Point of View – by Mia Javier

[cross posted on blog.cleantech.com]

A weekend hike intended to ‘clear my mind’ instead reminded me of how interrelated our world really is, underscoring for me, the importance of my research focus on water.

Coastal trails and beaches round out my free time as a resident of northern California and last weekend was no exception. Much to my 5-year-old’s excitement, we planned a hike in the Marin Headlands that included a stop at the Marine Mammal Center – a rescue, rehabilitate and release organization for northern California’s marine mammal community.

Volunteers that run the non-profit organization greeted us with warm smiles and a sincere desire to help us learn about their patients in recovery. Many of them, I was told, are suffering from malnutrition as a result of depleted food supplies along the coast. Others are rehabilitating from domoic acid toxicity caused by harmful algal blooms in Monterey and some are healing from wounds caused by various ocean debris that in some cases, strangles the animals until they strand themselves feeling sick from infection.

Explaining this state of affairs to a bright eyed child is humbling yet a wonderful learning moment. Nearly every aspect of our lives is interrelated, I explained. I’m not sure why food sources are disappearing for the sea lions but perhaps, I postulated, it is a result of over fishing or else adverse effects on the ecosystem as a result of climate change. We could look up causes of algal blooms, I suggested when asked what they were, and how they were hurting the animals.

Our friendly docent came to the rescue with answers but I was reminded of one undeniable fact: humans are not the only ones affected by water scarcity or quality issues. It put all my research into water technologies in perspective.

If that dose of reality (albeit touchy feely) wasn’t enough, I was in awe when I saw the patient pens. Not only were they powered by solar panels but lo and behold, it appears as though an advanced filtration system is in place. According to the docent, 80 percent of all onsite water use is recycled. She suggested that I get in touch with the operations director to learn more, and indeed I will.

When you work in water, everyday is a field trip.