 3rd annual Fisherman’s Appreciation Day has a day’s worth of FREE family fun on June 16 at the Venice Pier The on the June 17, sign dad up for The Father’s Day BBQ at the Aquarium of the Pacific!

>> Sea lions and dolphins and sharks, oh my! Sign up for adventure with Catalina Above and Below at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium on June 23 and get up close and personal with SoCal’s marine animals.

>> It’s a day at the beach they will never forget. Youth Fishing Day on June 24 at Fisherman’s Village will teach your kids how to fish for a lifetime with free fishing, bait, rods, reels and parking!

Check out additional information about these events, and more, on our FCEC calendar. It looks like it’s going to be a cool summer!

Which events will you be attending this month? Share with us below!

*Photo is courtesy of Naples News.

A New Angler on Los Angeles - 5/16/2012

FCEC is excited to announce the launch of a new website that puts anglers and Los Angeles in the spotlight: introducing, LosAnglers.org!

LosAnglers.org is a go-to resource for fishing in Southern California. Whether you’re new to fishing or a seasoned pro, LosAnglers.org offers practical tips and important information while creating an online gathering place for the local angling community to connect with other fishing enthusiasts and groups. Before you dive into the new site, we’d like to introduce you to a few things you’ll love about LosAnglers.org.

The “All About Fish” section offers lots of useful information about some of the most popular fish you’re likely to catch in our local waters such as, sizes, weights, nicknames, where to find them and how to tell them apart. While each fish entry will feature an illustration in “All About Fish” section, the “Angler Gallery” offers you a chance to show off your own catches and share them with your friends and the rest of the LosAnglers community!

Along with information about the fish, LosAnglers.org also highlights information about popular fishing locations in Southern California and fishing locations with scenic views, surfing, shopping and dining. With a quick click you’ll be able to use LosAnglers.org to plan the perfect fishing trip for your buddies or your family, or look for a new fishing spot to call your own.

Finally, the “Questions and Anglers” section offers a moderated forum where you can ask questions and or provide advice to other anglers about fishing.

Putting it all together, LosAnglers.org is an exciting place that will help turn many diverse fishing groups of California into an active and supportive community!

We’re excited to see the LosAnglers community grow! Share what you think about the new LosAnglers.org website and what your favorite page is in the Comment section below!

May is the Month to Let the Ocean Know You Love it! - 5/1/2012

Spring is here. In fact, it almost feels like summer most days. When this happens a lot of us find a renewed enjoyment of our beaches and ocean. It cools us off and provides a number of great recreational activities, like fishing! Below is a list of some fantastic, FCEC approved, events taking place in the Los Angeles area this May. So show some ocean-sized love and come on out!

>> Get your smarts on with at the Aquarium of the Pacific on May 3 during their Aquatic Academy Course.

>> Hiking is good for your health. Join the Sierra Club for their 4-mile trek through the pristine Placerita Canyon Natural Area on May 5, a great way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo!

>> There’s no better way to show a little ocean love than to pick up some litter. Heal the Bay will be at Compton Creek on May 6, and it’s sure to be a bag full-filling event.

>> Have you ever met a grunion? Not even sure what a grunion is (hint: it’s a silvery fish)? Then head out to the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium on May 7 to meet one up close and personal. The kids will LOVE it.

>> Take your mom to brunch or lunch at Mercado La Paloma on Mother’s Day May 13. All sorts of moms will be telling stories and celebrating community. Join in the fun!

 

>> Life is short so fish hard! Come out to hear Dr. Larry Allen, who heads up the Southern California Marine Institute, at Cal State Northridge on May 18. The smarty-pants will discuss the past present and future of California’s “sea basses.” RSVP today!

>> What’s a party without a few trout? Visit a hatchery and hone your fishing skills on May 26 at the Moccasin Creek Hatchery.

More information about these events and others are on our FCEC calendar.

What events will you be attending this month? Share with us below!

*Photo courtesy of Syracuse.com.

April’s a Great Month to Celebrate the Ocean! - 4/2/2012

Living in Southern California has its advantages: good weather, awesome people and the lovely Pacific Ocean just within reach. Why not dedicate April to celebrating our ocean and diverse culture by attending one of the many great events that are in store this month. Visit the Aquarium of the Pacific, attend an Earth Day event or take a walk on the wild tidepool side!

>> April is late night month at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. Mondays through Thursdays, April 3-5 and April 10-12, cash in on a great discount and see some ocean creatures up close and personal!

>> Nobody likes litter! Reduce litter from our ocean by attending a fun-filled beach clean up at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro on April 7.

>> Wetlands are cool. The Los Cerritos Wetlands in Long Beach are extra cool. In the heart of the urban city is a vital wetlands that is home to dozens of migrating bird species and fish! On April 7 attend a restoration event and help improve an important natural resource.

>> Tidepools are home to many species of fish. On April 13-14 head out to Point Fermin State Marine Park and ramble on the rocks to see many animals in their natural habitat.

>> April 22 is Earth Day! Pick from dozens of celebratory events Earth Day weekend, including a bird fest, a stand-up paddling lessons in Santa Monica, a beach clean-up (that will score you free Aquarium tickets), and much more! If you plan on visiting the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium or Aquarium of the Pacific for their Earth Day events, stop by the FCEC booth and play our fishing game or just say hello!

>> End the month right on April 29 for International Children’s Day at the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific. Celebrate the amazing talents of children across many cultures.

More information about these events and others are on our FCEC calendar.

What events will you be attending this month? Share with us below!

*Photo courtesy of carandcaboodle.com.

 

FCEC’s 2012 Partners Meeting Update - 3/26/2012

For FCEC’s Partners Meeting on January 24, we acknowledged some changes in our team: the departure of Howard Wang, who has been with the project since 2008, Mark Gold moving from Heal the Bay to join UCLA’s sustainability team, and of course, saying goodbye to our outgoing Project Manager, Carmen White, and welcoming Judy Huang in her place.

In her parting words, Carmen acknowledged FCEC as a cutting edge program and noted that the important connections created between community members, local, state and federal agencies has made this program what it is today.

After Judy was announced as the new project manager, each of the Partners took a moment to introduce themselves and their roles in FCEC. Following these announcements and introductions, the Partners presented updates on several programs and discussed two great successes of recent projects: the Pier Sign Evaluation and updated Tip Card. We are happy to report that the pier signs are working, and anglers are taking away the key messages of the pier signs.

Coupled with the updated Tip Card, that now provides a link directing people to safe fish to eat in other areas, FCEC’s efforts are starting to see strong signs of influence in anglers making safe and informed choices of the fish they catch and eat.

And speaking of eats, check out our Partner’s Meeting slideshow below to see how our meeting was an event that called for cake!

Here Fishy Fishy… We Just Caught a Few Great March Events - 3/1/2012

What a bundle of fun March is going to be. We have a lot in store for the eco-conscious and fish fans among us. From hikes, to nature walks, to beach and stream restoration projects, there is a lot in store!

>> Take a hike on March 3 at Mt. Lukens with the Sierra Club. Its 10.5 miles round trip and a 3000 foot elevation gain. Some healthy fun in the sun!

>> Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is hosting a tour of Point Fermin State Marine Park on March 9. You’ll traverse some rocks in search of animals in their natural habitat.

>> Hug a tree after you plant it on March 10 when Heal the Bay takes you to Malibu Creek State Park for some restoration work.

>> March 11 is daylight savings and it is also an open house at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium where you’re invited to learn about the Salinas de San Pedro wetlands habitat.

