LosAnglers.org is a go-to resource for fishing in Southern California. Whether you’re new to fishing or a seasoned pro, LosAnglers.org offers practical tips and important information while creating an online gathering place for the local angling community to connect with other fishing enthusiasts and groups. Before you dive into the new site, we’d like to introduce you to a few things you’ll love about LosAnglers.org.

The “All About Fish” section offers lots of useful information about some of the most popular fish you’re likely to catch in our local waters such as, sizes, weights, nicknames, where to find them and how to tell them apart. While each fish entry will feature an illustration in “All About Fish” section, the “Angler Gallery” offers you a chance to show off your own catches and share them with your friends and the rest of the LosAnglers community!

Along with information about the fish, LosAnglers.org also highlights information about popular fishing locations in Southern California and fishing locations with scenic views, surfing, shopping and dining. With a quick click you’ll be able to use LosAnglers.org to plan the perfect fishing trip for your buddies or your family, or look for a new fishing spot to call your own.

Finally, the “Questions and Anglers” section offers a moderated forum where you can ask questions and or provide advice to other anglers about fishing.

Putting it all together, LosAnglers.org is an exciting place that will help turn many diverse fishing groups of California into an active and supportive community!

We’re excited to see the LosAnglers community grow! Share what you think about the new LosAnglers.org website and what your favorite page is in the Comment section below!

>> Get your smarts on with at the Aquarium of the Pacific on May 3 during their Aquatic Academy Course.

>> Hiking is good for your health. Join the Sierra Club for their 4-mile trek through the pristine Placerita Canyon Natural Area on May 5, a great way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo!

>> There’s no better way to show a little ocean love than to pick up some litter. Heal the Bay will be at Compton Creek on May 6, and it’s sure to be a bag full-filling event.

>> Have you ever met a grunion? Not even sure what a grunion is (hint: it’s a silvery fish)? Then head out to the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium on May 7 to meet one up close and personal. The kids will LOVE it.

>> Take your mom to brunch or lunch at Mercado La Paloma on Mother’s Day May 13. All sorts of moms will be telling stories and celebrating community. Join in the fun!

>> Life is short so fish hard! Come out to hear Dr. Larry Allen, who heads up the Southern California Marine Institute, at Cal State Northridge on May 18. The smarty-pants will discuss the past present and future of California’s “sea basses.” RSVP today!

>> What’s a party without a few trout? Visit a hatchery and hone your fishing skills on May 26 at the Moccasin Creek Hatchery.

More information about these events and others are on our FCEC calendar.

What events will you be attending this month? Share with us below!

*Photo courtesy of Syracuse.com.

FCEC: What is the MSRP kiosk exactly?

Gabrielle Dorr: The kiosks are educational tools that allow users to interact and learn about restoration of natural resources from DDT and PCB contamination. Essentially each kiosk contains software referred to as “Augmented Reality” which allows kids to experience nature in 3D. The kiosks stream short videos about our restoration projects as well. The interactive 3D imagery was developed by Total Immersion while the overall design and concept of the kiosk was created by Pavement.

The kiosks are designed to take viewers through several 3D animation scenarios allowing them to zoom into and out of an eagle’s nest for example. The videos go into more detail about specific restoration projects.

FCEC: What’s so darn cool about the MSRP kiosks?

Gabrielle Dorr: The kiosks contain cutting edge technology that has never been used in this type of setting before. It’s been used in commercial settings but never for educational purposes. First, it’s interactive, which means for the audience we are seeking to educate, kids, it’s a captivating tool.

Since the MSRP kiosks are located in aquariums and science centers it has a lot to compete with. So we worked hard to develop something that will keep the kids engaged.

The kiosks have reached over 200,000 people so far!

FCEC: So the MSRP kiosks are for kids? Why kids?

Gabrielle Dorr: Certainly the MSRP kiosks are geared toward kids, but adults can also enjoy them and learn about restoration.  Kids educate their families by acting as portals of information.  They help spread the word, especially if they get excited about it, which is our hope with the kiosk idea. Not only can they take a brochure home when they finish using the kiosk, they can also download the program on their home computer to continue the learning experience.

The bottom line is that youth are great multipliers of knowledge. Reaching them can have a great effect on the larger community in general. This is where our program overlaps directly with FCEC’s mission to educate the public about fish contamination. It is our hope that our program helps to achieve this same goal.

FCEC: Where can folks find the MSRP kiosks?

Gabrielle Dorr: One of the MSRP kiosks is located in SEA Lab at 1021 N. Harbor Drive, Redondo Beach, 90277. People can find it in the main exhibit area. Another MSRP kiosk is at the California Science Center, located at Exposition Park, 39th Street & Figueroa Street. And a third can be found at the Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center located at 1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, 93001.

