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93-665: NWRI assembles teams of scientific and technical experts who provide credible independent peer review of water projects. These teams develop recommendations that support investment in advanced water treatment infrastructure and public health, and that enable water resource management decisions grounded in science and best practices. NWRI's core funding comes from the peer review services it provides to government agencies and public utility clients. It also receives annual funding from member agencies, which are: Representatives from NWRI's member agencies serve on NWRI's Board of Directors. In addition to providing peer review panels for its clients,

186-561: A Mediterranean climate , characterized by mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The climate makes it an attractive destination year-round, although the summer months tend to be the busiest. Throughout the year, Catalina Island hosts a variety of events and activities, including the Catalina Wine Mixer, the Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival, and many more cultural and outdoor events. A tourist-drawing area, Catalina

279-713: A 2-day State Marine Science Convention in Florida to encourage funding for water research. In the same year, he spent 1 month in Mexico City as a lecturer and consultant at the invitation of the Mexican Government to help develop marine science programs within the Mexican educational system. As part of that effort, he was the first North American educator to be invited to the Congresso Nacional de Oceanografica, where he conducted

372-561: A 2-day workshop in oceanography for 1,200 selected educators, technicians, and scientists throughout Mexico. Though Linsky was becoming more and more recognized as an expert oceanographer , he had no formal training in the field. Despite this fact, he held marine science workshops at the University of California system and served as an advisor to the Fullerton College Oceanographic Technology Program. He

465-583: A disjunctive population of toyon var. macrocarpa that is unique to Santa Catalina Island. The Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Gardens on the island provide an opportunity for visitors to appreciate and learn about these endemic and native plant species. The gardens emphasize the importance of preserving and showcasing the island's exceptional flora. In addition to native and endemic species, Catalina Island has been impacted by introduced species, which were introduced by human activities. Some of these introduced species, like eucalyptus trees, have become common on

558-470: A few years and the island went back to the Lick estate. The sons of Phineas Banning bought the island in 1891 from the estate of James Lick . The Banning brothers fulfilled Shatto's dream of making Avalon a resort community with the construction of numerous tourist facilities. On November 29, 1915, a fire burned half of Avalon's buildings, including six hotels and several clubs. In the face of huge debt related to

651-437: A herd of 12 Blackbuck from India that currently live at the lower end of the cottonwood canyon near the island's airport. Mule deer were introduced to the island in the 1920s and 30s, and currently have a population density roughly 10 times that of California generally. The island was also previously home to populations of cattle , feral goat , feral pig , and sheep , but these animals are no longer present. According to

744-528: A large collection of Catalina-made pottery and tiles , ship models, and much more. The museum features dynamic exhibits on this history, an art gallery, special exhibitions traveling from around the world, and a unique Museum Store. Programs include First Fridays at the Museum, an annual tour of the historic Tuna Club , a Holiday Symphony Concert, book signings, gallery talks, an annual silent film benefit and more. From 1927 until 1937, pottery and tiles were made on

837-470: A lecturer and consultant in marine and coastal resources planning and development. As a member of the National Academy of Engineering ’s Committee on Ocean Research, he worked with Great Britain, France, and Germany to encourage information exchange and to expand knowledge in the field of integrated coastal zone management . A year later, he traveled through Great Britain, Scotland, Ireland, Norway, and

930-459: A natural part of the landscape. Native plant species have adapted to these fire cycles, and their life histories often depend on periodic burning for regeneration. In the 20th century, a shift occurred towards extensive fire suppression efforts. These efforts, while well-intentioned to safeguard property and human life, resulted in the accumulation of vegetation, leading to an increased risk of catastrophic wildfires. The suppression of fire disrupted

1023-513: A real estate speculator from Grand Rapids, Michigan . Shatto purchased the island for $ 200,000 (equivalent to $ 5.9 million in 2023 ) from the Lick estate at the height of the real estate boom in Southern California in 1887. Shatto created the settlement that would become Avalon , and can be credited with building the town's first hotel, the original Hotel Metropole, and pier. Despite Shatto's efforts, he defaulted on his loan after only

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1116-564: A result of statements by Davern, and other factors, Wood's death certificate was altered to indicate the cause was "drowning and other undetermined factors" In May 2007, the Island Fire was a large wildfire in the island. Largely due to the assistance of 200 Los Angeles County fire fighters transported by U.S. Marine Corps helicopters and U.S. Navy hovercraft, only a few structures were destroyed, though 4,750 acres (1,922 hectares) of wildland were burned. In May 2011, another wildfire started near

