Less studies, more action

JAMES PRIBRAM

Here we go again. Another ocean water quality study has just been

completed on Aliso Creek. It has taken five years and piles of money.

In the study’s findings, it was stated that there were myriad sources

that created the pollution in the creek.

Wow, and I just thought it was called urban runoff.

In my opinion, the county or state -- or whoever does these

studies do so just to buy themselves more time instead of having to

actually address the problem and stop the runoff.

It’s sad that in this day and age of trying to combat ocean

pollution, the ones who continue to do these studies are pointing

fingers in different directions while wasting taxpayers’ money.

After all, what good is it to post a sign warning swimmers of

ocean pollution if no one can see it?

Maybe it’s time to begin answering the big question of how we

might be better able to begin eliminating the pollution and urban

runoff problem?

A good start may be to begin better educating our communities and

getting more people involved through community meetings that focus on

the problem at hand.

If people do not clearly understand what it is they are doing

wrong and how it increases the runoff and pollution problem what can

be said of it?

We need to become more proactive in letting people know how they

can help.

One way is through “stopping ocean pollution” literature;

participating in beach cleanup days; joining one of the many

foundations: Surfrider, South Orange County Watershed Conservancy,

Heal the Bay, etc.; attending City Council and other community

meetings; and sharing information that you have learned with family

and friends.

Perhaps, like the neighborhood watch program we can start a

neighborhood ocean watch program.

The bottom line is that collectively we can stop ocean pollution

and we need to begin today. After all, what good is the beach if we

can’t enjoy the ocean?

Peace.

* JAMES PRIBRAM is a Laguna Beach resident, professional surfer

and co-founder of “They Will Surf Again,” a nonprofit foundation

assisting people with spinal cord injuries. He was also a member of

the Water Quality Advisory Committee. He can be reached at

jamo@alohaschool ofsurfing.com. His Web site is

alohaschoolofsurfing.com.