ACR 231: Coastal Stewardship Day.

WHEREAS, The California coast is integral to the state’s identity because of its natural beauty, economic impact, and recreational utility; and

WHEREAS, Generations of indigenous tribes in California have helped preserve, protect, and maintain much of California’s natural coastline; and

WHEREAS, According to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, California has approximately 3,427 miles of coastline; and

WHEREAS, California’s coastal counties are home to 68 percent of the state’s population; and

WHEREAS, California’s beaches bring millions of people from around the world each year to surf, kayak, fish, dive, or simply enjoy the scenery, contributing billions of dollars to California’s gross domestic product; and

WHEREAS, California’s mild climate and weather patterns are heavily influenced by the ocean, supporting some of the most productive agricultural areas in the United States; and

WHEREAS, On average, California’s commercial fishing industry generates more than $150,000,000 each year for fishers; and

WHEREAS, Coastal wetlands in California serve as nurseries for many ocean animals and provide critical habitats for numerous endangered and threatened species; and

WHEREAS, Forty-three species of marine mammals call California’s coast home; and

WHEREAS, More than 180 species of seabirds and shorebirds live or visit the California coast; and

WHEREAS, Many migratory animals, such as sharks, fish, turtles, and whales, stop along California’s coast; and

WHEREAS, California has lost 90 percent of its coastal wetlands; and

WHEREAS, California’s coastal wetlands protect communities from floods, improve water quality, and reduce the impacts of climate change by sequestering carbon dioxide; and

WHEREAS, Coastal communities have been hard hit by recurring storms, flooding, coastal erosion, and other natural disasters, highlighting the coast’s vulnerability to climate change; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature proclaims August 10, 2026, as Coastal Stewardship Day in California, in recognition of the fundamental importance of the coast to California’s economy, communities, and identity, and in recognition of the need to protect, bolster, and conserve California’s coastline, residents, and habitats; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.