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Oil Spill Prevention Bill Awaits Governor's Approval
On Tuesday, July 21, the House unanimously approved Senate Bill 2374, "An Act Further Preventing Oil Spills in Buzzards Bay" - a bill that the Coalition helped draft and has lobbied for since it passed the Senate last fall. The new legislation fills the safety gaps left by inadequate Coast Guard rules, insuring every oil barge navigating through the Bay has the benefit of a tugboat escort and places Massachusetts State Pilots back out on Buzzards Bay to monitor the safe passage of these vessels.
"In five years of work on this issue, this is probably the most important vote the legislature has ever taken," said Mark Rasmussen, President of the Coalition for Buzzards Bay. "We are grateful to our local representatives and senators for their continued leadership in protecting Buzzards Bay from future oil spills." Read more here
Photo: Buzzards Bay will soon be better protected from oil spills like the 2003 Bouchard spill.
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15th Annual Swim Buzzards Bay - A Year of Record-Breaking Success
 It couldn't have been a more perfect summer day for the 15th Annual Swim Buzzards Bay, as the sun shone brightly and the warm waters of New Bedford's Outer Harbor remained calm. In its fifteenth year, Swim Buzzards Bay has experienced terrific growth over the past few years - growing from 40 swimmers to 104 this year. Swimmers from ages 13 to 75 took to the waters on July 19 showing their care and concern for Buzzards Bay, their love of open water swimming as well as their support for the Coalition.
This year, swimmers were joined by 46 kayakers who paddled alongside providing guidance and support during the 1.2 mile course from Davy's Locker in New Bedford to Fort Phoenix Beach in Fairhaven. A wide variety of federal, state and local authorities were also on hand to ensure a safe swim for all... Read more here
View a complete list of swim times and photo gallery. |
Aboard the R/V Baykeeper with Captain Casey Allen
 The winds were blowing at about 10 knots, the sky was overcast, and R/V Baykeeper Captain Casey Allen had been out late the night before fishing for Striper. But that was no excuse for the Captain to skip a day collecting water quality samples for the Coalition. Coffee in hand, Allen was ready to start the day doing what he loves most - being out on the water and working for the Coalition.
Allen grew up on Buzzards Bay, owned his first boat at age 13 and spent six years working as a lobster fisherman off West Island and Vineyard Sound. His love for the ocean and his boating experience in Buzzards Bay made him an ideal candidate to captain the Coalition's 27-foot R/V Baykeeper, which is used as a platform to conduct water quality monitoring at various sampling sites throughout the Bay, as well as provide sewage pump-out service to boaters at Cuttyhunk Island. Since mid-June, Allen has been helping the Coalition collect valuable data used to determine the health of the Bay and helping to reduce pollution caused by boat waste... Read more here
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A Carbon-Free Coalition
Each year, the Coalition offices in New Bedford and Woods Hole contribute more than 30 metric tons of carbon to our atmosphere - all from very typical human behavior. But the Coalition has decided to do what it can to reduce and offset this impact. Along with policy changes, such as using biodegradable plates, cups and utensils, and energy-saving initiatives, the Coalition will now completely offset its carbon footprint to zero. Officially a "carbon-free partner" of the Carbonfund.org Foundation, the Coalition will reduce and offset its carbon emissions through donations towards renewable energy projects, such as wind, solar and geothermal energy development. "While the Coalition has been primarily concerned with the threats to the Bay from nitrogen loading and oil spills, climate change caused by our over-reliance on fossil fuels and the resulting increases in CO2 levels in the atmosphere will have a devastating effect on the Bay," said Coalition Board Member John Bullard. "As the oceans absorb more CO2, they are becoming more acidic. This is not good news for marine organisms that make their shells from calcium carbonate, which will dissolve in an acidic environment. Zooplankton, corals, shellfish, and lobster all will be harmed. The Coalition has always tried to "walk the walk" in terms of Bay-friendly behavior. Going carbon neutral is one more example."
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A Great Way to Start the Day and Help the Bay - Volunteers Needed for Summer Sampling
Each summer, from May to September, Coalition Baywatcher volunteers monitor the health of Buzzards Bay's harbors and coves. With the help of our more than 140 dedicated volunteers, we are providing the information needed to make informed, scientifically based decisions about the restoration and protection of Buzzards Bay.
We still have sites that are in need of water quality monitoring volunteers. A strong science background is not necessary. A good Baywatcher is someone who can consistently commit one hour between 6:00 - 9:00 AM each week through September, follow instructions, and be agile enough to work on docks and piers along the water's edge.
Contact Tony Williams, Director of Monitoring Programs if you are interested in helping to collect this valuable water quality data.
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Help the Coalition - Join our Staff
Vice-President for Watershed ProtectionWe are seeking a passionate, experienced self-starter to lead our land conservation, land stewardship, and natural resource restoration programs. Click here to learn more.
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Events of Interest to CBB Members
Thursday, August 7, 7:00 pm
Public meeting to display and discuss ecological restoration options for the former Acushnet Sawmill.
The Watershed Ride - Sunday, October 5
The Coalition for Buzzards Bay is gearing up for its Second Annual Watershed Ride on October 5, 2008. The Watershed Ride will take cyclists from Westport to Woods Hole and will cover some of the most beautiful cycling routes in the region.
Timed to take advantage of the great autumn foliage, the cools days of early fall, and the quiet of off-season roads, the Ride will be a great opportunity for cyclists of all levels. Cyclists will enjoy a fully supported ride, raise much needed funds for the work of the Coalition and raise awareness of the rich variety of our watershed.
Each cyclist will need to register by October 2, and, in addition to a registration fee, will be required to raise a minimum of $300 to support the programs of the Coalition. Register online today!
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CBB in the News
Much of the Coalition's work puts us at the
forefront of the region's top environmental issues.
Here are a few recent stories that mention our effort: |
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