PROGRAM DESIGN

Designing Solutions for Ocean Protection

A Data-Driven Approach to Safeguard Monterey Bay’s Beneficial Uses

OUR WORK

The CCLEAN program is meticulously designed to protect the ocean’s beneficial uses around Monterey Bay. By analyzing potential water quality stressors identified in scientific research and reports, CCLEAN has crafted a program that determines the sources, loads, and effects of contaminants being discharged into the ocean.

Potential pollutant sources to Monterey Bay include rivers, streams, and municipal wastewater. CCLEAN measures loads of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and nutrients from these sources and monitors concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria and nutrients in coastal streams. The potential effects of these pollutants are assessed by sampling mussel tissues, ocean waters, and sediment and biological communities along the 80-meter contour, where fine sediment particles from land have accumulated over thousands of years.

CCLEAN PRIORITIES

Focused Efforts for a Sustainable Monterey Bay

At the heart of CCLEAN’s mission is a commitment to preserving the ecological integrity of Monterey Bay. Our priorities are guided by a deep understanding of the region’s environmental needs and a dedication to sustainable practices.

Protection of Aquatic Habitats & Natural Wildlife

Ensuring the health of Monterey Bay’s ecosystems.

CCLEAN is committed to protecting the natural habitats and wildlife of Monterey Bay. By informing and promoting best management practices, CCLEAN supports thriving fisheries and wildlife, especially in response to changing climate conditions. The focus is on maintaining healthy aquatic habitats that are resilient to environmental stressors.

Informed, Engaged & Responsible Community

Building awareness and fostering stewardship

A key priority for CCLEAN is to inform and engage both its partners and the public. By fostering a deep appreciation for Monterey Bay’s natural resources, CCLEAN encourages responsible use, restoration efforts, and the adoption of best practices that contribute to the bay’s sustainability.

Improve Ocean Waters and Sediments

Enhancing water quality and reducing pollution

CCLEAN aims to improve the quality of ocean waters and sediments by understanding the pollutants and nutrient loadings discharged into Monterey Bay, particularly from urban sources. Efforts are made to reduce contaminants from publicly owned treatment works (POTW) discharges, thereby enhancing the overall health of the marine environment.

CCLEAN Program Elements

Effluent sampling includes collection of 30-day flow proportioned samples twice per year (i.e., in the wet season and in the dry season) and once per year during the dry season in Watsonville influent for analysis of POPs. The collection of 30-day flow proportioned samples of effluent and Watsonville influent is accomplished by using programmable ISCO 3700 samplers. Dry-season influent and effluent samples are collected with the ISCO equipment during the months of July–November and wet-season effluent samples are collected during the months of February-March. Effluent and Watsonville influent grab samples are also collected and analyzed for various constituents including nutrients, fipronils, neonicotinoids, and pyrethroids. The objective of this sampling component is to estimate the loads of these constituents introduced to Monterey Bay.

Mussel sampling consists of collecting mussels once a year during the wet season for analysis of POPs, current-use pesticide, and bacteria. The objective of this program element is to determine the extent to which humans and sea otters might be exposed to POPs, CECs, and pathogens from consumed components of the food web.

Once per year during the dry season, sediment grabs are taken from 8 sites around Monterey Bay to analyze POPs, total organic carbon (TOC), and grain size. Benthic infauna are also analyzed in the Bay once every 5 years.

The objectives of this program component are to measure concentrations of POPs in sediments where the sediments are most likely to be deposited after washing off the land and out of rivers, and the effects of POPs on benthic infauna.

Ocean buoys are deployed twice per year for 30-day periods at a site in northern Monterey Bay and at a site in southern Monterey Bay. The buoys contain sampling equipment that collects time-integrated samples of POPs using the same particle filters and columns packed with XAD-2 resin as used in the wastewater sampling. Grab samples are also collected from each site at buoy deployment and buoy retrieval for analysis of bacteria, nutrients, and TSS. The objective of this program component is to determine the status and trends of contaminants in nearshore waters of Monterey Bay and whether ocean waters comply with the California Ocean Plan.

Rivers discharging into Monterey Bay have been found to contribute significant loads of pollutants to ocean waters. Grab samples at river sites are analyzed in the wet and dry seasons for nutrients, TSS, PFAS, fipronils, neonicotinoids, and pyrethroids. The objective of this program component is to quantify the concentrations of pollutants and the annual loads entering Monterey Bay from river discharges.

ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT

Evolving to Meet New Challenges

CCLEAN is adaptively managed to make the best use of budgetary resources and address emerging environmental issues. The CCLEAN Steering Committee oversees this adaptive management process, ensuring that the program evolves to meet new management needs and tackle prominent issues affecting beneficial uses in the region.