>> Meet Jaws. Well, maybe not THE Jaws, but a Jaws nonetheless. On March 16 the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific will be holding their FREE Shark Lagoon Night.

>> Join the Aquarium of the Pacific on March 25 for a special evening exclusively for families with adults or children with autism. It’ll be a peaceful night among 11,000 animals from the world’s largest ocean.

>> Summer is right around the corner so why not get your fishing skills tuned up. On March 29 join Marina Del Rey Anglers for a free fishing class at the Playa Vista Public Library.

More information about these events and others are on our FCEC calendar.

Which events will you be attending this month? Share with us below!

 

Share Some Oceansize Love With This February! - 2/2/2012

It’s never too early to start planning your Valentine’s Day. Here at FCEC we say, why not show a little love all month long. Below is a list of great events that we love. Some give back to the community and others are just plain fun. Why not pick a date, and make a night (or afternoon) of it?

>> Shark night is a thriller. On Friday, February 3 the Aquarium of the Pacific will turn out the lights and let you see how these creatures lurk in the dark. A not to be missed event.

>> You wouldn’t want your child’s room to be messy, so why would we want our beaches to be? The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium on Saturday, February 4 is holding a beach cleanup, it is your chance to give a little love back to the ocean.

>> Here fishy fishy. Tidepools are great educational opportunities for kids. On Sunday, February 12, take your youngster to Point Fermin State Marine Park in San Pedro for a cool Weekend Tidepool Walk.

>> Dinner at the Aquarium? Yep. On Valentine’s Day, February 14, you can stroll the Aquarium of the Pacific and have a romantic evening gazing at sea jellies and octopus after a delicious gourmet meal.

>> Life’s a beach! May as well make it a clean one. Heal the Bay will be at Torrance County Beach on Saturday, February 18 for their monthly Nothin’ But Sand beach cleanup. Why not make this your Valentine to the ocean?

>> Spot a giant! Celebrate the annual migration of the Pacific gray whale at the Santa Monica Pier on Sunday, February 19. The Santa Monica Pier Aquarium will be providing wildlife observation opportunities for those in attendance.

>> Climate change is going to impact the coastline. Come out on Wednesday, February 29 to the Aquarium of the Pacific to see what impacts may be headed to our region in the years to come.

More information about these events and others are on our FCEC calendar.

What events will you be attending this month? Share with us below!

*Photo courtesy of SDWhaleWatch.com

Ring in the New Year with FCEC-Friendly Holiday Events! - 1/3/2012

It’s officially a New Year and here at FCEC we plan on being extra busy educating anglers and continuing our community outreach efforts over the next 12 months (and beyond!). Each of these months are packed full of great events the whole family can enjoy. And this January is no exception! Check out some discounted late night tickets at the Aquarium of the Pacific, clean up a little trash at Huntington Beach and dive into the tank with a shark (okay, maybe don’t do the last one).

>> During the first week of January, head on over to Long Beach’s Aquarium of the Pacific for discounted evening tickets to see what these sea creatures are up to in the dark!

>> Learn about native plants and clean up Cabrillo Beach on January 7. It’s a great way to experience some of the cool plants and animals that thrive in our eco-zone. It’s sure to be a hit with the kiddos.

>> Surf City! We all enjoy the beach, so why not enjoy it while you pick up a little trash on January 14 at Huntington State Beach? The more hands on deck, the more garbage will be picked up.

>> Heal the Bay is holding an educational forum on Southern California’s new “underwater parks” on January 15 at the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium. These areas, like parks on land, are protected to help preserve marine habitat for generations to come.

>> Sharks aren’t really that scary. Or are they? Find out during Shark Lagoon Nights at Aquarium of the Pacific on January 13 and 20. The best part about it is that the events are free to the public!

More information about these events and others are on our FCEC calendar.

What events will you be attending this month? Share with us below!

*Photo courtesy of EverythingLongBeach.com.

 

Ring in the New Year with FCEC-Friendly Holiday Events! - 12/1/2011

2011 is about to come to an end, so it is your last chance to participate in a fun, FCEC-friendly event this year. Fortunately, there is plenty to choose from — like a salt marsh learning adventure, to a shark scare and a look-see into the life of a marine biologist. Here’s a bit of what’s on deck this month.

>>What’s the big deal with all of those white croaker? On December 2, head on over to the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro for a little insight into the importance of these little creatures.

>> Ever wanted to be a marine biologist? Well, you can test the waters at the Aquarium of Pacific and see if you are a budding scientist on December 3. Bring the kids!

>>Wetlands are cool. On December 4 the entire family can observe live animals and learn about wetlands habitat at the amazing Cabrillo Beach.

>>Holiday music puts everyone in a festive mood. On December 10, the Redondo Pier Association is hosting a special Holiday concert featuring two hours of live music performed by a 17-piece Jazz orchestra.

>>It is Shark Month! Well, at least in Los Angeles it is. Every Friday of the month the public is invited to a shark lagoon where you can touch bamboo sharks and check out big sharks like sandtigers and rays. Best of all, the events are free!

More information about these events and others are on our FCEC calendar.

What events will you be attending this month? Share with us below! Happy Holidays from FCEC!

*Photo courtesy of OC Daily Photo

 

FCEC is Here to Help You Give Thanks This November! - 11/1/2011

The holidays are right around the corner and that means it’s time to prepare for the season by giving back to the environment that sustains us — be it the fish we eat or the water we drink, there is plenty to be thankful for.

This month there are a lot of great green events, from sand dune tours, habitat restorations to a little turkey trotting. Here’s a snippet of what’s in store this November.

>> Fall is in full swing, so why not stop by a festival on November 5 at the Aquarium of the Pacific for an Autumn Festival. With an Asian theme this year, you can expect delicious cuisine, fine arts and cultural festivities the whole family can enjoy.

>> What’s a salt marsh? Find out on a cool tour hosted by Friends of Ballona Wetlands on November 13, where you can learn coastal ecosystems and explore the wonders of nature right in the middle of urban Los Angeles.

>> Celebrate Cambodian culture on November 19 at MacArthur Park, where the third annual Cambodian Arts & Culture Exhibition will take place. Stop by for hands-on art and cooking demonstrations, gardening tips and other sure-to-be good times.

>>Did you know that clean beaches are all the rave these days? FCEC agrees. On November 19 Heal the Bay will be at the famous Venice Beach for their Nothin’ But Sand Beach Cleanup.

>> Turkeys trot and so do humans on Thanksgiving in Long Beach on November 24! Come on out for an event that promotes health and exercise. It will also allow you the perfect excuse to indulge later in the day.

>> It is time to put your thinking cap on. On November 29, the will be holding a monthly lecture sponsored by the Los Angeles Chapter of the American Cetacean Society that is sure to inform and educate.

More information about these events and others are on our FCEC calendar. What events will you be attending this month? Share with us below!

*Photo courtesy of Beach.OrangeCounty.com

FCEC’s 2011 Strategic Planning Meeting Update - 10/28/2011

On Thursday September 15, 2011, FCEC stakeholders, representatives and partners gathered in downtown Long Beach at the NOAA office for the annual Strategic Planning Meeting. The meeting was facilitated by Lori Lewis (Environmental Protection Agency [EPA]), who had been keeping the Strategic Planning Meetings running smoothly for more than seven years now. Since this year marks the Institutional Controls’ 10 Year Anniversary, Carmen White (EPA) kicked off the meeting with an overview of what has been accomplished and where FCEC is headed. Next, Gabrielle Dorr (Montrose Settlements Restoration Program [MSRP]) spoke about MSRP’s past year successes, including bald eagle triplets hatching among the Channel Islands. Marita Santos (Los Angeles County Public Health) took the podium next to update the group on pier signage progress. Presentations on angler outreach followed. A number of presenters then spoke on enforcement and monitoring. Concluding the morning session was a spirited presentation on Fishermen Appreciation Day delivered by Frankie Orrala (Heal the Bay).

