Reporter

Martin Wisckol

Martin Wisckol covers coastal environment and development. Previously, he spent two decades as politics reporter and columnist for the Orange County Register. He’s also held reporting positions in Miami, Jacksonville, Detroit and his hometown of San Diego, with an emphasis on land use and urban planning. He is a lifelong surfer and has spent most of his life on the coast. His work has been honored by the Society of Professional Journalists, the National Headliner Awards, the California Newspaper Publishers Association, the Florida Press Club and the American Planning Association Florida Chapter.

A new study offers a blueprint to preserving estuary and protecting neighboring homes from flooding.

Environment |
Bolsa Chica wetlands face dire threat from sea-level rise

April 6, 2022 at 5:08 p.m.

A new study offers a blueprint to preserving estuary and protecting neighboring homes from flooding.

Water district general manager says costs will be more than previously anticipated.

Environment |
Cost of Poseidon desalinated water gets renewed scrutiny

March 31, 2022 at 4:39 p.m.

Water district general manager says costs will be more than previously anticipated.

January and February were the driest on record, while Californians increased water use in January.

Environment |
Despite early season rains, state’s drought worsens in its third year

March 29, 2022 at 2:50 p.m.

January and February were the driest on record, while Californians increased water use in January.

The change will help coastal health risks, but tug operators warn it could put them out of business.

Environment |
New air quality rules for harbor boats draw cheers, jeers

March 24, 2022 at 3:51 p.m.

The change will help coastal health risks, but tug operators warn it could put them out of business.

Tracy Philippi's 5,255 raccoons and 435 coyotes were more than the rest of the state's trappers combined.

Environment |
Idyllwild trapper draws scrutiny for huge number of raccoon, coyote catches

March 28, 2022 at 6:31 p.m.

Tracy Philippi's 5,255 raccoons and 435 coyotes were more than the rest of the state's trappers combined.

One proposal focuses on more trees and wetlands as part of a natural carbon-capture program.

Environment |
Lawmakers push for carbon capture to reduce greenhouse gases

March 16, 2022 at 3:50 p.m.

One proposal focuses on more trees and wetlands as part of a natural carbon-capture program.

Orange Coast College initiative, which recovers dump-bound food, surged during pandemic.

Environment |
Chef cooks up award-winning program to feed the hungry

March 16, 2022 at 4:37 p.m.

Orange Coast College initiative, which recovers dump-bound food, surged during pandemic.

The South Coast Water District proposal needs two more approvals -- and some partners for the project.

Environment |
Doheny desalination plant easily wins first state approval

March 9, 2022 at 7:11 p.m.

The South Coast Water District proposal needs two more approvals -- and some partners for the project.

"Scientists at the National Academy for the Sciences have found California's platforms are some of the most productive marine habitats in the world." Amber Sparks co-president of the San Diego-based nonprofit Blue Latitudes Foundation

Environment |
Calls grow for turning oil platforms into offshore reefs

March 9, 2022 at 4:50 p.m.

"Scientists at the National Academy for the Sciences have found California's platforms are some of the most productive marine habitats in the world." Amber Sparks co-president of the San Diego-based...

The company requested a postponement, while regulators noted "unresolved issues."

Environment |
Key hearing on Poseidon desalination plant delayed two months

February 25, 2022 at 10:29 a.m.

The company requested a postponement, while regulators noted "unresolved issues."