Take Action - Monterey SEA

Monterey Bay Begins on Your Street

Urban Runoff (storm drain pollution) is caused by motor oil, antifreeze, paints, fertilizers, pesticides, trash, particulates from automobiles, construction debris, and household chemicals that are washed down or poured down neighborhood storm drains. Everything that goes down the storm drain flows directly into creeks, waterways and ultimately the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Unlike the water that goes down the drains in kitchens and bathrooms, storm drain water is NOT cleansed by sewage treatment plants.

Improving local water quality begins at your front door. Here are 10 Tips for Preventing Stormwater Pollution:

Plant native plants which need less water than imported varieties. Use herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers sparingly. Follow label instructions carefully. Do not apply chemicals if rain is forecast. Never dump chemicals in ditches, gutters, storm drains, or waterways. Never use motor oil to kill weeds along fences or in yards. Motor oil poured in soil contaminates water. Take unwanted toxic products to local hazardous waste collection sites.
For more information visit Our Water Our World

Volunteer

Volunteer and monitor the local waters flowing into the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary: (831) 647-4201 or visit montereybay.noaa.gov

School Programs

For FREE school programs about stormwater, marine mammals, around the Monterey Bay contact Maris Sidenstecker of MontereySEA at (831) 899-9957. Learn more about our classroom offerings.

Fowl Water (English)

Fowl Water (Spanish)