Hard hat awards were presented to a handful of organizations to recognize their longstanding contributions to FCEC efforts (and other efforts related to mitigating the effects of the PV Shelf which came before FCEC, or as Gwangyu Wang said “…long before FCEC.”) Award recipients included Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG), Heal the Bay, Los Angeles County Public Health, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) and Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission.

After refueling with lunch, meeting attendees broke out into four smaller groups. Each group engaged in topic discussions related to three project components: angler outreach, fish tissue sampling and market inspections. Groups brainstormed ideas about how their organizations could help with each of these efforts and how each of these efforts could contribute to their own work. Groups reconvened at the end of each topic discussion to share ideas and identify common themes. The meeting concluded with a discussion of next steps (not to mention an erroneous fire alarm.) Congratulations to everyone involved on 10 years of ICs efforts!

FCEC’s Monthly Events Roundup is Here to Help You Kick Off Fall Right! - 10/4/2011

Saturday jamborees, contests, Southeast Asian celebrations, Halloween fun and beach cleanups – there is plenty to do this month that will educate and entertain the whole family. We hope you can find a day to enjoy one of these great events. Here’s a little taste of what’s coming up.

» Most of us could use a little extra cash. Well, if you haul off a record catch you could win big bucks in the “Hook a Million State & World Record Contest” on Saturday, October 1.

» You can Wake Up With the Waves every Saturday of October at the Santa Monica Pier with a children’s concert series. The interactive concerts are FREE and the activities will include dancing, singing, music plus special guest appearances by Inky!

» The Aquarium of the Pacific will be hosting a wonderful day of celebrating Southeast Asian cultures on Saturday, October 8. Take a bite of some yummy ethnic dishes, listen to great music and enjoy cultural craft demonstrations.

» On Sunday, October 9, head out to the Redondo Pier for the second annual Taste of the Redondo Pier. The family fun event will include food tastings, art, face painting, art and much more.

» Want to get a little sand between your toes? On Saturday, October 15, Heal the Bay will be at Venice Beach for their monthly beach cleanup. Volunteers are needed! Kids are welcome! Just remember your sun block and water bottle.

» October means Halloween is here. Spooky stuff! Two great events will help to get you in the candy-induced holiday spirit. First, Aquarium of the Pacific will be holding a Halloween Family Sleepover on Friday, October 21. There will be treat bags, a freaky flashlight tour, 4-D movies and more! The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium’s Sea Scare 2011 will be held on Saturday, October 29, there will be creepy crafts, dreadful demonstrations and eerie entertainment.

More information about these events and others are on our FCEC calendar.

What events will you be attending this month? Share with us below!

 

Take Me Fishing: Your One-Spot-Stop for all Things Fishing Related! - 9/15/2011

Every season in Southern California is fishing season. To put it bluntly, the fish are always biting! It’s one of the things that makes saltwater fishing so special in our region, and FCEC wants to help you prepare for your future outings.

Take Me Fishing is a great website that FCEC highly recommends to all who love to fish or are just learning how. It’s a one-spot-stop resource that includes great information on where the fish are biting, how to buy a license, recent fishing news in blog posts, and one of FCEC’s favorites, ways to preserve our nation’s waterways.

Fishing and conservation go hand in hand. The healthier our waterways, the better the fish are. Take Me Fishing provides great tips on how to reduce water pollution as well as great ways to respect our natural resources by reducing litter, knowing appropriate regulations and great reasons to never waste the fish you catch.

Additionally, if you are a beginner angler, Take Me Fishing will do more than get you ready to cast that first line! They help you learn about fish species and their habitat. Want to learn how to tie and knot? They’ve got that too, as well as information about lures and other fishing necessities like the proper way to prepare the fish you catch and decide to keep.

Don’t be afraid to start fishing! Even if you are experienced, there is always something new to learn. Fishing is a lifelong endeavor and something the whole family can enjoy, so visit Take Me Fishing and share with us a bit about what you learned in the comment section below. And remember, be safe and have fun out there!

FCEC is STILL celebrating our Earth; join us at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium - 4/21/2011

It is still April, which means that FCEC’s celebration of our Earth is still going on strong. We’ll be attending Cabrillo Marine Aquarium’s Earth Day Celebration this Saturday, April 23, from 10am to 4pm.

Event participants will be able to volunteer for a beach cleanup, listen to live music, watch movies and take part in hands-on exploration and education activities organized by various environmental organizations, including Heal the Bay, the Sierra Club and the Los Angeles Audubon Society. Like we did at the Earth Day Celebration at the Aquarium of the Pacific, we will be passing out information about fish to avoid and ones that are safe to eat, hosting a fishing game for children and handing out free FCEC tote bags.

Earth Day is being observed by many people all over the US. Join us in celebrating the Earth at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium this Saturday!

Have you attended an Earth Day event yet? Let us know how it went by leaving us a comment.

Image via Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

Spread the word about fish contamination: Get a Booth in a Box today - 4/19/2011

Would you like to join us in protecting the public against fish contamination? FCEC is now offering Booth in a Box; this is a perfect way for organizations to provide information on the Palos Verdes Shelf contamination and fish consumption guidelines with little effort and no cost.

If you’re an angling club hosting a workshop, a community organization attending a health fair, or an environmental group planning an educational event, contact us about obtaining a Booth in a Box. The Booth in a Box contains all of our relevant education materials: brochures, tip cards, eNewsletter sign-up sheets and stickers. We also offer our materials in Spanish, Chinese and Vietnamese. Once you receive the Booth in a Box, all that you will need to do is set up a table and distribute the materials.

Whether you love fishing or are passionate about protecting the public against toxic chemicals, you can help to inform your community about fish contamination. Booth in a Box is easy to participate in, but goes a long way toward keeping your families, friends and neighbors safe.

To obtain a Booth in a Box for your organization, contact Jeanette Garcia at jgarcia@sga-inc.net or call (562) 597-0205.

Have questions about this program? Not sure if your organization is right for this opportunity? Email us or leave a comment below.

Meeting Community Members at the Aquarium of the Pacific’s Earth Day Celebration - 4/12/2011

Our FCEC team attended the Earth Day celebration at the Aquarium of the Pacific last weekend and the turnout was great. We had the chance to talk with parents and fishermen about contamination off the coast of many local communities AND even got to play fishing games with the children!

Meet some of the people who stopped by and learn what they had to say about the fish contamination information they learned at the event. Also, check out our Flickr slideshow at the end of this post for photos.

Alex Somoza

Alex is a parent living in Long Beach. Most of what we talked to Alex about was news to him; he appreciated the information and found it important to know. He thought that fish contamination off the Palos Verdes Shelf is a definite health problem for communities:

“Health concerns are an issue, especially if children are involved. Any type of sickness or illness isn’t good for anyone.”

John Castro

John is a fisherman from Los Angeles; he fishes anywhere from two times a week to everyday. So, when we told him about the fish consumption guidelines that exist for the area, he was glad to hear about them:

“My friend always wanted to get and eat barracuda. Now I’m going to take this list of fish and show him that he should only eat it once a week.”

Stay informed like John and make sure that you check our latest fish advisory before making a decision on what to consume.

 

Do you think fish contamination is a problem? Which fish advisories do you find most useful? Or confusing? We want to hear from you!

