Novato Baylands Signage Update: Please Complete Survey

ERT Agenda 6.6.23

The Bel Marin Keys Yacht Club Website is currently under construction but shall be up and running soon. On the website, you will find in depth information about individual clubs, events, and ways that you can get involved. The website will be found at: bmkyc.org

Moon jellyfish (Aurelia aurita), often referred to as moon jellies, are very simple animals found in the phylum Cnidaria. We do not see them that frequently in BMK   although you may see them at beaches in all oceans of the world except the artic.  Moon Jellyfish are part of a natural balance in our ecosystem.

Here’s a few answers to some frequently asked questions:

• Are they dangerous? They are harmless to humans-  they feed on zooplankton (larval stages of crabs, mussels shrimp, & protozoa). They are called “True Jellyfish” and their body looks like a transparent bell. (The cells they use to immobilize their food cannot penetrate human skin.) They do not need to be removed.
• What eats them? In the wild larger jellyfish, sometimes birds, larger fish, and turtles. In many parts of the world  humans.
• What are they made of?  They are mostly made of water and their bodies lack a digestive or circulatory system with no backbone, brain, blood, eyes, ears, or heart. They have 4 rings in the center of the bell called gonads for reproduction. If you hold them in your hand they feel like a blob of jello.
• Why are they in BMK ?  They come to estuaries and places like BMK to breed.  Reproduction happens in spring early summer and they become adults  (Medusa) which we are now seeing, breeding through early summer and then they die off. The entire moon jelly lifecycle is 8-12 months. So while we see adults now in the lagoons we have been seeing other life cycle stages since last summer.
• Can we get rid of them? Yes this was asked…They can survive in a variety of habitats, although they may thrive at higher salinities  (sea water above 32 ppt) and prefer water temperature above 60 degrees F,  they can survive in the low salinities we have in BMK lagoons in winter (salinity below 10-20 ppt) and cooler temps (below 50 degrees F) Their environment affects the shape, size, and reproduction of moon jellyfish. 
• Movement ? They are very graceful when they move forcing water in and out of their bells, and often seen in aquariums as they are easy to keep. They are not strong swimmers and are easily moved by currents and the wind so may accumulate where the wind blows them. So no nothing we can do and the are part of the food chain.
• Fun Fact: Moon Jellys are eaten in many Asian cultures and add a saltiness to dishes . Some say they taste like a slightly salty oyster.       They can also be used to make ice cream.
•  

042523 BMKCSD BOD Agenda

“[I]t is imperative that sea level rise preparation planning and implementation is strongly supported and undertaken promptly and continuously in the coming decades to ensure the County and  its residents are prepared for and safe from sea level rise.”

Scholarship Applications for incoming high school seniors, who are residents of Bel Marin Keys, can be picked up from the display box located outside of the office door located at 4 Montego Key.

2023 High School Scholarship

Dear Residents,
Caltrans published published it’s Planning and Environmental Linkage Study (PEL), addressing flooding, sea level rise, congestion, ecosystem connectivity and public access. The goal of the study is to develop planning alternatives for transportation, activities, and projects, as well as, to help understand short-term and long-term solutions for sea level rise and extreme weather events. We’ve attached the report here:  sr37-pel-study-dec2022-ada-a11y

Useful information provided by Marin County and recommended by the BMKCSD BOD.

Marin Shoreline Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment (marincounty.org)

The District has been working update the current systems at West Dolphin Lagoon, Sunset Lagoon and Paddle Boat Lagoon. The objective of a diffused aeration system to cause vertical lift of the water, which moves bottom water that is low in dissolved oxygen (DO) to the surface interface where gas exchange occurs, and improving the water quality of the lagoon. diffuser placement

Summer is in full swing. Please be mindful of the boating regulations adhere to the no wake zones and restriction upon the waterways so that the waterways are safe for all.

Future Capital needs: The BMK CSD Board of Directors has drafted a list of future capital projects needs for the community. We are asking residents to take a look at the list and should residents see a project to be added please submit comment to the District Manager (ncamargo@bmkcsd.us). Please stay toned for future informational meetings on the future needs of the community. 2045 cap project _draft_web

Link to study also provide on BMKCSD website and can be found at:

https://www.marinwatersheds.org/resources/projects/highway-37-adaptation-study