This summer, the Amah Mutsun Land Trust Stewards and staff were invited to the Kashia Coastal Reserve (Kashia Band of Pomo Indians) to learn more about their research studying harvest impacts on seaweed growth. This summer, Kashia harvested the seaweed pyropia (commonly known as nori) from the rocky shore using traditional methods once a week. They measured the re-growth of the seaweed after each harvest to learn more about how traditional harvest impacts the environment. AMLT Native Steward, Esak Ordonez, and Oceans and Coastal Program Manager, Jacob Harris, spent the day with Kashia's research team to learn about their techniques, help gather seaweed, and talk more about the importance of coastal stewardship for both Tribes. It was an incredible learning experience and exciting opportunity to collaborate with our Tribal Marine Stewards Network (TMSN) partners.
When reflecting on the success of this exchange, Chairman Lopez said, “this shows exactly what networks are designed to do - share knowledge, keep each other appraised of knowledge and research, and assist and help each other in learning and accomplishing work on the field. Most importantly, it is an example of Tribes supporting other Tribes in mutual ways.”
Please enjoy our photos from this visit!
About the Tribal Marine Stewards Network
The Tribal Marine Stewards Network is designed to allow Tribes to work on projects within the traditional coastal territories of their Tribe. Our Network collaborates on projects when the need is shared by several or all Tribes. The network provides for programs dedicated to cultural practice, land and water stewardship and education. The Network seeks to establish long-term, consistent engagement with state and federal agencies, while implementing Indigenous Traditional Knowledge and Tribal Science into management practices.
The founding members of the Tribal Marine Stewards Network are; Resighini Rancheria, Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation, Kashia Band of Pomo Indians and the Amah Mutsun Land Trust. The Network recently accepted Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians as a Network member.
AMLT is excited to continue sharing updates from our Oceans and Coastal Program and work with TMSN in future newsletters.