The old adage about an ounce of prevention being worth a pound of cure still holds true – as even the briefest glance at the Gulf Coast proves. Last week Ocean Conservancy, Humboldt Baykeeper and Humboldt Surfrider presented a deeper look at the ecological issues plaguing that part of the country. SoLa: Louisiana Water Stories, which played at the Arcata Theatre Lounge, illustrates how poor environmental policy and corrupt politics had already led to “Cancer Alley,” a 100-mile stretch along the Mississippi River, plus the world’s largest “dead zone” in the Gulf and a coastline eroding faster than fathomable. Essentially, the careless exploitation of Southern Louisiana’s natural resources resulted in magnifying the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina and the BP oil disaster.

The conflict between greed and stewardship isn’t limited to any particular geography – and when short-sightedness prevails, the toll can be steep: we end up damaging that which we depend on, ultimately harming not only the environment around us, but our own health and economy. The lessons learned from mismanagement of the Gulf should not be lost as we look to the future. Here in California, not only is our coastline iconic, but should a similar disaster befall, the economic crisis that would result might upend the state forever.

Locally, restoration work gives hope along our rivers and in Humboldt Bay, where a toxic legacy underlies a gorgeous surface. Our beaches, so far, haven’t suffered as much – although the amount of plastic and other garbage littering the sand is truly depressing – and our offshore waters are cleaner than most. With new marine protected areas (MPAs) going in next year, we’re paving the way in proactive protection for at least one aspect of ocean health. (To stay up-to-speed on North Coast ocean developments, send a note to jsavage@oceanconservancy.org, and I’ll make sure you’re added to our email list.)  Way down in SoCal, the new MPAs kick in come January 1, 2012.

While the reserves and conservation areas forming a network off California’s coast as a result of the Marine Life Protection Act stand out as conservation innovation, the success of MPAs continue to echo around the world. Australia recently announce plans to create the world’s biggest marine park. This new park will protect almost one million square kilometers of the Coral Sea, home to coral reefs, sandy cays, deep sea plains and ocean canyons. For an in-depth, underwater look at one of the world’s “most pristine and vibrant” coral reefs, check out the recent 60 Minutes segment on Cuba’s Garden of the Queen, a stunningly successful marine reserve in the Caribbean – and one that highlights the importance of resilience to climate change. With the short-sighted treatment of our environment threatening our future existence, the need to take the long view has never been more evident.

On a much lighter note, if you haven’t found the right gift for an ocean-lover on your holiday list, here’s a few recommendations (links to our very own Northtown Books where possible – shop local!):

Demon Fish by Juliet Eiperin: Two hundred million years before the dinosaurs, sharks roamed the sea. But with an estimated 73 million sharks killed every year, will they survive humankind?

Seven-Tenths, The Sea and Its Thresholds by James Hamilton-Paterson: Hamilton-Paterson writes about fishing, piracy, ecological crises, and is especially brilliant on the melancholy fascination of those border places and moments when the sea and land meet and the human experience seems transient. 

Caught Inside, A Surfer’s Year on the California Coast by Dan Duane: This remarkable narrative of Daniel Duane’s life on the water is enhanced by good-humored explanations of the physics of wave dynamics, the intricate art of surfboard design, and lyrical, sharp-eyed descriptions of the flora and fauna of the Pacific wilderness. 

Wonders of the Sea, Hidden Treasures of California’s Far North Coast by Marc Shargel: A gorgeously illustrated book featuring photos of underwater creatures most residents will never get to see in their native habitat.