Environment & Coast
Monterey Bay, coastal policy, water, wildlife, and the environment.
Updated October 2, 2026
SEASIDE
Pure Water Monterey expansion nears completion as desal opponents ask CPUC to stand down
The recycled water project grows from 5 to 7.6 million gallons a day into the Seaside Basin. A ribbon cutting is scheduled Thursday, Oct. 2.
By Ingrid Halvorsen · September 30, 2026
MONTEREY
UC Santa Cruz launches real-time study of kelp resilience as a super El Nino builds
Divers are in the water weekly across Monterey Bay, racing to understand the giant kelp forests before the warm water arrives.
By Ingrid Halvorsen · September 29, 2026
BIG SUR
Plaskett Fire fully contained; Timber Fire at 88 percent as Big Sur fire season winds down
The two fires burned more than 55,000 acres combined in Los Padres National Forest. The Plaskett Fire reached full containment Sept. 29.
By Ingrid Halvorsen · September 29, 2026