1209-482: A species may result from the extinction of the original population on the mainland combined with its continued survival on the island where there may be fewer threats to its continued existence. The most common native plant communities of Catalina Island are chaparral , coastal sage scrub , island oak-ironwood woodland, and grassland. These ecosystems are integral to the island's biodiversity and have adapted to its Mediterranean climate and conditions. Catalina Island

1302-534: A tourist attraction and restaurant, until destroyed there by fire in 1938. One of the main investors to purchase shares from the Bannings was chewing-gum magnate William Wrigley, Jr. In 1919, Wrigley bought out nearly every share-holder until he owned controlling interest in the Santa Catalina Island Company. Wrigley invested millions in needed infrastructure and attractions to the island, including

1395-724: A training facility in Avalon, the Coast Guard had training at Two Harbors, the Army Signal Corps maintained a radar station in the interior, the Office of Strategic Services did training at Toyon Bay, and the Navy did underwater demolition training at Emerald Bay. In 1972, the Brown Berets , a group of Latino activists, Chicanos and Mexican residents occupied Santa Catalina Island in 1972 , invoking

1488-658: A type of hybrid parrot, was first bred at Catalina Bird Park in 1940 and is named after Santa Catalina Island. Most of the island is managed by the Catalina Island Conservancy , a private nonprofit organization. The mission of the Catalina Island Conservancy is to be a steward of its lands through a balance of conservation, education and recreation. The Conservancy protects the natural and cultural heritage of Santa Catalina Island, stewarding approximately 42,000 acres (170 km ) of land (88 percent of

1581-577: Is a climate pattern characterized by the periodic warming of sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean. Conducted in the vicinity of Santa Catalina Island, a well-established research project was derived to investigate how El Niño events influence the local hydrography and the growth dynamics of giant kelp populations in the area. Data collection involved the measurement of sea surface temperatures, kelp biomass, and other pertinent environmental variables during both El Niño events and non-El Niño periods. It

1674-646: Is also home to various native and introduced species, both on land and in the surrounding waters. Unique species include the island fox and the Catalina two striped garter snake. The city of Avalon, California , located on the island's eastern side, is the primary population center and serves as the hub for tourism. Visitors can explore Avalon's streets, visit museums, dine in restaurants, and enjoy various water-based activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and boat tours. The island offers opportunities for hiking, biking, camping, and wildlife watching. Catalina Island enjoys

1767-477: Is heavily reliant economically on revenue from its annual visitors. Archeological evidence of human settlement dates back to 7000 BC. Prior to the modern era, the island was inhabited by the Tongva , who, had the villages, Chowigna ( San Pedro ) and Guashna ( Playa del Rey ), regularly traveled back and forth to Catalina for trade. The Tongva had settlements all over the island, with their biggest villages being at

1860-690: Is home to approximately 400 species of native plants, each playing a vital role in the island's ecosystem. Among these species, six are considered endemic, meaning they are found only on Catalina Island and nowhere else in the world. These endemics include the Catalina manzanita ( Arctostaphylos catalinae ); Catalina mahogany ( Cercocarpus traskiae ); Catalina dudleya ( Dudleya hassei ); St. Catherine's lace ( Eriogonum giganteum var. giganteum ); Santa Catalina bedstraw ( Galium catalinense ssp. catalinense ); and Santa Catalina Island ironwood ( Lyonothamnus floribundus ssp. floribundus ). Additionally, there's

1953-608: Is home to five native land mammals: the island fox , the Spermophilus beecheyi nesioticus subspecies of California ground squirrel , the Santa Catalina Island harvest mouse ( Reithrodontomys megalotis catalinae ), the Santa Catalina Island deer mouse ( Peromyscus maniculatus catalinae ), and the ornate shrew ( Sorex ornatus ). Only one ornate shrew was ever found, from a now-developed spring area above Avalon. Shrews are difficult to capture and may survive in wetter areas of

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2046-535: Is presented at an award ceremony and lecture in Southern California. Past directors of NWRI include Ronald B. Linsky from 1991 to 2005 and Jeffrey J. Mosher from 2005 to 2017. Kevin Hardy succeeded Jeff Mosher in 2017. NWRI's founder, Joan Irvine Smith , was the great-granddaughter of James Irvine , an immigrant who acquired about 120,000 acres (490 km) of what is now Orange County , California, to form

