The Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary (GFNMS) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the California State Lands Commission (SLC), are co-leaders of a multi-agency effort to identify ways to improve ecosystem protection in Tomales Bay by assessing vessel use and storage. Eleven local, state and federal agencies with jurisdiction over boating, parks, waters, submerged lands, and shore areas of Tomales Bay jointly developed a document for public input, Protecting Tomales Bay by Managing Vessel Usage. This is an effort to promote collaboration and coordination among agencies, and to initiate a public input process.

The document was released for public comment on August 31, 2007. There was a three-month public comment period that closed on December 3, 2007. During that time, three public workshops were held and public comment was received at workshops and in writing to the GFNMS. A response to public comments will be posted on this site soon.

Continuing to Engage the Community in the Process:

GFNMS is committed to continuing to engage boaters and the local community in providing input on the development of a draft a vessel management plan for Tomales Bay. To that end, the Gulf of the Farallones Sanctuary Advisory Council has initiated a Working Group for Tomales Bay Vessel Management. The Working Group consists of representatives of boating associations, shellfish growers, commercial fishermen, boat services operations, conservation organizations, shore-side property owners, and state and federal agencies with jurisdiction in Tomales Bay.

Working Group Meetings:

The first meeting of the Working Group was held on March 27th from noon-4pm at the Red Barn in Olema (at the Point Reyes National Seashore Headquarters. Summary notes from the meeting are provided in the down-loadable documents below. The next Working Group meeting will be held on June 27th from noon-4pm at the Red Barn in Olema. These meetings are open to members of the public for observation, not participation.

Contact for more information:

Relevant documents: