Publisher’s Notebook

• Malibu Stewardship Watch •

ANNE SOBLE

Above and beyond the usual municipal squabbles, if there is one theme that has resonated in the Malibu public policy arena this summer, it is that the local waters are in need of special stewardship on the part of those who live near them, use them for recreation, and view them as an economic resource.
Whether we are concerned about pollution or depletion of the marine population, we are talking about the planet’s life source. There is an interdependency that see-saws, with humans now holding the trump card in keeping waters healthy and alive with the natural bounty that is their due. Although it is always preferable to let nature do its own self-regulation, when humans have impacted resources to such a degree that interference is necessary, we all have to check our special interests at the door and do what’s best for the environment.
The News took some flak for graphic photos of the huge catch at a recent sports competition at Leo Carrillo Beach. Even though the fish, although it wasn’t clear if it was appropriately refrigerated, reportedly went to a homeless center, it still was an inordinate number of fish from a single location. The timing of the event may have provided even more ammunition for those who believe that protected reserves should be implemented in local waters.
Moving to the land side, the National Park Service collared a young female mountain lion in the Hidden Valley area above western Malibu. Dubbed P-13 (P is for puma) the gangly cat joins the ranks of the dwindling number of cougars fitted with monitoring equipment to track movement and, to a lesser degree, behavior.
Although there are always concerns about anesthetizing wildlife and purists who ask whether collars modify animal behavior, the potential to learn more about these wondrous animals and protect them from human encroachment, rodenticides and other lethal chemicals, as well as other tragic fates, is of inestimable value.
Assuming no adverse genetic implications (DNA tests are pending), if this cat ultimately breeds and adds to the ranks of the local cougar population, we can all revel in the sustainability of this aspect of wilderness in our midst. Local residents, especially on Malibu’s western flank, have reported numerous sightings of smaller uncollared cougars in recent months. This girl may be one of them. We hope that there are more.