2139-735: Is rich in quartz , to the extent that some beaches on the seaward side have silvery-grey sand. These deposits provide insights into the island's history, as they contain fossils of ancient marine life. The island is situated along the boundary of two tectonic plates: the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate. This boundary is marked by the San Andreas Fault and the East Pacific Rise. The islands in this region have been shaped by tectonic uplift and volcanic activity. This means that

2232-479: Is road strikes; to combat this, the Conservancy installed new signage about Island Foxes. The Conservancy also introduced wild-life proof trash cans to protect foxes from human garbage, informs boaters about the possibility and danger of wildlife stowaways, and asks dog owners to keep their animals leashed. The Institute for Wildlife Studies, a separate conservation organization, has worked to restore bald eagles to

2325-460: Is situated in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 29 mi (47 km) south-southwest of Long Beach, California . Politically, Catalina Island is part of Los Angeles County in District 4. Most of the island's land is unincorporated and is thus governed by the county. Catalina was originally inhabited and used by many different Southern California Tribes. The first European colonists to arrive on

2418-508: Is the second, and much smaller, resort village on the island. Located at the isthmus of the island, northwest of Avalon, it is the primary landing spot for those who wish to tour the western half of the island. It is accessible by boat from San Pedro and by bus or boat from Avalon. While tourists rarely have an opportunity to surf , two beaches on the back side of Catalina offer good waves: Shark Harbor and Ben Weston Beach. There are also two camps, Catalina Island Camps and Camp Emerald Bay, on

2511-554: Is unique to the island and has been studied for its geologic significance. It is believed to be one of the oldest rocks on the island. The geology of Catalina Island is also important for conservation efforts. The Catalina Island Conservancy plays a role in protecting and managing the island's natural resources, including its geological formations. Santa Catalina Island has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate ( Köppen climate classification Csb ) with very mild winters. The National Weather Service maintains cooperative weather records at

2604-471: The Gulf of Santa Catalina . The island covers an area of about 75 square miles (194 square kilometers). It features a diverse and rugged landscape, including rolling hills, canyons, coastal cliffs, and sandy beaches. The island's highest peak is Mount Orizaba , rising to an elevation of 2,097 feet (639 meters). The island is 22 mi (35 km) long and 8 mi (13 km) across at its largest width. The island

2697-635: The Irvine Ranch . Ronald B. Linsky Ronald Benjamin Linsky (June 16, 1934 – August 14, 2005) was an American marine biologist who served as Executive Director of the National Water Research Institute (NWRI) for 15 years, where he was responsible for overseeing an institute dedicated to supporting cooperative research to create new sources of water and to protect freshwater and marine environments. Under his leadership, NWRI grew into

2790-627: The Joan Irvine Smith /Athalie R. Clarke Foundation. Santa Catalina Island, California Santa Catalina Island ( Spanish : Isla Santa Catalina ; often shortened to Catalina Island or Catalina , and also known as Pimu as the traditional name of the Indigenous people of the Tongva Tribe) is a rocky island , part of the Channel Islands , off the coast of Southern California in

2883-450: The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo , which has no mention of the islands. On February 15, 1975, Philip Wrigley deeded 42,135 acres (17,051 hectares) of the island from the Santa Catalina Island Company to the Catalina Island Conservancy that he had helped to establish in 1972. This gave the Conservancy control of nearly 90 percent of the island. The balance of the Santa Catalina Island Company that

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2976-851: The University of California, Irvine , working in Back Bay Newport, and served on the Accrediting Commission for Western Association of Schools and Colleges. In 1967, he was offered a job as the Coordinator of Marine Sciences for the Orange County Department of Education in Santa Ana, California . There, he developed the Floating Laboratory Program, a federally funded project that drew thousands of people to learn hands-on marine science. Twenty school districts took part in

3069-456: The 1920s to 1930s, several bison were brought onto Catalina Island for a movie. The bison are popular with the tourists and buildings have painted images of bison and bison weather vanes. Over the decades, the bison herd grew to as many as 600. The population numbered approximately 150 in 2009. Other non-native animals currently living on the island include the bullfrog , feral cat , California mule deer , Norway rat , European starling , and

3162-467: The Catalina Island Conservancy, there are 37 resident bird species on the island. Considerably more marine, pelagic, and migrating birds frequent the island, and 127 species have been reported to the Cornell University eBird database from 10 different eBird hotspots. There are several live camera feeds showing bald eagle nests on the island; nests are active February–July. In the waters surrounding