MSRP has other fun, interactive educational tools such as their Fish Webcam and Bald Eagle Webcam. Make sure to check them out on the MSRP website!

>> April is late night month at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. Mondays through Thursdays, April 3-5 and April 10-12, cash in on a great discount and see some ocean creatures up close and personal!

>> Nobody likes litter! Reduce litter from our ocean by attending a fun-filled beach clean up at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro on April 7.

>> Wetlands are cool. The Los Cerritos Wetlands in Long Beach are extra cool. In the heart of the urban city is a vital wetlands that is home to dozens of migrating bird species and fish! On April 7 attend a restoration event and help improve an important natural resource.

>> Tidepools are home to many species of fish. On April 13-14 head out to Point Fermin State Marine Park and ramble on the rocks to see many animals in their natural habitat.

>> April 22 is Earth Day! Pick from dozens of celebratory events Earth Day weekend, including a bird fest, a stand-up paddling lessons in Santa Monica, a beach clean-up (that will score you free Aquarium tickets), and much more! If you plan on visiting the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium or Aquarium of the Pacific for their Earth Day events, stop by the FCEC booth and play our fishing game or just say hello!

>> End the month right on April 29 for International Children’s Day at the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific. Celebrate the amazing talents of children across many cultures.

More information about these events and others are on our FCEC calendar.

What events will you be attending this month? Share with us below!

*Photo courtesy of carandcaboodle.com.

In her parting words, Carmen acknowledged FCEC as a cutting edge program and noted that the important connections created between community members, local, state and federal agencies has made this program what it is today.

After Judy was announced as the new project manager, each of the Partners took a moment to introduce themselves and their roles in FCEC. Following these announcements and introductions, the Partners presented updates on several programs and discussed two great successes of recent projects: the Pier Sign Evaluation and updated Tip Card. We are happy to report that the pier signs are working, and anglers are taking away the key messages of the pier signs.

Coupled with the updated Tip Card, that now provides a link directing people to safe fish to eat in other areas, FCEC’s efforts are starting to see strong signs of influence in anglers making safe and informed choices of the fish they catch and eat.

And speaking of eats, check out our Partner’s Meeting slideshow below to see how our meeting was an event that called for cake!

For the last year, Carmen White has provided our group with remarkable leadership in broadening FCEC’s educational and community outreach. We offer her all our gratitude for her efforts.

As we wish Carmen farewell, we are pleased to welcome Judy Huang to her new role. We sat down with FCEC’s new Project Manager to ask her what she sees for the future of the group.

FCEC: Hi Judy, can you share a little of your background with us?

Judy Huang: While I have a lot of work and educational experience with environmental science—I graduated with a degree in chemical engineering from UC Berkley—I also recognize the importance of engaging and activating communities through outreach.

Like Carmen before me, I’m coming from the EPA. I’ve been with their superfund division for 6 years. Prior to that, I had worked for the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board for 13 years where I worked on sites addressing a variety of topics including: waste water treatment plant discharge, stormwater permitting, wetland restoration and superfund site cleanup.

FCEC: What other superfund sites have you worked on and what do they share in common with the Palos Verdes Shelf Superfund Site?

Judy Huang: I was the Formerly Used Defense Site (FUDS) Regional Coordinator, so a lot of them have been things like closed military facilities. Interestingly, the work I did with Fort Ord, to address the cleanup of munitions, earned the distinction of being the first privatized cleanup on a military base.

I’ve done a lot of work on sites in Hawaii that have a lot issues in common with PV Shelf. The Pearl Harbor Naval Air Station and the Del Monte Oahu Plantation both dealt with pesticide cleanups stemming from soil, sediments and groundwater contamination.

While not a superfund site, an offshore munitions study site in Hawaii called Ordinance Reef examined the impact of munitions to human health in the environment. Similar to the PV Shelf consumption study, we had to determine if the seafood was safe to eat. The study looks at how the population prepares their food, and where they caught their fish. The best part of the site was working with the community. Unlike the PV Shelf, everyone in the community could actually see the munitions in the water when they went diving, so everyone was very engaged and aware.

FCEC: What are you looking forward to most about working with the Fish Contamination Education Collaborative on the PV Shelf Project?

Judy Huang: I’m looking forward to learning from the project! First there is the learning opportunity dealing with the technical challenge with the underwater cap. But I’m also looking forward to learning from community outreach. It’s a large component and challenging to implement and enforce. It’s unlike other superfund sites, in that respect.

FCEC: What are your thoughts on the current FCEC outreach efforts and program as a whole?

