One Year at a Time
At Point Blue, we believe that our climate-smart conservation actions will lead to healthy ecosystems that thrive well into the future. Our mission is to advance the conservation of birds, wildlife, and ecosystems through partnerships, outreach and science.
Photo: Cassie Bednar, Point Blue
Rock-solid Partnerships
Making a difference for whales with Cascadia Research Collective.
Troubled Waters
The waters off the coasts of San Francisco and Southern California are prime feeding grounds for whales and some of the busiest in the world for ship traffic. The maps below highlight blue and humpback whales’ proximity to the shore, in the path of north-south vessel traffic.
Species Distribution Model density for blue whales (A) and humpback whales (B). Data source: Elizabeth Becker, NOAA
Rock-solid Partnerships
Making a difference for whales with Cascadia Research Collective.
Whales at Risk
Collisions with large vessels are a leading cause of death for whales, pushing endangered blue whales toward extinction and threatening the recovery of other species like humpback and fin whales.
Photo: John Calambokidis, Cascadia Research Collective
Rock-solid Partnerships
Making a difference for whales with Cascadia Research Collective.
Radical Discoveries
Our scientists used a unique spatial analysis and computational model to calculate the estimated number of collisions resulting in whale deaths off the California coast.
Areas classified as above the study-area mean (orange) and greater than the study-area 90th percentile (red). Panels depict whale mortality for blue (A) and
humpback (B) whales. Dashed lines represent the National Marine Sanctuaries.
Rock-solid Partnerships
Making a difference for whales with Cascadia Research Collective.
A First Step Toward Change
Our research discovered that whale deaths caused by large ships were far exceeding federal guidelines, seriously impacting populations and the ability for these species to thrive well into the future.
Blue Whale Deaths
Humpback Whale Deaths
Rock-solid Partnerships
Making a difference for whales with Cascadia Research Collective.
Hope for the Future
We’re now working with NOAA to recommend changes to vessel speeds and shipping lanes to save whales in California’s waters, which could reduce deaths from ship strikes by up to 80%.
80%
Potential reduction in whale deaths from ship strikes
Photo: Pacific Environment/MGN Online
CEO & Board Chair Letter
Preparing for change.
Evolution and change are fundamental processes of nature. Yet today, human activities are accelerating this change, threatening the ability of our biosphere to support life as we know it. This past year, California experienced the largest wildfires and warmest ocean temperatures ever recorded, while deadly heat waves, hurricanes, and floods impacted wildlife and human communities around the globe.
Fortunately, Point Blue is also evolving and adapting. Our uniquely effective approach—combining science, partnerships, and outreach—remains at the core of our success. And in recent years, we have evolved our focus to include climate-smart conservation, building on these fundamental tenets. The stories that follow provide a glimpse into the personal journeys of a few of our 160 scientists. We’re proud that together we are making a positive difference, from California’s montane meadows and agricultural lands to the California Current, coastal Chile, and as far away as the Ross Sea, Antarctica.
As we prepare for another change—a new CEO starting in 2019 to lead Point Blue’s next chapter in our remarkable history—our foundation is stronger than ever. We look to the future with hope and optimism, thanks to you.
Point Blue could not thrive in these changing times without the committed leadership of our Board of Directors. This year, we welcomed new board members Julie Chase Baldocchi and David Myles, PhD. We also offer our deepest gratitude to outgoing board members, Rob Faucett and Ed Sarti, for a decade of outstanding service. We are especially grateful to Ed for his 5 years as Board Chair, and for now serving as our CEO Search and Transition Committee Chair.
Point Blue’s applied conservation science is more urgently needed than ever. Thank you for ensuring that our 160 scientists continue to collaboratively develop and catalyze nature-based solutions to secure a healthy, thriving future for us all.
Each year we provide innovative science for sustainable solutions that support thriving wildlife and human communities.
-
Outreach for Outcomes
Securing a more resilient future for our coasts and shorelines.
Protecting Our Coastlines
“What I like about our work to protect California coasts and shorelines is the opportunity to focus on problems that could have solutions that benefit both people and ecosystems.”