3255-506: The Catalina fox community has been restored to more than 1570 in 2018. However, mysterious, usually fatal ear tumors continue to plague the Catalina fox. Three Catalina Island Conservancy wildlife biologists continue to monitor the population through pit tagging, trapping and inspection. The conservancy group vaccinates around 300 foxes every year and monitors 50 unvaccinated foxes via radio collar to watch for signs of new disease outbreaks. The current leading cause of death among Island Foxes

3348-719: The Europeans were forbidden to trade with colonies. However, this policy was short lasted as the island lacked the ships to enforce this prohibition; also, much of the colonies wanted to trade with other European powers. During the period stretching from the late 18th to early 19th centuries, Russian hunters from the Aleutian Islands , particularly the Russian-American Company , visited Catalina Island as part of their fur trading expeditions. They were primarily interested in harvesting sea otters for their valuable fur, which led to

3441-540: The Institute awards fellowships to support master's or doctoral candidates whose research is related to water science and technology, water resources management, and water policy and regulation. NWRI awards the Athalie Richardson Irvine Clarke Prize, established in 1993, to thought leaders in water research, science, technology, or policy. The Prize consists of a medallion and US $ 50,000 award, which

3534-635: The Island. Glass bottom boats tour the reefs and shipwrecks of the area, and scuba diving and snorkeling are popular in the clear water. Lover's Cove, to the east of Avalon, and Descanso Beach, to the west of the Casino, are popular places to dive. At Casino Point is the Avalon Underwater Dive Park, which was the first non-profit underwater park in the United States. The area flying fish and

3627-549: The Isthmus Yacht Club and was fought by 120 firefighters transported by barge from Los Angeles. It was extinguished the next day after burning 117 acres (47 ha). Catalina Island is a part of the Channel Islands of California, which are a chain of eight islands located in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Southern California. These islands are often referred to as the Channel Islands archipelago. They are not part of

3720-587: The Isthmus and at present-day Avalon, Shark/Little Harbor, and Emerald Bay. They were renowned for their mining, working and the trade of soapstone which was found in great quantities and varieties on the island. This material was in great demand and was traded along the California coast. The island was valued for its natural resources, but was also respected by the Tongva as an important "ceremonial center" with connections to

3813-604: The Netherlands on an NOAA -sponsored research grant to study the impacts of North Sea oil exploration and development upon the coasts. In 1975, Linsky decided to direct the Sea Grant Program at the University of Hawaii at Manoa (UH). The Sea Grant programs at USC and UH were different in that USC was dealing with the management of existing resources while Hawaii, made up of eight main islands rich in resources, needed to better plan its marine future. Linsky directed much of

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3906-410: The Santa Catalina Island Company passed down to his son, Philip K. Wrigley , who continued his father's work improving the infrastructure of the island. During World War II , the island was closed to tourists and used for military training facilities. Catalina's steamships were expropriated for use as troop transports and a number of military camps were established. The U.S. Maritime Service set up

3999-540: The Santa Catalina Island land-mass was never directly connected to mainland California. Other geologic factors that contributed to the island topography include further geologic uplift and subsidence, tectonic plate movement, sedimentation, metamorphic activity, weathering, and erosion. The island's landscape is characterized by rugged terrain, including steep cliffs, canyons, and rolling hills. There are also geologic features such as sea caves and marine terraces along

4092-510: The Santa Catalina airport. The average January temperatures are a maximum of 58.4 °F (14.7 °C) and a minimum of 47.6 °F (8.7 °C). Average July temperatures are a maximum of 78.1 °F (25.6 °C) and a minimum of 60.0 °F (15.6 °C). There are an average of 12.5 days with highs of 90 °F (32 °C) or higher and an average of 0.3 days with lows of 32 °F (0 °C) or lower. The record high temperature

4185-569: The Sea Grant program's funding (UH had the largest in the nation) towards research for improving aquaculture and fisheries . Aquaculture became such an important component of Linsky's work that he became Special Assistant to the Dean of the College of Tropical Agriculture for aquaculture research and development in 1977. One of his greatest accomplishments at the time was the creation of a statewide market for

4278-728: The South Pacific. A contact from the workshop sent him to Sri Lanka twice to serve as a consultant and UN rep in coastal resource development. Linsky then moved to the Caribbean to become the UN's Chief Technical Advisor and, later, CEO of the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) in Trinidad and Tobago . He spent 2 years working hard to establish the IMA in a developing country with diminishing offshore resources. In

