PEBBLE BEACH >> The Pebble Beach Company, along with some nonprofit organizations, will pursue a first-in-the-nation Clean Water Act permit for discharges from Pebble Beach Golf Links into Carmel Bay, a designated Area of Special Biological Significance, also known as an ASBS.

The alliance of Pebble Beach Co., California Coastkeeper Alliance, The Otter Project and Monterey Waterkeeper aims to enhance the protection of water quality in Carmel Bay, which was designated as an ASBS by the California State Water Resources Control Board.

“This collaboration represents a significant advancement in our mission to protect California’s coastal waters,” said Sean Bothwell, executive director of California Coastkeeper Alliance, in a press release. “Pebble Beach Company’s commitment to our environment is second to none and its actions here are a model for other companies to follow. We are committed to working with Pebble Beach Company to ensure the long-term health of Carmel Bay through this innovative permitting, monitoring and reporting framework.”

The ASBS designation for Carmel Bay reflects its ecological richness, including habitats for sea otters, rare purple hydrocoral and various previously unstudied marine species, according to Defenders of Wildlife, a nonprofit conservation organization. This status imposes strict protections against pollution and discharges to preserve the bay’s natural water quality and marine biodiversity.

“This first-of-its-kind cooperative effort will help the Monterey Peninsula’s natural ecosystems thrive in a clean environment free from water pollution,” said Natalie Herendeen, executive director of Monterey Waterkeeper, in the release.

The effort by the alliance includes increasing water quality monitoring and developing updated best management practices related to dry-weather and stormwater discharges into the Carmel Bay ASBS, building upon Pebble Beach Company’s longstanding discharge management plan. The company will also donate $50,000 to the Big Sur Land Trust to support environmental projects related to water quality in the Carmel Bay ASBS and for programs to facilitate access to Carmel Bay. According to Pebble Beach Company, this initiative underscores a commitment to preserving the unique and sensitive ecosystems of Carmel Bay.

“Pebble Beach Company has long been a leader in ensuring environmental sustainability and water quality,” said David Stivers, president and CEO of Pebble Beach Company, in the release. “We are proud to collaborate with these organizations to further our longstanding environmental commitments through this landmark initiative.”

Pebble Beach Golf Links, owned and operated by Pebble Beach Co., is one of three entities with outflows into Carmel Bay.

The Pebble Beach Co. says it takes great pride in its environmental stewardship of Del Monte Forest and the adjacent coastline along 17 Mile Drive. It has been recognized by awards such as the CalRecycle Waste Reduction Award Program and the International Association of Golf Tour Operators Sustainability Award.

Founded in 1999, California Coastkeeper Alliance believes that clean and healthy water, oceans and coasts are vital to California’s economy, public health and way of life. Using law, policy, science and creative media, the Alliance advances statewide policies and programs for healthy and clean waters.

Monterey Waterkeeper is a nonprofit organization that protects and restores fishable, swimmable and drinkable waters within the Monterey Region and along California’s Central Coast.

Founded in 1998, The Otter Project promotes the rapid recovery of the threatened California sea otter through science-based policy and advocacy. It has worked to improve nearshore ocean health and resolve the barriers to sea otter recovery.