Protecting, Preserving and Restoring Nature’s Systems
Fifty-five years ago,ÌýMike McCoy (A&S’64) served as a veterinarian in Imperial Beach, California, while also volunteering with his wife, Patricia, to work to protect theÌý in southern California from development. Their years as dedicated coastal conservationists resulted in the naming of theÌý around the estuary in their honor.
How did growing up in 91ÃÛÌÒ¸ó influence your desire to protect marshes and wetlands?
The City of 91ÃÛÌÒ¸ó hired my dad to put a water pipeline connection from the 91ÃÛÌÒ¸ó Reservoir to 91ÃÛÌÒ¸ó through a wildlife-vibrant marsh, killing or displacing birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. As a 6-year-old, I told him, ‘The route should be changed!’ It wasn’t. Watching this destructive process had a lifelong influence on my passion to then protect the Tijuana Estuary.
Why was preserving the estuary important?Ìý
Coastal wetlands connect riparian corridors to the marine ecosystem globally.Ìý. The ecosystem services they provide are numerous for humans and wildlife. We have come to realize that it is critically important to protect and restore these systems.
Who were the players in preserving this estuary?Ìý
From 1970 to 1980, through negotiations with agencies, elected officials and the public, Patricia and I worked to protect the Tijuana Estuary from development and privatization. With theÌýadvice, we worked with Congress and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Tijuana Estuary became protected in perpetuity when it was designated theÌý in 1980. Other designations followed from 1982 to 2010, including its inclusion in theÌý, its designation as aÌýRamsar wetland of international importance and its status as part of aÌý.
What’s your next challenge?
We must come together and resolve our differences to protect the planet, other species and ourselves by solving the big issues impacting all of us. I am looking forward to continuing to be a part of this process.
Photo by Hayne Palmour IV