4371-615: The aquaculture industry in Hawaii, representing more than 300 acres (1.2 km ) and $ 5 million in investments. In 1978, Linsky ended his service as Director of Sea Grant in Hawaii and moved back to California to work for himself. He was soon contracted by the United Nations (UN) to work in Southeast Asia. His first job with the UN involved planning and conducting a workshop on developing coastal and offshore resources in Southeast Asia and

4464-635: The areas of exploratory research, treatment and monitoring, water quality assessment , and knowledge management. Linsky died on August 14, 2005 at age 71 of myelodysplastic syndrome , a bone marrow ailment. One of Linsky's greatest passions was education. He believed that it is essential to support and encourage young people who are interested in water science. Whether that was through giving out awards at science fairs or in sending kids to Water Camp, Linsky ensured that NWRI took an active role in educational outreach programs. For instance, he loved to invite secondary school students to dinner to meet experts in

4557-494: The brand-new Sea Grant Program . The program goals were to: train and educate the next generation of marine scientists and engineers; support research in marine resources management and development; and provide advisory services to the business and science communities, as well as the general public. During his Directorship, Linsky visited 15 countries in a 3-year period to conduct research, organize international conferences, or present at leading oceanographic institutions throughout

4650-490: The bright orange Garibaldi are attractions. Parasailing is also offered. Jeep and bus tours are given of the interior, which is a conservation area managed by the Catalina Island Conservancy. The Love Catalina Island Tourism Authority operates the official island visitor center on the Green Pleasure Pier and provides visitor services assists tourists with any information on how to get to Catalina Island. Two Harbors

4743-406: The coastline. Catalina Island has been a site of interest for geologists and researchers studying island geology, as well as the processes of island formation, uplift, and erosion. The island's geology has also contributed to the understanding of tectonic plate interactions in the region. One of the most notable geological features on Catalina Island is the " Catalina Schist. " This metamorphic rock

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4836-549: The construction of the Catalina Casino which opened on May 29, 1929. Wrigley also sought to bring publicity to the island through events and spectacles. Starting in 1921, the Chicago Cubs , also owned by Wrigley, used the island for the team's spring training . The Cubs continued to use the island for spring training until 1951, except during the war years of 1942 to 1945. Following the death of Wrigley, Jr. in 1932, control of

4929-617: The decimation of the local sea otter population. The hunting by the Russian-American caused a profound ecological impact on the marine life around Catalina Island by depleting a keystone species. With its numerous hidden coves and relatively low population, the island has been considered a potentially attractive location for pirates and smugglers, much like other coastal areas. While there are historical indications that such activities may have occurred at various times, concrete documented accounts of piracy or significant smuggling operations on

5022-717: The decline of the Pimugnans because of diseases brought by the Spanish from Europe. By the 1830s, the island's entire native population had been forced to the mainland on the Spanish missions or to work as ranch hands for the many private land owners. In the late 18th century, the Franciscan friars considered building a mission on Catalina, but abandoned the idea due to the island's rugged terrain, small population size, and lack of fresh water. While Spain maintained its claim on Catalina Island,

5115-591: The fire and the subsequent decline in tourism due to World War I , the Banning brothers were forced to sell the island in shares in 1919. On May 10, 1912 Glenn L. Martin flew a homemade seaplane in to Avalon, setting records for distance and time. In 1917 the Meteor Company purchased the Chinese pirate ship Ning Po , the oldest pirate ship afloat, built in 1753, and towed her to the Isthmus of Catalina Island for use as

5208-478: The island and can sometimes outcompete native flora. Conservation efforts, led by organizations such as the Catalina Island Conservancy, aim to manage and control invasive species to protect the native ecosystem. Catalina Island has also been a focal point for botanical research, attracting botanists and researchers who study the island's unique plant species. These studies contribute to our understanding of plant adaptation, island ecology, and conservation. The island

5301-400: The island are limited. During the 1850s and 1860s, Catalina Island witnessed a minor gold rush, as part of the larger California Gold Rush of that era. Gold miners arrived on the island in search of valuable minerals. However, their scale and success was nothing to be compared to the more prosperous gold rush locations in California. The historical evidence regarding substantial gold deposits on

5394-472: The island arrived by chance by blowing over on the wind, drifting or swimming over the ocean, or flown over by wing. Starting with the Native Americans, animals and plants have also been introduced by humans, both intentionally and accidentally. Catalina is home to at least fifty endemic species and subspecies that occur naturally on the island and nowhere else in the world. This limited distribution of

