Let's Rewind 2023!
As we reflect on the closing chapters of this transformative year, Heal the Ocean is profoundly grateful for the collective efforts that have propelled us forward in our mission for a cleaner ocean!
This year was very special for HTO as we celebrated 25 years of non-profit work in Santa Barbara! Furthermore, we thank our donors for making this the most successful year for our Imaginary Gala Fundraiser yet!
The year had barely started when 7 boats broke anchor and washed ashore – dumping pollutants, diesel, oil, sewage waste, and sharp, dangerous objects onto our beaches. HTO worked with the City, Harbor, County, Fire Department, and more to safely remove these vessels.
Following the January storm and floods, the beaches of Santa Barbara were covered with staggering amounts of debris. Our wonderful volunteers helped keep our beaches clean post-storm.
After pulling out so many lost lobster traps off our local beaches, HTO collaborated with Commercial Fishermen of Santa Barbara on a program for reporting lost gear for retrieval by fishermen.
HTO's latest scientific equipment propelled our ocean work forward. The Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) will help HTO take sediment samples from the ocean floor and accurately monitor oil leaks and seeps.
Working against time and tide, HTO spearheaded the burial of a juvenile humpback whale that washed ashore onto Padaro Beach in May 2023.
Despite the difficult terrain, Earthcomb successfully removed an abandoned homeless encampment from a Summerland hillside by meticulously cutting up pipes and removing the pieces and other debris in a 3-day cleanup effort.
The completion of the abandonment (capping) of Treadwell 1 and 5 occurred on September 1, 2023, off Lookout Park in Summerland. Concurrently, with funding from the Mericos Foundation, HTO initiated the Summerland Oil Mitigation Study (SOMS). This study aims to conduct a comprehensive geologic analysis of the ocean floor beneath the leaking oil wells off Summerland beach. This study will determine the most logical and efficient approach to capping the leaking wells.
HTO expresses gratitude to Senator Monique Limon for securing $500,000 in State Funds to expand the SOMS study, which will support the State Lands Commission to proceed with its work to cap leaking oil wells.
With the assistance of HTO volunteers, we were able to remove over 850 pounds of debris and trash from local beaches this year.
HTO created a Santa Barbara Resource Guide after noticing the need in Santa Barbara communities for a centralized platform to access information about local environmental organizations and resources.
HTO extends warm Christmas wishes to one and all. May the New Year bring a world filled with peace and harmony.
Thank you for your ongoing support in our mission for a cleaner ocean! We couldn't accomplish the work we do without your invaluable support.
Hillary Hauser, Executive Director
HTO thanks the Poehler-Stremel Charitable Trust
for providing funds to publish our newsletters and e-letters!