Assemblyman Leland Yee: Protecting the Farallon Islands

On a clear day, San Franciscans on the west side of the City can look out toward the Pacific Ocean and see a few dark mounds of land rising up from the glimmering blue waters: the Farallon Islands. From a distance, they don’t look like much, but on closer inspection, the craggy islands are teeming with natural wonders.

Located just 27 miles off the San Francisco coast, the 90-million-year-old Farallones are home to one of the world’s most complex and diverse ecosystems, including more than a quarter of a million seabirds and at least 36 different species of marine mammals. 

This year, Congressmembers Nick Rahall (D-West Virginia) and Richard Pombo (R- California) introduced H.R. 298, a resolution to allow public access to the Farallon National Wildlife Refuge for radio operators and other purposes. While Rahall and Pombo withdrew their support for this resolution, I nevertheless feel it is incredibly important to carry on a discussion on the issue of public access to protected lands. 

As many of you know, I joined with Supervisor Jake McGoldrick last month to host a Town Hall Meeting on the Farallon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. The meeting was well attended and sparked a good deal of thought-provoking discussion around the issues of public access, conservation and ecological sustainability on the islands and other wildlife refuge areas. Some audience members gained their first exposure to these issues, while other attendees were veteran stewards coming to share their concerns and experiences with natural habitat preservation and policy. 

Throughout its history, the Farallones have been coveted by those who seek to profit from its natural resources. The islands have withstood centuries of abuse, from the 19th century fur trade, which nearly decimated the seal and sea lion populations, to the then-lucrative harvesting of rare seabird eggs by the Pacific Egg Company. 

In the mid 1800s, lighthouses were installed on the Farallon Islands to shine the way for passing ships. Lighthouse keepers and their families took up residence on the islands, bringing with them pets and farm animals not indigenous to the islands. They remained on the islands until the middle of last century, when the lighthouse was automated by the U.S. Coast Guard.

In 1981, the federal government established the Farallon Islands and surrounding waters as a 1,255-square-mile national marine sanctuary. In the past 25 years, despite setbacks caused by oil spills in the ’80s, the islands have begun to return to their natural state; once again home to native plants and animals and a vital resting and breeding ground for many species on their migratory paths. Thanks to the work of many dedicated stewards and researchers, the Farallones seem well on the way to recovery.

Today, there are many ways for the public to enjoy the beauty of the Farallon Islands. Many companies offer whale and bird watching tours of the sanctuary, and research scientists and volunteers assist with habitat preservation efforts.

McGoldrick and I are committed to working with you to continue the fight to protect the integrity of our sensitive natural environment.   

Leland Yee is the speaker pro tempore at the California Assembly.