5487-695: The island at the Catalina Clay Products Company , and these items are now highly sought-after collectibles. Children in Avalon attend schools in the Long Beach Unified School District . There were two schools on Catalina Island. Two Harbors was served by a one-room school house, but it closed down in 2014; students must now travel to Avalon for all grades K–12. Avalon schools are housed on one main campus that includes Avalon Elementary School, Avalon Middle School and Avalon High School. Thousands of school-age youths travel from

5580-622: The island between the two population centers. Today, the popular tourist destination can be reached via ferry services from mainland California, with the most common departure point being the city of Long Beach. The island also has an airport, the Catalina Airport in the Sky, which is located on a hilltop and offers scenic views of the island. Catalina Island is known for its diverse ecosystems, which include coastal scrub , chaparral , oak woodlands , grasslands , and coastal marine environments. It

5673-448: The island claimed it for the Spanish Empire . Over the years, territorial claims to the island transferred ownership to Mexico and then to the United States of America. The island was used for otter hunting and gold-digging, before successfully being developed into a tourist destination in the 1920s. Since the 1970s, most of the island has been administered by the Catalina Island Conservancy . In 2022, Santa Catalina Island's population

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5766-403: The island on Conservancy land since the late 1970s. Bald eagles had been common on the island until the 1960s, when it is believed that the effects of dumping the pesticide DDT off the coast of Southern California made it impossible for eagles to successfully hatch their young. The reintroduction of the bald eagle to the island may also edge out an invasive golden eagle population that threatens

5859-452: The island remains inconclusive. In 1846, Californio Governor Pío Pico made a Mexican land grant of the Island of Santa Catalina to Thomas M. Robbins, as Rancho Santa Catalina. Robbins established a small ranch on the island, but sold it in 1850 to José María Covarrubias . A claim was filed with the Public Land Commission in 1853, and in 1867, the grant was officially patented to José María Covarrubias . Covarrubias, in turn, sold

5952-418: The island to Albert Packard of Santa Barbara in 1853. By 1864, the entirety of Catalina Island was under the ownership of James Lick , whose estate maintained control over the island for the following approximately 25 years. By the end of the 19th century, the island was almost uninhabited except for a few cattle herders. The first owner to try to develop Avalon into a resort destination was George Shatto ,

6045-469: The island), 50 mi (80 km) of shoreline, an airport, and more than 200 mi (320 km) of roads. One of the Conservancy's key goals is the conservation of the island fox, an endangered endemic species. In 1999, all but 100 out of 1,300 foxes on Catalina Island were wiped out because of a virulent strain of canine distemper . Following a successful recovery program which included captive breeding, distemper vaccinations and population monitoring,

6138-445: The island, there are schools of fish like Garibaldi , California sheephead , leopard sharks , white seabass , yellowtail , bat rays , giant sea bass , and many more. Great white sharks are also occasionally found or caught off the coast of Catalina, though usually around seal rookeries and not around inhabited areas. Common marine mammals around Catalina include California sea lions and harbor seals . The Catalina macaw ,

6231-432: The island. The Catalina orangetip butterfly is a notable insect on the island. The Southern Pacific rattlesnake ( Crotalus oreganus helleri ) is also present on the island. This species should not be confused for the Santa Catalina rattlesnake , found on Santa Catalina Island, Mexico. The Catalina Island bison herd consists of American Plains Bison maintained and monitored by the Catalina Island Conservancy. In

6324-545: The island. Overgrazing by these introduced animals led to the removal of native vegetation and substantially altered the composition of plant communities. As a result, this overgrazing caused notable changes in the island's ecosystem dynamics, influencing both its flora and fauna. The ecological effects of grazing practices raised legitimate concerns about habitat degradation and the decline of native plant species on Santa Catalina Island. Conservationists and environmentalists responded by considering management strategies to address

6417-565: The mainland but are remnants of an ancient mountain range. Catalina is primarily composed of two distinct rock units: Catalina Schist from the Early Cretaceous (95 to 109 million years ago), and Miocene volcanic and intrusive igneous rocks . The geological makeup of Catalina Island is primarily igneous and metamorphic rock. The island is composed of a variety of rock types, including basalt, schist, granite, and limestone. These rocks originated from volcanic eruptions, magma intrusions, and sedimentary deposits over millions of years. The island

