Rosenberg Institute Seminar Series - Abreanna Gomes

Abreanna Gomes, Senior Natural Resource Coordinator with the Kashia Pomo Band of Pomo Indians

Marine Monitoring and Restoration of the Kashia Coastline

Abstract: As a member of the Tribal Marine Stewards Network (TMSN), Kashia Band of Pomo Indians (KBPI) is among an alliance of Tribal Nations reclaiming our right to manage and steward ocean and coastal territories. Returning management to Tribes ensures indigenous knowledge drives decision-making, resulting in healthy and viable communities and ecosystems for future generations. Today Kashia people steward the ocean, engaging in multiple marine monitoring and restoration efforts throughout the Sonoma County coast. Current activities include 3D habitat mapping of the rocky intertidal using high resolution imagery, monthly marine biotoxin monitoring for Tribal shellfish consumption, monthly beach watch surveys and annual kelp mapping. Kashia is also conducting a seaweed tending project to monitor the impact of traditional harvesting practices. Among other activities includes pursuing the development of an Aquaculture Farm and Restoration Center and a Kashia Dive Team.

Bio: Abreanna Gomes, a Kashia Tribal member, graduated from the University of California Davis with a B.S in Environmental Science and Management and a minor in Native American Studies. She has been working with the Kashia Department of Environmental Planning and Natural Resources (KDEPNR) since 2016, first as a Water Resource Technician and later as the Senior Natural Resources Coordinator. She has in the field experience monitoring Tribal lands and natural resources in both upland and coastal habitats. In recent years she has helped build and manage many of the Tribe’s coastal monitoring programs and youth programming opportunities. She maintains a FAA remote pilot certificate, which is used to conduct annual kelp drone surveys to assess current conditions of kelp beds and monitor kelp growth and recovery. She is in charge of coordinating much of KDEPNR’s fieldwork.