FCEC celebrates our Earth at the Aquarium of the Pacific - 4/8/2011

Earth Day is an annual celebration of the environment observed on April 22 in the U.S. It was founded by Senator Gaylord Nelson, a long-time conservationist from Wisconsin, in 1970. He recognized that the nonviolent demonstrations against the Vietnam War on campuses across the nation could be used to call attention to the degradation of nature; in other words, Nelson wanted to stage a nationwide teach-in on the environment. The first Earth Day gained popularity quickly. An estimated 20 million people participated in peaceful demonstrations across the U.S and its success paved the way for environmental legislation: the Environmental Protection Agency—which is part of the FCEC partnership–was created and the Clean Air Act was passed that same year. Today, the focus on our environment has grown and Americans are now celebrating the Earth during the whole month of April.

Image via Aquarium of the Pacific

FCEC joins in the celebration

As we did last year, the FCEC team will be joining the Aquarium of the Pacific for its Earth Day Celebration this weekend; 9am to 6pm on both Saturday and Sunday.

How do we fit in with the theme of Earth Day, you may ask?

We’re not just a collaborative that seeks to protect public health; we seek to protect public health because of damages done to the environment. The fish that we tell people not to consume live in the largest DDT contamination site in the world–a site that was contaminated due to years of toxic outflows from a local manufacturing plant.

That is why we’re attending the Earth Day Celebration. We’re celebrating the Earth, but also remembering what has been done to our environment in the past and ensuring we can prevent further deterioration for a healthier one in the future.

Join us at the event and stop by our table. We’ll be passing out information about fish to avoid and ones that are safe to eat, hosting a fishing game for children and handing out free FCEC tote bags.

Hope to see you there!

How will you be celebrating Earth Day? Leave us a comment below.

April Events Roundup: Earth Day Edition - 4/5/2011

April’s here and it’s brought some beautiful weather. Make your sunny days worthwhile by attending a community event. We’ve highlighted a few of these great events in this month’s roundup.

Celebrate our Earth

Good weather provides a perfect opportunity to celebrate the planet we live on; it’s Earth Day everyday in April, after all. The FCEC team will be attending Earth Day events at local; join us and learn about some easy ways to protect your health and the environment.

»The Aquarium of the Pacific is hosting an Earth Day celebration on the weekend of April 9-10. Speak with members from various environmental organizations—such as Heal the Bay and the Sierra Club—and get introduced to environmentally conscious products and services. If you bring in an e-waste item–such as an old computer, camera or telephone–you’ll be rewarded with a coupon for $10 off adult admission to the aquarium.

»Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is celebrating Earth Day on April 23. Children can take part in hands-on exploration and educational activities while parents will learn how to foster environmental consciousness amongst their children.

Protect your Health

»Make sure everything’s in check with your health by visiting the El Camino Adult Day Healthcare Center on April 9. The center staff will be offering free blood pressure and sugar checks along with a tour of their facility in Gardena.

»If you’re closer to Harbor City, USC, UCLA and Western University of Health Sciences are hosting World Health Day LA on April 9 as well. Their health fair will feature free health screenings and educational booths, live entertainment, a community clean-up and a water sampling activity for children.

Image via Powerhouse Museum on Flickr

Hone your Fishing Skills

»Ever heard of fly fishing in saltwater? Want to learn techniques on doing it? Beyond the Breakwater will be hosting an all-day event on April 9 at the Long Beach Casting Club. Instructors will start off with a training class for private boaters and end with a Q&A forum with professional fly fishing guides and shop personnel. Sea Level Fly-fishing will also be offering demos of their outfits throughout the day.

You can find these events and others on our FCEC Calendar.

The Barred Sand Bass: Common and Contaminated - 3/31/2011

p>We have another fish identification video for you! This time, it’s about the barred sand bass, a very common sportfish in Southern California.

 

The barred sand bass is contaminated with DDT and PCBs, so it’s not safe for eating if caught between fishing areas from Santa Monica to Seal Beach. Those who are fishing north of Santa Monica and south of Seal Beach can check our fish consumption advisory for a different set of guidelines.

For helpful tips on how to tell this fish from other species, watch the video below.

Versions of this video with Spanish, Chinese and Vietnamese subtitles are on our YouTube channel. You can check out videos of the white croaker and topsmelt on there as well.

If you have any questions about the barred sand bass or other fish, shoot us a comment below. And please help us spread this information by sharing this video with others.

The Gowanus Canal: Another Superfund Site in Need of a Cleanup - 3/23/2011

We mentioned in a previous blog post that the Palos Verdes Shelf Superfund site was one of over 1,200 sites under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Superfund program.

In March of 2010, the EPA designated another Superfund site in Brooklyn, New York. The Gowanus Canal Superfund site covers a 1.8 mile canal stretching from Gowanus Bay to New York Harbor; it’s highly polluted with more than a dozen contaminants. A remedial investigation completed this past February confirmed the presence of PCBs; metals such as mercury, lead, copper; and PAHs—a group of chemicals formed during the incomplete burning of coal, wood, garbage or other organic substances.

Similar to how Southern Californians are strongly discouraged from eating fish caught off the Palos Verdes Shelf—protecting the public’s health is key to FCEC’s mission—residents near the Gowanus Canal are being told not to eat any of the fish they catch. In fact, the health risks posed by people eating fish from the polluted waterway were the main reason why the Gowanus Canal was designated a Superfund site.

In addition to consuming fish, swimming in the canal or coming into contact with its water or sediment also presents risks.

Image via listenmissy on Flickr

It’s time for a cleanup

The EPA is now working on a feasibility study that will report on possible options for cleaning up the Gowanus Canal. An important issue they will need to address is stopping continuous contamination of the site as a result of groundwater runoff and combined sewer outfalls (CSOs) that contain harmful pathogens such as e. coli along with PAHs and heavy metals.

The canal’s old bulkheads and the large amount of debris on the canal’s floor could also pose challenges if the EPA decides to clean up the contaminated sediment by dredging—or excavating—it.

Completion of the feasibility study is set for the end of this year. Overall, the cleanup effort is expected to finish between 2020 and 2022 and cost $300-$500 million. The costs will be split amongst parties found responsible for the pollution, including the city government, the Navy and seven companies.

As for public outreach, it’s unclear whether a plan will be implemented to educate residents on the risks of consuming fish caught from the canal; we will be sure to update you if any new information comes out following the feasibility study.

Looking on the bright side

On top of a cleaner, less odorous waterway and a healthier place to live and develop, local preservationists are also hoping that cleanup efforts will turn up historical treasures.

Recent sonar scans of the canal show evidence of sunken sailing vessels, including a ship that might possibly date back to the 18th century.

Want more info on the Gowanus Canal Superfund cleanup project? Visit its Superfund page on the EPA’s website.

Sustainable Seafood and Marine Life - 3/3/2011

Another month brings another roundup. Here are a few events that you could enjoy with your family and friends.

Get To Know Marine Life

»The Aquarium of the Pacific hosts FREE Shark Lagoon Nights on Friday evenings. Visitors can get up close with bamboo sharks and see larger sharks in the Shark Lagoon. The first Shark Lagoon Night for this month is March 4.

»From March 6-14, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is having its annual whale-watching expedition in Baja California. Witness gray whale mother and calf pairs up close and visit an elephant seal sanctuary. Call (310) 548-7562 to reserve your spot.

»Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is also hosting a Grunion watch on the evening of March 7. Attend a program at the Aquarium auditorium and then head down to the beach to watch these silvery fish come up to spawn.