6510-425: The native island fox. Grazing practices on Santa Catalina Island have a historical legacy dating back to the late 19th century when ranching operations were established. During this period, livestock, primarily sheep and cattle , were introduced to the island, marking the beginning of a substantial human impact on its ecology. The introduction of herbivores for grazing had significant ecological consequences for

6603-533: The natural fire regimes that had shaped the region for millennia and had unintended ecological consequences, including changes in plant composition and fuel load. Contemporary fire management on the island strives to strike a balance between the ecological role of fire and the necessity of protecting human structures and lives. This involves a more nuanced approach that recognizes the importance of fire in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Controlled burns, also known as prescribed fires, are one technique employed to reduce

6696-533: The negative impacts of grazing and to protect the island's unique flora. This prompted the implementation of conservation efforts to manage and mitigate the ecological consequences of livestock grazing, with the goal of preserving the island's natural heritage. Fire is an intrinsic element of the Mediterranean climate in Southern California, and it has played a crucial role in shaping the region's ecosystems over time. Historically, fires occurred infrequently but were

6789-429: The northeastern end of the island that offer summer camps for children and Boy Scouts. The Catalina Island Museum, formerly located in the historic Catalina Casino but since 2016 in a standalone building, is also an attraction as it is the keeper of the island's cultural heritage with collections numbering over 100,000 items and including over 8,000 years of Native American history, over 10,000 photographs and images,

6882-478: The process, he built a laboratory, purchased an ocean research ship, and established programs revolving around the fishing industry, coastal zone management, education, and advisory services. He also introduced aquaculture as a viable resource. In 1991, Linsky was selected to become the founding Executive Director of the National Water Research Institute (NWRI), a non-profit organization devoted to creating new sources of water through research and technology. Linsky

6975-531: The program in its first year of operation, and in 3 years, 32,000 students and their teachers had gone to sea with the Floating Lab. The program later expanded to include extended classes for college students, such as a weekend study session on Catalina Island and short cruises through the Channel Islands . Linsky began lecturing at various local libraries and colleges to inform people about topics such as marine mammals or ocean pollution. In 1969, he appeared at

7068-576: The risk of severe wildfires. These managed fires are intentionally set under controlled conditions to reduce excess vegetation and restore natural fire regimes. Other strategies, such as fuel reduction efforts and public education, are also integral to fire management on Santa Catalina Island. The goal is to protect both human communities and the island's ecological integrity while respecting the historical role of fire in shaping its landscapes. Over one million people travel to Catalina Island every year, accounting for $ 166.7 million in annual direct spending on

7161-458: The same problem. More recently, he was involved with introducing and encouraging the use of riverbank filtration , a predominately European drinking-water treatment process, within the United States. He had also planned to introduce this low-cost technology to developing nations by holding a conference in China in 2006. Linsky was also internationally known and respected for his advocacy and belief in

7254-703: The summer of 1963, he offered to teach marine biology as a summer school class. The course was so successful that, over the subsequent 5 years, Linsky went from biology teacher to Chairman of the Science Department at Westminster and Fountain Valley High Schools , as well as President of the District Education Association in the Huntington Beach Union High School District . He also became a research assistant at

7347-574: The third largest water research institute in the United States. Linsky was born during the Great Depression on June 16, 1934, in Los Angeles , California , to Walter and Helen Linsky. He attended the University of Southern California (USC) beginning in 1952, but put his education on hold when he volunteered to join the army . After 21 months as a private in the Army Security Agency, he

7440-501: The value of water. He encouraged the concept of viewing water as an asset that provides services that are valued by the consumer. To Linsky, the value of water was not just the cost of treating and distributing it; it was in the ability to enjoy a day at the beach, drought-proof a region, or purchase a product, like a newspaper or pair of jeans, that could not be manufactured without water. Altogether, NWRI had supported over 160 water-related projects under Linsky's directorship, focusing on

7533-514: The village of Povuu'nga , located in present-day Long Beach . During European colonization , The first European to set foot on the island was the Portuguese explorer Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo , who sailed to the west coast in the name of the Spanish crown . On October 7, 1542, he claimed the island for Spain and named it “ San Salvador” after his ship. Although his interactions with Catalina Island are not well-documented, his main achievement

7626-424: The warm waters accompanying El Niño which can have detrimental consequences for kelp as the warm water disrupts the normal nutrient-rich upwelling, a process vital for kelp growth. Since Catalina Island was never connected to mainland California, it originally lacked any terrestrial life. Any plants or animals that arrived on the island had to make their way across miles of open ocean. The original species to come to

