Earth Day brings coastal awareness

Environmental enthusiasts had the opportunity to learn more about helping Mother Nature preserve the planet Saturday at The Second Annual Coastal Awareness Day in Shoreline Village, which coincided with Earth Day's 25th anniversary.

More than 30 displays, staffed by selected conservation groups, educational institutions, research facilities and city, state and federal agencies, were set up around the Shoreline Village walkway.

The public had the chance to tour the environmental fleet of 15 vessels that are used to conduct research and protect the coastal marine environment.

The U.S. Coast Guard performed a search and rescue demonstration in Queensway Bay, adjacent to Parker's Lighthouse.

The Dolphin, a rescue and law-enforcement helicopter, hovered above the bay while a diver jumped in the water near the simulated drowning victim. A rescue basket was lowered, while the diver and victim were pulled up.

The Long Beach Fire Department demonstrated an emergency fire response from their 88-foot boat, the Liberty. The television show, "Baywatch," had its 34-foot Scarab boat on display.

Lectures on whales were given throughout the day by Dave Levine, a marine ecologist.

A diving demonstration was performed by UCLA divers, which took place from the Susan K, a UCLA research vessel. The divers brought up octopuses, stingrays and other marine creatures from the ocean's floor for the public to see. An underwater cleanup, conducted by divers, removed hundreds of items from the water.

A cellular phone, steel oil drum, folding chair, bolt cutters and many other unique items were removed from the ocean.

"I was amazed at all the debris they took out of the water around Shoreline Village today," said Shannon Kiley, a student at Cal State Long Beach. "I never would have believed this stuff was pulled out of the ocean, if I had not seen it myself."

Coastal Awareness Day is designed to educate the public about the importance of the coastal marine environment. Saturday's event was sponsored by Shoreline Village, Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine and the Nautical Heritage Society.

Nautical Heritage Society is a non-profit organization which operates and coordinates educational events for the tall ship, The Californian.

"These are ships that many people never see or think about," said Steve Christman, president of The Nautical Heritage Society. "These are the vessels and crews that work to clean the environment, clean up debris and report other problems relating to the coastal waters and marine environment."