Judy Huang: PV Shelf is one fast moving project. Based on the Partners meeting we had, I’m impressed with how many people FCEC managed to reach. It’s been impressive to see how excited partners are, and how much pride and ownership they have towards their role in the project.

>> Take a hike on March 3 at Mt. Lukens with the Sierra Club. Its 10.5 miles round trip and a 3000 foot elevation gain. Some healthy fun in the sun!

>> Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is hosting a tour of Point Fermin State Marine Park on March 9. You’ll traverse some rocks in search of animals in their natural habitat.

>> Hug a tree after you plant it on March 10 when Heal the Bay takes you to Malibu Creek State Park for some restoration work.

>> March 11 is daylight savings and it is also an open house at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium where you’re invited to learn about the Salinas de San Pedro wetlands habitat.

>> Meet Jaws. Well, maybe not THE Jaws, but a Jaws nonetheless. On March 16 the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific will be holding their FREE Shark Lagoon Night.

>> Join the Aquarium of the Pacific on March 25 for a special evening exclusively for families with adults or children with autism. It’ll be a peaceful night among 11,000 animals from the world’s largest ocean.

>> Summer is right around the corner so why not get your fishing skills tuned up. On March 29 join Marina Del Rey Anglers for a free fishing class at the Playa Vista Public Library.

More information about these events and others are on our FCEC calendar.

Which events will you be attending this month? Share with us below!

The LA County Public Health Department inspects 30 markets twice a year, Orange County 12 markets monthly, and Long Beach inspects 15 markets, 3 restaurants and 1 wholesaler 4 times a year. In addition to inspections, CDFG representatives and health inspectors use our FCEC materials to educate sellers on the local fish contamination issues that affect them and their customers.

See our Enforcement Program team at work in the images below!

>> Shark night is a thriller. On Friday, February 3 the Aquarium of the Pacific will turn out the lights and let you see how these creatures lurk in the dark. A not to be missed event.

>> You wouldn’t want your child’s room to be messy, so why would we want our beaches to be? The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium on Saturday, February 4 is holding a beach cleanup, it is your chance to give a little love back to the ocean.

>> Here fishy fishy. Tidepools are great educational opportunities for kids. On Sunday, February 12, take your youngster to Point Fermin State Marine Park in San Pedro for a cool Weekend Tidepool Walk.

>> Dinner at the Aquarium? Yep. On Valentine’s Day, February 14, you can stroll the Aquarium of the Pacific and have a romantic evening gazing at sea jellies and octopus after a delicious gourmet meal.

>> Life’s a beach! May as well make it a clean one. Heal the Bay will be at Torrance County Beach on Saturday, February 18 for their monthly Nothin’ But Sand beach cleanup. Why not make this your Valentine to the ocean?

>> Spot a giant! Celebrate the annual migration of the Pacific gray whale at the Santa Monica Pier on Sunday, February 19. The Santa Monica Pier Aquarium will be providing wildlife observation opportunities for those in attendance.

>> Climate change is going to impact the coastline. Come out on Wednesday, February 29 to the Aquarium of the Pacific to see what impacts may be headed to our region in the years to come.

More information about these events and others are on our FCEC calendar.

What events will you be attending this month? Share with us below!

*Photo courtesy of SDWhaleWatch.com

Once a catch has been cut, processed, cooked and served, it can be difficult for even the most trained eye—and sometimes palette—to be able to identify the species. For some unscrupulous marketplace sellers this can lead to “seafood substitution,” where one type of fish, usually of poorer quality, is mislabeled and sold as a premium product. This practice, a violation of federal law, not only cheats buyers and diners out of the product they are expecting but can also expose them to toxins found in lower grade fish species. In an even sadder turn, endangered species can be passed off as commercial catches.

To face this seafood mislabeling issue, The Barcode of Life has developed a new technology, officially approved by the FDA this Fall, that is able to scan a fish protein and identify it by comparing short strings of DNA just like a grocery store checkout scanner reads a barcode! Since 2003, The Barcode of Life, has built up a DNA database of more than 167,000 species and hopes to have 5 million cataloged by 2015. This technology could be used to identify 500,000 species and prevent mislabeling. That means when your date orders the lobster, you won’t be paying for monkfish, or even worse, buying monkfish and actually eating toxic pufferfish which caused several people to become sick in 2007. Since seafood is one of the most highly traded commodities in the world, there is a big movement to make the DNA barcoding of seafood a standard industry practice. The more widely applied this technology becomes consumers can enjoy their fish without wondering what that fish actually is.

Have you ever had a seafood experience that was a bit too fishy for your taste? If you have, tell us about it and let others know about this issue!

*Photo courtesy of Greenpeace.