7719-482: The water industry at NWRI's Research Advisory Board meetings. Whenever a young person called asking for an internship or scholarship to help attend a water festival, he immediately made arrangements to help them out. In 2006, NWRI established a fellowship in honor of Linsky's memory as part of NWRI's graduate fellowship program. Funding for this special fellowship was contributed by Patricia Linsky, Dr. David and May Hsu, Dr. Stephen Lyon, H.S. and Ponnamma Muralidhara and

7812-664: The world. Linsky was responsible for organizing bilingual international conferences and training programs in Mexico, including exploring the environmental impacts of opening the Trans-Peninsula Highway in Baja California . Linsky traveled across French Polynesia , stopping in Tonga , Fiji , Samoa , New Zealand , and Australia to lecture and investigate marine resources development programs. He toured Thailand and India as

7905-437: Was 105 °F (41 °C) on July 6, 2018, and the record low temperature was 29 °F (−2 °C) on January 11, 1949. Coastal high fog is common during summer, but usually burns off by the afternoon. Average annual precipitation at the airport is 13.73 inches (34.9 cm); the highest mountain peaks get up to 17 inches (43 cm) per year. There are an average of 45 days with measurable precipitation. The wettest year

7998-525: Was 1952 with 21.74 inches (55.2 cm) and the driest year was 1964 with 5.53 inches (14.0 cm). The most precipitation in one month was 7.81 inches (19.8 cm) in January 1952. The most precipitation in 24 hours was 2.95 inches (7.5 cm) on December 5, 1966. Snowfall is a rarity on the island, averaging only 0.4 inches (1.0 cm) a year at the airport, but 4.0 inches (10 cm) fell in 1949, including 3.0 inches (7.6 cm) in January. El Niño

8091-404: Was 4,201 people, with a 51.44 percent to 48.56 percent ratio of male to female residents , 90 percent of whom live in the island's only incorporated city, Avalon . The second center of population is the unincorporated village of Two Harbors at the island's isthmus . Development also occurs at the smaller settlements of Rancho Escondido and Middle Ranch. The remaining population is scattered over

8184-719: Was also appointed Vice President of Educational Affairs for both the American Society for Oceanography and the National Oceanography Association . Eventually, Linsky even worked with famous oceanographer Jacques Cousteau after being hired by Doubleday Multi-Media, Inc. to edit, re-script, develop, and market educational resource materials for The Undersea World of J.Y. Cousteau film series. In 1970, several universities approached Linsky to recruit him to lead their ocean research programs. Linsky chose to work with his alma mater, USC , and began his career overseeing

8277-625: Was concluded that this temperature rise has had diverse effects on the local hydrography, including shifts in water circulation patterns, heightened nutrient availability, and alterations in light penetration. Macrocystis pyrifera , a species of giant kelp, is a pivotal component of the underwater ecosystem of Catalina Island. The study discerned both positive and negative effects of El Niño events on giant kelp The Positive Effects were that El Niño caused an increase in nutrient levels, resulting from shifts in ocean currents, which, in turn, benefited kelp growth in certain areas. The Negative Effects were

8370-459: Was discharged for medical reasons after coming down with appendicitis, but completed his 8-year service through the army reserve. He returned to USC and continued studying biology, earning both his B.S. and M.S. degrees at the same time in 1962. Immediately following his university education as a science teacher, Linsky began working at Westminster High School in Westminster, California . During

8463-417: Was in mapping and exploring the coastline, which helped lay the foundation for future European expeditions and settlements in California. Over half a century later, another Spanish explorer, Sebastián Vizcaíno , arrived at the island on the eve of Saint Catherine 's day (November 24) of 1602. Vizcaino renamed the island in the saint's honor. The colonization of California by the Spanish greatly contributed to

8556-603: Was known for his pioneering spirit and willingness to fund new and exciting technology to explore its benefit to the water industry. One of Linsky's earliest projects with NWRI included traveling to Oman to help establish the Middle East Desalination Research Center. The center was created to research desalination technology and share knowledge in the Middle East and North Africa, with the express purpose of encouraging these countries to work together on

8649-530: Was not deeded to the Conservancy maintains control of much of its resort properties and operations on the island. Actress Natalie Wood drowned in the waters near the settlement of Two Harbors over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend in 1981 in what was ruled an accidental death. Wood and her husband, Robert Wagner , were vacationing aboard their motor yacht, Splendour, along with their guest, Christopher Walken , and Splendour 's captain, Dennis Davern. As

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