 The first four years of our efforts have led to greater communication
among area researchers and the initiation of numerous studies.
Some of our major accomplishments are
listed below.
Science
- Discovery of a species new to science. The crustacean
Nebalia kensleyi is described in Proceedings
of the Biological Society of Washington.
- Identification of over 2000 species in Tomales Bay through
original research, historical review of literature, and
cataloging voucher specimens.
- Detection of Didemnum
lahillei, a noxious invasive species, previously
unknown to Tomales Bay. Initial control experiments are
under way.
- Ongoing surveys on algae, diatoms, fishes, invertebrates,
and phytoplankton. The work has facilitated student and
volunteer help.
Education
- Establishment of the Tomales Environmental Learning Center
at Tomales High School. Students are learning about ecological
monitoring, water quality, and cartography.
- Ongoing summer science seminars, multimedia educational
program, and placement of high school science interns with
established researchers.
- Ten Masters and Ph.D. level students are performing research
projects associated with or funded by the Partnership.
Project Development
- Establishment of the Tomales Bay Marine Station at Sacramento
Landing. Short-term housing is available for researchers
working on Tomales Bay or at Point Reyes National Seashore.
Contact Ben Becker at ben_becker@nps.gov
- TBBP activities helped frame the successful $2.5 million
proposal for wetland restoration of Giacomini Wetlands.
- The TBBP co-wrote a successful $460,000 grant from the
state of California to develop an Integrated Coastal Watershed Management Plan
for Tomales Bay and West Marin. This program will focus
on evaluating municipal stormwater impacts on Tomales Bay,
implementing a septic outreach and education program, and
identifying specific projects in West Marin to improve water
quality.
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