Image via arneheijenga on Flickr

Help Our Ocean

»Starting March 7, Heal the Bay will be running training sessions for its newest volunteer program: MPA Watch. Become one of the first volunteers to help monitor Southern California’s new Marine Protected Areas by attending classroom and field training sessions.

»Interested in volunteering for Heal the Bay’s other programs? Attend a Volunteer Orientation on March 14 to learn more about the organization.

Eat Sustainably

»The first annual Best of the West Chowderfest is coming to the Aquarium of the Pacific to celebrate Sustainable Seafood Day on March 12. Watch cooking demonstrations, take home some recipes (think seafood chowder with fennel, lemongrass, ginger, roasted tomatoes, carrot, citrus and double smoked bacon) and learn about sustainable seafood from a variety of experts; these activities are all sponsored by Seafood for the Future.

»On March 27, Seafood for the Future is offering a second dose of sustainable seafood with a Taste of Asia. Try out traditional dishes from East and Southeast Asian countries and learn how to prepare them with sustainable seafood. The event will also feature performances by drummers, contemporary dance crews and traditional dancers.

As always, other interesting community events are on our FCEC calendar.

Image via Leszek.Leszczynski on Flickr

FCEC Joins Long Beach Yacht Club for Dinner - 2/24/2011

Do you remember FCEC’s visit with the Saltwater Fly Rodders last month? We talked about the contamination off of the Palos Verdes Shelf and gave their members ways to reduce consumption of contaminated fish.

Last Wednesday, FCEC visited another organization: the Long Beach Yacht Club Anglers. The Anglers had scheduled their monthly dinner and invited us to present to over 75 of their members.

The club was founded in 1963 as an interest group for fishing enthusiasts organized under the Long Beach Yacht Club (LBYC). Currently, the Anglers have over 250 members and are the largest group within LBYC.

Charitable activities are important to their members: they donate fishing equipment to underprivileged children and educate individuals abroad who are interested in the sport.

The Anglers also promote public health by organizing fundraising tournaments for the City of Hope and Team Spirit Breast and Ovarian Cancer Walk.

Passing It On

At the meeting, our team member, Codi, met Dick, who is a Fishing Merit Badge counselor for the Boy Scouts. He found the information helpful for himself and his scouts: “I think it’s very important…I run into this all the time. This information is something I am certainly going to pass along to the kids when going through their merit badge.”

People like Dick and other Anglers of the Long Beach Yacht Club help us to spread our message past the organizations we visit and into the greater community. The more that people know about local fish contamination, the greater the chance of reducing health risk.

Thank you LBYC Anglers for having us and keep up the great work!

Happy Lunar New Year from FCEC and Our Partners! - 2/11/2011

Lunar New Year was on February 3, 2011 and we hope those who celebrated had a happy one. Lunar New Year is a holiday celebrated by many Asian cultures and marks the end of the winter season.

Like the Western New Year, many people wish each other future prosperity and happiness. Other traditions include cleaning the house to sweep away ill fortunes, giving money in red envelopes to loved ones as tokens of luck, and honoring elders and ancestors.

Lunar New Year and Fish Contamination?

So what does Lunar New Year have to do with FCEC or fish contamination?

Two of our partners attended Lunar New Year festivals and set up displays with information about FCEC and fish contamination.

Since fishermen can be of any heritage, we think it’s important to educate people of all cultures about fish contamination. Lunar New Year–a holiday where people hope for good health and fortune–especially fits with our goals of reducing the consumption of contaminated fish and keeping people healthy.

Herald Community Center at the Chinese New Year Festival

Representatives from Herald Community Center (HCC) attended the Chinese New Year Festival in San Gabriel, CA on Saturday, February 5. HCC reaches out to the Chinese community on behalf of FCEC. Check out photos of the event in the slideshow below; we hope you love the reps’ bright orange vests as much as we do.

Boat People SOS at the Tết Festival

Boat People SOS (BPSOS)–our partner who reaches out to the Vietnamese community–attended the Tết Festival in Garden Grove, CA from February 4-6; Tết is the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. You can see pictures of FCEC’s display at BPSOS’ booth in the photos below.

Looking for educational materials from FCEC that are in languages other than English? Visit our Educational Materials Library or email us at info@pvsfish.org.

February Events Roundup: Environmental Leadership, Learning and Volunteer Opportunities - 2/3/2011

Happy February! It’s time to round up the notable events and volunteer opportunities of FCEC’s partners.

Valentine’s Day Discount at the Aquarium of the Pacific

»Visitors who choose to spend their Valentine’s evening at the Aquarium of the Pacific will be able to purchase admission at the child’s price of $12.95 after 5pm (compared to regular adult admission of $24.95). You can reserve a full-course, gourmet dinner for your family or significant other for $42 per adult or $32 per child ($32 per adult and $22 per child with Aquarium membership).

Become a Leader, Explore a Career and Help the Environment

This month provides several opportunities for those interested in gaining leadership skills while helping the environment.

»If you enjoy spending time outside and are a fifth grader or older, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium has a Sea Ranger Training Program from February 3 to March 3. You’ll be trained to educate others about the Cabrillo coastline and its habitats. The Aquarium staff requires pre-registration, so please call (310) 548-7562 for more information.

»On February 5, the Aquarium of the Pacific starts its marine veterinarian Job Shadow program for 7th to 12th graders. Participants will work with a staff veterinarian, visit behind-the-scenes locations and even go on morning rounds to take care of marine animals. It’s $29 per student or $24 for Aquarium members. You can call (562) 951-1630 to reserve spots.

»Heal the Bay is hosting a five-week session of Beyond Local workshops from February 16 to March 16. These workshops are for San Fernando Valley residents who wish to make positive changes in their community and learn more about issues concerning local waterways.

Image via K Chen on Flickr; Creative Commons

Keep our Coastline Clean

Like last month, there are plenty of cleanup activities happening along the coastline.

»Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is having a garden workday and beach cleanup on February 5. Join the aquarium staff in tending the garden’s native plants and clearing the Cabrillo shore of marine debris.

»The Aquarium of the Pacific is hosting a series of habitat restoration days from February 5 to May 7 at the Los Cerritos Wetlands. Volunteers will help to preserve native plants and clear the area of invasive species. The whole family is welcome to participate.

»Montrose Settlements Restoration Program is hosting two volunteer trips to Santa Barbara Island on February 16-19 and February 19-23 to help restore seabird habitats. You’ll need to be comfortable with physically demanding activities, no running water and rustic camping. If you love nature and want to help local wildlife, this is a great opportunity for you.

»The monthly Nothin’ But Sand beach cleanup by Heal the Bay is on February 19 at Venice Beach. You can guess by the name that it’s only involving sand, so you won’t get wet. Organizers will provide bags and gloves, but consider bringing your own bucket or reusable bag to help cut down on plastic.

Be sure check out other community events on our FCEC calendar.

Image via lagohsep on Flickr; Creative Commons

Bringing Fish Contamination Info to the Saltwater Fly Rodders - 1/28/2011

FCEC’s biggest goal is to reduce the consumption of contaminated fish by Southern Californians. Since fishermen catch and eat a lot of fish, what better way to reduce consumption of contaminated fish than reach out to them directly?

Last week, the Saltwater Fly Rodders in Montrose, CA invited FCEC to conduct a presentation about fish and sediment contamination off of the Palos Verdes Shelf.

Formed in 1968, the Saltwater Fly Rodders has been the only club on the West Coast devoted to saltwater fly fishing. Even though the club is based in Montrose, its members have fished in places worldwide, such as Thailand and the Seychelles.

What’s great about the Fly Rodders is that they are supportive of educational and conservation efforts related to saltwater fisheries and saltwater fly fishing. The club regularly participates in trade shows and leads fly tying demonstrations.