Sam Veloz, PhD, Climate Adaptation Group Director
-
Outreach for Outcomes
Securing a more resilient future for our coasts and shorelines.
The Human Impact of Sea-level Rise
Sea-level rise from climate change threatens Californians from Crescent City to San Diego. Point Blue is dedicated to helping communities along the coast prepare for the future.
500000
people threatened
$100B
in property at risk
-
Outreach for Outcomes
Securing a more resilient future for our coasts and shorelines.
Our Coast Our Future
Developed in partnership with the US Geological Survey and others, the OCOF tool helps communities implement climate-smart planning. Point Blue works with partners to promote nature-based solutions that provide green infrastructure for wildlife and human communities.
70
city, county, regional, state
and federal agencies using OCOF95%
of the urbanized
California coastline using OCOF -
Outreach for Outcomes
Securing a more resilient future for our coasts and shorelines.
OCOF In Action
The OCOF tool models a range of future scenarios, factoring in sea level rise, coastal storms, shoreline erosion, and more. This enables local jurisdictions, such as the San Diego airport, shown here, to plan for the future. From present-day reality to modeling a potential sea-level rise of up to 5 meters (16.4’) we can now project future conditions and promote appropriate climate-smart, nature-based solutions.
Outreach for Outcomes
Securing a more resilient future for our coasts and shorelines.
Protecting Our Coastlines
“What I like about our work to protect California coasts
and shorelines is the opportunity to focus on problems
that could have solutions that benefit both people and
ecosystems.”
Sam Veloz, PhD, Climate Adaptation Group Director
Outreach for Outcomes
Securing a more resilient future for our coasts and shorelines.
The Human Impact of Sea-level Rise
Sea-level rise from climate change threatens Californians from Crescent City to San Diego. Point Blue is dedicated to helping communities along the coast prepare for the future.
500000
people threatened
$100B
in property at risk
Outreach for Outcomes
Securing a more resilient future for our coasts and shorelines.
Our Coast
Our Future
Developed in partnership with the US Geological Survey and others, the OCOF tool helps communities implement climate-smart planning. Point Blue works with partners to promote nature-based solutions that provide green infrastructure for wildlife and human communities.
70
city, county, regional, state
and federal agencies using OCOF
95%
of the urbanized
California coastline using OCOF
Outreach for Outcomes
Securing a more resilient future for our coasts and shorelines.
OCOF In
Action
The OCOF tool models a range of future scenarios, factoring in sea level rise, coastal storms, shoreline erosion, and more. This enables local jurisdictions, such as the San Diego airport, shown here, to plan for the future. From present-day reality to modeling a potential sea-level rise of up to 5 meters (16.4’) we can now project future conditions and promote appropriate climate-smart, nature-based solutions.
“We’ve built up a lot of trust with multiple partners in the region. When we use our data to make the case that leaving some burned areas alone will be better for birds and other wildlife, they take our recommendations seriously.”
Ryan Burnett, Point Blue Sierra Nevada Director
“We need to get ahead of the curve on climate change. We need to have a good grasp on likely future-climate scenarios, particularly in the Sierra. We can then bring recommendations to our forest management partners. Our goal is to see policies and practices that promote resilience to the changes we are already experiencing. At the core, we need to continue our work of climate-smart planning for wildlife and people.”
Dr. Jay Roberts, Point Blue Avian Forest Ecologist
Sign up for Point Blue News
Point Blue by the Numbers
We work from the Sierra to the sea, across the Western Hemisphere and as far away as Antarctica, preparing for the changes—and challenges—ahead.
Here’s just some of our recent impact.700000+
Acres Engaged
in conservation planning and monitoring activities
15000
Students
engaged in hands-on habitat restoration
$54M
Leveraged
in farm bill and landowner match funds
160
Scientists
currently working to advance climate-smart conservation
224
Ongoing Partnerships
with NGOs; government agencies; private companies; international groups and others
23
Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles
published by Point Blue scientists in our most recent fiscal year
2017-18 Financials
Thanks to donors, supporters and partners like you, Point Blue empowers leading-edge science, education and training programs as well as powerful partnerships that maximize nature’s benefits.
Revenue
Expenses
Revenue
Expenses