Tides to turn for the better

Ahhhh, we can all give a collective sigh of relief.

It looks like, it seems pretty certain, that we will, in fact,

soon have a marine enforcement officer.

Did you hear those little sea urchins sighing too? How about all

those volunteer docents and maybe even a few lifeguards?

Laguna’s beaches and coves are designated as a Marine Conservation

Area. That means no plants or animals, dead or alive, may be taken

from the tide pools at any time. But ocean lovers say the area has

lost some of its richness with the disappearance of abalone, moray

eels and sheepshead.

It’s unlikely anyone believes one marine enforcement officer can

solve all the problems of the tide pools, but it sure is better than

nothing. It will be far better to have someone with the sole charge

of educating people about and protecting the tide pools. And far

better to have someone with the authority to fine offenders.

It’s someone we’ve been waiting for anxiously.

Nature lovers have been pleading with the city for some time to

create better means of protecting the tide pools. City leaders

listened, and in the fall there should be a new position in the

Marine Safety Department.

As it is, docents find themselves trying to police the tide pools

without any authority. Lifeguards do what they can but have the

greater priority of watching the shores for swimmers in distress.

Off-season also brings a time of fewer watchdogs. That means a

full-time marine officer will be that much more essential to

protecting the tide pools.

One of the best aspects of the new position is that it is concrete

proof that City Council members listen to the residents and care

about the tide pools. It’s the brighter side of government and great

to see.