Clean and Vibrant Marine Environment

By William H. "Will" Holsinger

The Harbor District Facilities are Certified Clean Marinas

I am the only Harbor Commissioner or candidate for the Harbor Commission advocating a marine life census and evaluation of the status and condition of subsurface aquatic life, both plant and animal, within the breakwaters. Over the decades, since the breakwaters were first built, I have seen a loss of marine life that I believe results from a reduction of the tidal flushing action due to the presence of the breakwaters. Quite simply, the health of subsurface life is not maintained and replenished in an active way by the ocean and bay waters.

Yes, we need to remain vigilant against pollution and contamination. But we need more. The public should be able to fish off the piers and dock and from boats in the harbor and marina and catch a wide variety of healthy edible fish. When we paddle board, kayak and swim inside the breakwaters, the water should be not only clean, but vibrant and healthy, as well!

We should be looking for colleges and universities to partner with in undertaking a marine life census, so we can identify both native and non-native species, determine what native species can be reintroduced to our harbor and marina and learn how to support a healthy aquatic life.

Please show your support for this positive value by voting for me, Will Holsinger, for Harbor District, on November 4th.