Caspar Cove Project

Preserving Caspar Cove

Our Northern California Caspar Cove initiative is committed to conserving Caspar Cove’s diverse ecosystem by engaging local communities, implementing sustainable practices, and advocating for its protection. The Caspar Cove Project (part of the Waterman’s Alliance Sea Urchin Removal Event at Caspar Cove) was born from a shared passion for ocean conservation among dedicated water enthusiasts. Recognizing the urgent need to address the rapid and unprecedented loss of kelp forests, the community came together with a mission to take action.

Collaborative Efforts to Combat Kelp Loss

Groups like the Watermen’s Alliance, Reef Check, the Nature Conservancy, CA Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Ocean Protection Council, Humboldt State University, Blue Harmony, California Sea Grant, and other local organizations and stakeholders have mobilized to work together to find possible pathways for human intervention in mitigating kelp loss.

On May 10, 2018, an emergency, temporary regulation change went into effect, which increased the daily recreational bag limit for purple sea urchins from 35 individuals to 20 gallons, taken only while skin diving or SCUBA diving in state waters off Mendocino and Sonoma. Almost a year later, on February 25, 2019, the Fish and Game Commission adopted a regular rule-making change that increased the daily recreational bag limit for purple sea urchins from 20 gallons to 40 gallons, taken only while skin or SCUBA diving off Humboldt, Mendocino, and Sonoma state waters.

Origins of the Caspar Cove Project

The inaugural Caspar Cove Project community event occurred in 2020, when a small group of volunteers, led by Joshua Russo from Watermen’s Alliance, gathered at Caspar Cove armed with diving gear and determination. Guided by their commitment to restoring balance to marine ecosystems, they set out to remove excess sea urchins by “in-water culling” from the cove, one dive at a time.

Growing the Caspar Cove Project

Since then, the Caspar Cove Project has grown into a community-driven initiative, drawing participants from all walks of life who share a common goal: to protect and preserve our ocean’s precious resources. Year after year, volunteers return to Caspar Cove, eager to make a difference and contribute to the ongoing conservation efforts. Despite considerable challenges, there remains hope for restoring and conserving bull kelp forests and the diverse ecosystems they support. We can work towards a healthier, more resilient marine environment for future generations through collaborative efforts and community engagement.

Ready to Dive in ?

Visit the Caspar Cove Project website to learn how you can make a difference and join a community committed to thriving ocean.

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Support the Caspar Cove Project

Join us in our mission to protect and restore Caspar Cove, a vital marine habitat threatened by environmental challenges. Your generous donation will directly support our conservation efforts, including habitat restoration, community education, and sustainable practices.

Why Your Support Matters:

Habitat Restoration: Help us rehabilitate critical coastal ecosystems.
Community Outreach: Fund educational programs that inspire and engage local communities.
Sustainable Practices: Support initiatives that promote long-term ocean health.

Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference. Together, we can ensure a thriving future for Caspar Cove and safeguard our oceans for generations to come.

Donate Now and be a part of the change.

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Join Us

Explore Blue Harmony’s opportunities for collaboration in restoring the health of the ocean. Join our community of volunteers at Blue Harmony to positively impact ocean health and drive meaningful conservation efforts for a sustainable world.

Stay informed and be the first to know about the latest developments, blog posts, and resources related to ocean conservation. Explore our updates to stay engaged and deepen your understanding of the challenges and solutions to preserving our oceans.

Preserving Coastal Biodiversity for Future Generations