Increasing Awareness

The fishermen who attended our presentation at the club’s meeting left with some good takeaways. Some of them knew that the white croaker was contaminated, but many of them were unaware that they should avoid eating fish like the topsmelt.

Phil Peck, a member of the Fly Rodders, found the information important to know: “I had no clue that contamination existed… I think it’s very important and everybody should know about it because you shouldn’t be eating that stuff!”

The message isn’t stopping there, though. After the presentation, the Fly Rodders signed commitment letters and agreed to pass on what they learned to other fishermen.

How’s that for helpful? We’d like to give the Saltwater Fly Rodders a huge thank you for having us.

Is your fishing club based in Southern California and is interested in learning more about fish contamination near the Palos Verdes Shelf? Leave a comment below with some contact information or email us at info@pvsfish.org. And don’t forget that our YouTube channel also has useful videos that help you identify fish you shouldn’t eat.

January Events Roundup: Get Involved with Beach Cleanups and Aquarium Activities - 1/6/2011

Well, it’s a new year; a time of renewed spirits and resolutions.

Reflecting on 2010

As we look back on the past year, we hope you’ve found the information and content we provided interesting and useful.

Some of our highlights include videos to help you better identify and safely prepare fish to reduce your health risks of consuming contaminated seafood from the Palos Verdes Shelf Superfund Site. We also featured ways to cook sustainable fish that are appetizing and also safe to eat.

On the leadership front, our Project Manager Sharon Lin handed off the project over to her successor, Carmen White, who has a wealth of experience in this field and has been intimately involved in the project.

Image via Kairos on Flickr; Creative Commons

A Stronger Partnership in 2011

With the new year, here’s our resolution: to better highlight the communities that FCEC is working with.

How will we do it? One way is through a monthly Events Roundup, which will flag notable events that are related to sea life, sustainability, and other efforts to reduce health risks. Find out how you can get more involved with the great work of our partners!

Beach Cleanup: Can you help?

If your new year’s resolution is doing good for our planet, you’re a beach-lover or you’re looking for fun activities to do with children, check out these cleanup activities on our shores as well as educational programs for children and adults at local aquariums.

»Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is hosting a beach cleanup and garden workday on January 8. As part of a thank you for volunteering to clear the Cabrillo shore of marine debris and work on the garden, you’ll be introduced to the garden’s native plants and animals.

»On January 15, our partner Heal The Bay is also hosting a cleanup at Venice Beach; it’s only involving sand, so you won’t have to worry about getting wet. Organizers will provide bags and gloves, but consider bringing your own bucket or reusable bag to help cut down on plastic.

»Before you help out at the cleanup, consider attending Heal The Bay’s Volunteer Orientation on January 10. You can meet like-minded folks, learn how Heal The Bay works to keep our local waterways clean and safe, and about future opportunities to help them.

Image via Heal the Bay on Flickr; Creative Commons

Great Activities for Families

»Cabrillo Aquarium has Tidepool Walks on January 15 and 16 where educational staff conduct tours along the tidepools at Point Fermin State Marine Park in San Pedro. The walks are informative and offer an opportunity to see animals in their natural habitat.

For Spanish speakers, una caminata el 15 de enero será en español.

»In an effort to create awareness around the protection of sea life in Southern California’s new Marine Protected Areas, local aquariums are celebrating Underwater Parks Day on January 15; see our calendar event for a list of participating locations.

»Parents with toddlers near Long Beach should consider the Aqua Tots Class series at the Aquarium of the Pacific on January 16 and 18. This month’s classes teach your two- to three-year old about shapes and movement using sea animals. The class also includes aquarium admission and guided tours of the Shark Lagoon, Sea Otters, Southern California Gallery and other exhibits.

»There will also be a kayaking excursion to the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Preserve on January 22; this is a perfect, low-intensity trip for those wanting to learn more about nature, wildlife and kayaking.

Learn more about these and other events on our FCEC calendar. We’ll also be posting them on our Facebook Page, so be sure to drop by!

Image via OCVA on Flickr; Creative Commons

Attention Fishermen on the Go - 12/29/2010

Care about sustainable seafood? Have an iPhone? Well, if so, you can now download a new mobile app that tells you which fish to eat and which to toss back at the touch of your fingers.

Created by our friends at Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program, Project FishMap is an interactive, easy to use application that also gives you the low-down on health and environmental issues associated with each fish. In short, it’s like having one of those handy Seafood Watch wallet cards in digital form, plus quite a few cool features to boot.

You can add your favorite sustainable seafood markets and restaurants to a map, which, in turn, gives you up-to-the-minute information on where to catch some eco-friendly sea fare, no matter where you are.

The app is free for downloading. So plug in and download away. Which are some of your favorite seafood markets or restaurants? Care to share any new finds with us? What features could added? We can’t guarantee you’ll get them, but it doesn’t hurt to make your voice heard.

BPSOS: Helping Us Spread the Message in the Vietnamese Community - 12/22/2010

The work and success of FCEC is made possible by the hard work of our great partners.

Why? Because they know their communities better than we do and can help to make our outreach most effective. BPSOS (formerly Boast People SOS), a community based organization serving the Vietnamese community, is just that kind of organization.

Founded in 1980, BPSOS initially formed as voluntary rescue-at-sea missions, saving over 3,000 people from rough waters as they attempted to boat across the Pacific Ocean from Vietnam to the United States. BPSOS’s mission has since evolved to adapt to changing needs of the community. One area it has been instrumental in is educating the Vietnamese American community about the risks of consuming contaminated fish in Southern California. But its work reaches far beyond California.

“Our mission is quite similar to that of FCEC in that we are both seeking to serve an underserved community,” says Tiffany Nguyen of BPSOS. “Certainly educating the local Vietnamese population about fish contamination is an important and life-changing endeavor. Whether it be our economic or social programs like the work we do with FCEC, individual and cultural enrichment is central to our goals.”

In fact, BPSOS claims to have touched the lives of one in every 10 Vietnamese Americans, or 10,000 Vietnamese in the United States annually since its inception. What began as a one staff operation has blossomed into a nationwide network of 18 offices with four locations in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, with more than 140 staffers.

Today, BPSOS spearheads local services for Vietnamese communities that include computer and vocational training, English as a Second Language courses, citizen preparation classes and self-help groups. BPSOS has also played a key role in chronicling an oral history of Vietnamese torture victims.

Together FCEC and BPSOS have coordinated numerous outreach efforts in predominately Vietnamese communities around Southern California, from staffing local events to hosting health fairs. BPSOS’s insight and cultural understanding has been crucial in tailoring FCEC’s environmental message to the Vietnamese American population around which fish to avoid, such as the white croaker.

We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with BPSOS, as the very success of our work depends on it.

Mark Your Calendars! St. Columban Health Fair on November 21st - 11/17/2010

On Sunday, November 21st, FCEC materials will be available at the annual St. Columban Health Fair, which will take place in downtown L.A. from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

The event is being sponsored by St. Vincent Medical Center and several community booths will address health issues, such as proper nutrition and exercise. The FCEC materials will provide attendees information on fish contamination off the Palos Verdes Shelf and kids will have the chance to play with the cool “Catch and Release” fish game!

The day will prove not only to be educational, but a it will be a fun event for the entire family! So bring out the whole gang and come on down.

For more information please visit FCEC event calendar.

*Photo courtesy of www.canterbury.ac.uk

Sharon Lin Signs Off - 12/9/2010

As some of you know, I will be going on a six month detail in the EPA Pacific Southwest Region (Region 9) environmental justice office. I am excited about the new career opportunity. My passion in environmental justice and social justice has grown in the past 8 years during my work on the Palos Verdes Shelf (PV Shelf) superfund project. Naturally, my passion has led me to this new opportunity.

