Wildlife Preservation: Q&A with Laura Crawford

Wildlife Preservation: Q&A with Laura Crawford Marine Biologist and Conservationist

Question: What are some particularly interesting areas in the San Francisco area, in terms of wildlife?

Answer: The Farallon Islands are especially interesting. They are 27 miles off the San Francisco coast, and are visible from Stinson Beach. The Farallon National Wildlife Refuge is one of just 66 National Wildlife Refuges with congressionally-designated wilderness status. The island is not open to the public to preserve the integrity of the wildlife, but the area is full of interesting flora and fauna, seabirds, seals, whales and sharks.

Question: Laura Crawford, can boaters from San Francisco visit the area, without walking on the island?

Answer: Yes, and the journey is lovely but it is important to be very cautious. In April 2012, there was a deadly accident involving a yacht that capsized while racing around the island. More than half of the crew perished, despite wearing life vests. The area is extraordinarily beautiful, but can also be quite dangerous.