In 2002, when I first became the project manager for the PV Shelf project, we were grappling with a real risk exposure and public health problem facing our communities. After my first meeting with the project stakeholders, James Alamillo with Heal the Bay approached me and told me this is an environmental justice (EJ) project. He asked me “what is this administration’s plan to protect the EJ community?” I didn’t have an answer for him.

When I got back to my office, I started reading up on environmental justice and took a fundamentals of EJ training offered at EPA. As an immigrant who came to this country at the age of 18 and someone who is always interested in the history of the Civil Rights movement in the U.S., I got it immediately. The EJ communities are not faceless people to me; instead, they are people like me. This enlightenment put a new resolution in my commitment to my work.

Many of you know this project has been so innovative in linking scientific risk reduction measures with community outreach work. This project is built on the solid foundation of “meaningful involvement” and “equal and fair treatment” of all people. We were the first EPA Superfund project that introduced the strategic planning tool with a neutral facilitator and have been consistently using this tool to guide our program implementation over the past six years. We were the first and only Superfund project that has brought environmental justice training to the community, local and state agency partners. We’ve made decisions together. We worked to get our local and state governmental agencies involved in this mission of protecting people who are the most vulnerable, most in need of our help and are often voiceless. This project is not just a Superfund site or a job to me, I found my calling in this work.

James Alamillo and I talked again recently. He asked me how I felt about leaving this project, “Sharon’s baby” in his words. I think of this change as a short break. I am taking the knowledge and experience of what I have learned from all of you and applying it to a broader program. I encourage you to continue sharing with your constituencies this incredible project that we have built collectively. I will keep in touch and update you on my new job. See you in 2011.

Saturday, November 6th: Herald Christian Health Centers Hosts Health Fair - 11/3/2010

We talk about fishing and fish contamination here at FCEC quite a bit. We address complex issues, environmental impacts and sustainability. But at the heart of all of this is health, human health to be exact.

When our environment is healthy, we are also more likely to be healthy. That’s why we work hard to educate the public about best practices when it comes to the types of fish people consume.

This weekend join in FCEC’s efforts by supporting our partners at Herald Christian Health Center in San Gabriel between 9 and 11:30 am, where the Center will be hosting a community health fair.

Be on the lookout for FCEC materials which will educate attendees about the risks of consuming contaminated fish. It’s sure to be a healthy and fun event – and we promise you’ll be leaving with plenty of cool (and educational) items to take home with you!

For more information, please visit the FCEC monthly calendar.

*Photo courtesy of SunSentinel.com

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium Celebrates 75 Years - 10/21/2010

On Sunday, October 17th, FCEC participated in the Cabrillo Autumn Sea Fair in San Pedro, where over 200 local residents were in attendance. Event attendees stopped by our FCEC booth and had a lot to say about fish contamination.

“Fish contamination is a big problem!” said Eduardo of Los Angeles. “I did not know about the FCEC program until now. I never knew these fish were contaminated. I recently caught and ate white croaker!”

“Yes, fish contamination is definitely a problem,” added Chris of San Pedro. “There is something called bioaccumulation, where chemicals are accumulated in the fish. Since we are at the top of the food chain we get then highest concentration of contamination.”

The event celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium and FCEC was proud to be a part of the event.

Have you been to the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium? Were you at the event? If so, share your favorite experience in the comment section below. We’d love to hear from you!

Southeast Asian Day Celebrated by BPSOS - 10/19/2010

Recently, BPSOS, a partner of FCEC, attended the 6th Annual Southeast Asian at the Aquarium of the Pacific, held on Saturday, October 9. BPSOS is a Vietnamese organization that works to empower the community and is committed to distributing FCEC educational materials at events they attend.

The festival highlighted the beauty and diversity of Cambodian, Thai, Vietnamese, Burmese, Laotian, and Indonesian cultures.

There was live music, dance performances, food, crafts and of course educational booths where our partner, BPSOS, handed out FCEC information. BPSOS reached out to dozens of local residents about fish contamination and had a wonderful time. Enjoy the photos!

Were you at the event?

If so, what did you think of the event? Did you come across any FCEC materials while you were there?

Celebrate Cabrillo Marine Aquarium’s 75th Anniversary! - 10/14/2010

FCEC invites you to celebrate Cabrillo Marine Aquarium’s Diamond Anniversary, on Sunday, October 17, 2010. To mark the Aquarium’s 75th Anniversary, there are many festivities planned throughout the day and will coincide with Cabrillo’s Annual Sea Fair Community Festival.

The day’s FREE festivities will kick off at 10 a.m. An official one-hour retrospective featuring the Aquarium’s Director commemorating this special occasion is scheduled for 1 p.m.

The remaining afternoon will be filled with games and community activities. This family friendly festival will include puppet shows, face paintings and a not-to-be-missed origami demonstration! You can also learn how to cast a fishing line or join in the search for buried treasure in the “Great Treasure Hunt”. If that is not your cup of tea, you can take part in the “Beach Olympics.” There will be something for everyone!

Additionally, over two dozen organizations, including FCEC, will be in attendance, handing out educational materials to kids and adults alike. So stop by the FCEC booth and say hello while you browse local art and listen to live jazz! You will also have the opportunity to explore the Aquarium’s Southern California Marine Life Exhibit Hall, Aquatic Nursery, Exploration Center, and Marine Research Library. The event will wind down at 4:30 in the afternoon, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the day!

For more information, including directions, please download this flyer.

Take a Bite of this Great Fish Recipe! - 9/29/2010

Here’s part two of our fun fish recipe installment! If you missed it, check out the yummy Spicy Salmon Salad. If you already enjoyed it, we have another great meal in store for you below. Who knew catfish could be so good? Okay, maybe you did, but we doubt you’ve ever had this great Vietnamese style dish. Thanks again to our partners Boat People SOS for sending this one along! And remember, always prepare your fish properly.

Catfish Simmered in Savory Sauce (Vietnamese Style)
(Serves 4)

tsp. freshly ground black pepper
4 small-med. shallots, thinly sliced
1 lb. catfish, cut into 3/4 inch slices/steaks [with skin and bone attached] —boneless, skinless fillets will not work in this dish
4 Tbl. fish sauce
3 Tbl. raw sugar
2 tsp. vegetable oil
4 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
3-4 scallions, cut into 2- inch segments [+ 1 Tbl. oil, for garnish]
small piece (approx. 5 oz) of pork fat (fatback), cut into thin slices or bâtons
3 Tbl. Caramel Sauce – recipe below

Steps:
In a bowl, gently toss the fish with black pepper, shallots, fish sauce and sugar. Allow to marinate for 15 min. – up to 30 minutes.

In a separate skillet set to med. heat, add the oil and cook the pork fat until it has rendered most of it’s fat.

Next, add the garlic and cook for about 2-3 minutes. Be sure not to brown or burn the garlic. Set aside.

Set your claypot on the stove and gently begin heating it on med.-low.

Add the pork fat, garlic and any pan drippings into the claypot.

Add the marinated fish. Pour and gently mix this caramel sauce with the fish. Turn the heat to medium.

As soon as the pot begins to bubble, turn down the heat to low, cover and gently simmer for about 30 minute. (Check the pot at the halfway point – if it looks dry, add one or two Tbl. of water and cover again).

At this point, the fish should be tender but still hold its shape.

Taste the sauce and add fish sauce or sugar, if needed.

Before serving, quickly sauté the scallions with oil and add them to the claypot.

Share your favorite fish recipe with the FCEC community in the comment section below. We’d love to hear from you!

Cooking Sustainably and Healthy with FCEC! - 9/22/2010

We often talk about good practices here on the FCEC blog like what fish to avoid due to local contamination and how to properly prepare the fish you do catch and take home to eat. However, we’ve never shared our favorite recipes with you, but that’s about to change!

Below is one of our favorite fish recipes (look for the second coming soon!). Thanks to our partners at San Gabriel’s Herald Community Center for their input. Bon appetite!

Spicy Salmon Salad (Thai Style)
(Serves 4)

1.5 lbs grilled salmon
1 cup shallots, peeled and sliced thin
2 tbsp. onions, sliced thin
1/2 cup mint leaves
3-4 cups toasted raw rick kernals ground
1-2 tbsp. red chili powder
1/4 cup fish sauce
1/3 cup fresh lime juice
2 tbsp. red spur chili peppers, sliced
3 tbsp. chopped fresh galangal (optional)

Steps:

Baste the pieces of salmon lightly with vegetable oil and grill until cooked. Take off heat and let cool.

With a fork break salmon pieces into a crumble. Add the rest of the salad garnishes except the fresh lime juice. Toss all the ingredients together, then add fresh lime juice to taste. It should be tart enough at first but not overpowering.

Spoon this salad over decorative lettuce cups and garnish with fresh mint leaves and julienne red spur chili peppers.

6 Safe and Healthy Fish to Eat - 9/15/2010

Do you like to grill up some salmon? Make a tuna sandwich? How about a few oysters and calamari?

Well, before you fix a plate of your favorite sea fare you may want to check out this article from Green Right Now on Food & Water Watch’s Seafood Guide for 2010. In it, the author Barbara Kessler lists 6 fish safe for human consumption.

The “Healthy Six”

Catfish, Farmed U.S.

Chemicals used in the raising of farmed catfish is overseen by the US government more heavily than in many other countries, making these fish a bit safer for consumption. Also, since catfish are farmed they do not deplete other species of wild fish populations.

Haddock, U.S. Hook and Line Caught

Make sure if you buy Haddock that it specifically states that they are caught by line. Most are captured by trawls, which can harm the ocean floor. Also, line catching results in far less bycatch (unintended catch of non-targeted fish species) overall.

Halibut, Pacific U.S.

Halibut from the Pacific Ocean are not considered threatened or overfished.

U.S. Farmed Tilapia

Like catfish farms, Tilapia are raised without the use of harsh chemicals and they do not feed on wild fish to survive. Also, these fish are raised in water that is filtered and reused.

U.S. Pole- or Troll-Caught Mahi Mahi/Dolphinfish

Mahi-mahi may contain a bit of mercury but unlike other fish, they are not associated strongly with contaminants.

Yellowtail Snapper

Yellowtail snapper may contain mercury, but like Mahi Mahi, these fish are not strongly associated with toxins.

In the same report Food & Water Watch put out a list of fish they do not recommend consuming. It’s a list of a dozen fish you may want to avoid for various reasons. So read up, explore the report and educate yourself about the health risks associated with eating certain types of fish.

Also, don’t forget to check out FCEC’s list of local contaminated fish that ought to be avoided.

*Photo courtesy of BestHaddockRecipes.com

It was Happening in Hermosa! - 9/9/2010

On September 4th, FCEC and our partner Heal the Bay hit the streets of Hermosa Beach for the annual Fiesta Hermosa! The day was filled with great events, music, food and an eclectic mix of community oriented booths.

FCEC was able to reach out to dozens of locals to talk about fish contamination. Many signed up to receive more information and walked away with FCEC tote bags full of goodies!

If you weren’t able to attend, please check out the photos below. And if you did come around, check them out anyway as you might recognize some familiar faces!

Kick off September with a Fiesta! - 9/1/2010

FCEC invites you out to Hermosa Beach this coming Saturday, September 4, for Fiesta Hermosa. The day will prove to be a fun one, with a little something for everybody!

Here’s the dish: Fiesta Hermosa will include 250 arts and crafts booths, a beer and wine garden, food court, kiddie carnival, petting zoo, 2 stages with live music and much more! Plus, FCEC will be in attendance, with a booth located right by the pier, passing out information on fish contamination along with great prizes like FCEC tote bags and FREE tickets to the Aquarium of the Pacific.

The event takes place from 10am to 6pm, so come on down!

Location:
2 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach, CA

For more information please visit http://www.fiestahermosa.com/index.html.

FCEC Signs Up for Public Health! - 8/18/2010

Catching and eating fish used to be as simple as that: first you catch the fish then you eat it.

Well, if you’ve been following FCEC’s recommendations, depending on the fish you hook, you may very well release it back into the ocean and never take it home. But what do you do if you catch a fish that is safe for consumption?

This little video below provides some answers and shows how to correctly prepare your fish before you eat it.

After watching it, we’d love to know how you’ve been preparing your fish, so feel free to share your response with us in the comment section below.

FREE Food, Fun Games and Prizes! Fisherman Appreciation Day Hits Venice Pier - 7/10/2010

Do you like to fish? How about free food, fun games and prizes? Well, if your answer is yes to any of these (not-so-tough) questions you should bring your family and friends on out to FCEC’s Fisherman Appreciation Day in Venice this coming Saturday.

Here are the details:

Location: End of Venice Pier

Date: July 31st, 2010

Time: 12:00pm – 4:00pm

The family friendly event will have interactive games and educational displays. There will be yummy grub and expert tips on how to hone your fishing skills, as well as what locally caught fish are safe to eat and what should be avoided.

Larry Fukuhara of the fabulous Cabrillo Marine Aquarium will hold a fishing demo and those that attend will receive a FREE FCEC tote bag, a pack of lures and hooks and lunch provided by James Beach and The Sidewalk Cafe!

Fisherman Appreciation Day is FCEC’s way to say thanks to all the anglers out there that keep our Southern California piers vibrant. It’s also for the community at large, to help educate and entice more people to grab their fishing polls and cast a line!

So why not come out? For more info, call 562-597-0205 or check out this even poster.

FCEC’s Website, Now in Multiple Languages! - 7/21/2010

The at-risk communities we focus on here at FCEC are not often fluent in English, which makes the way we communicate that much more critical. As such, we recently rolled out an updated website that includes our online content in multiple languages.

We hope that this faster and all around better version of providing information in different languages on www.pvsfish.org will have a positive impact on our outreach efforts and the community at-large. In addition to English, the site is now available in Spanish, Vietnamese and Chinese.

And this is just the beginning! More added features are coming soon, including video content and other educational and promotional material. This is an exciting time for FCEC and we want to thank you for being a part of it. So be sure to check out our new language features on our website!

Welcome to FCEC’s New Blog! - 3/17/2010

If you are reading this you’ve found our new FCEC blog, where we will be keeping you up to date and entertained with all the latest FCEC happenings.

This page will be a resource for all of our constituents and community partners, where we’ll be profiling and promoting the great work that they do to make our region a cleaner, healthier place to live. We’ll also highlight other related programs that are similar to FCEC and may be of interest to you.

Aside from all of this, we’ll be posting cool videos, news items, articles and other information pertaining to FCEC each and every week. The goal is to keep you engaged, so we hope you’ll enjoy this fun resource and come back often!

We encourage you to leave responses and email us suggestions about what you’d like this blog to present and cover. Our website is a resource tool for our community to help address contamination issues and protect public health. This blog, with your help, will greatly add to our overall effectiveness.

Come back soon!