For years, Heal the Bay volunteers have been collecting beach cleanup data through our Adopt-A-Beach and Nothin’ But Sand programs.

This information, dating back to 1999, has been compiled into Heal the Bay’s Marine Debris Database, making it easily accessible to both Heal the Bay and the public.

Heal the Bay's Marine Debris Database is an online record of trash and other debris that has been picked up by schools, companies, and other volunteers as part of Heal the Bay's various Beach Cleanups.

As a central repository for all of Heal the Bay's cleanup data, the MDDB provides and an easy way to enter and analyze marine debris data and schedule cleanups. In addition, the searchable database can be used as a tool to help revise national maritime disposal policies, advance environmental legislation and identify ways to stop beach pollution.

About the Data

The database contains counts of the various pieces of trash that have been picked up since 1999 at 19 of the most popular beaches in the Los Angeles area. Trash is categorized into 31 different "measures" (such as Styrofoam food containers, plastic bottle caps and rings, or cigarette butts) and sub-totaled into 7 groups (such as Recylable Items, Styrofoam Items, or Medical and Hygiene Items). All of the data in the database comes from information entered on Heal the Bay's Data Cards by volunteers during beach cleanups. It does not represent all the trash picked up at beaches by Cities, Counties, Life Guards, or other organizations and volunteers.

Using the MDDB

Our step-by-step Instruction Guide will take you through the process of using the database in the following ways:

• Want to see how much plastic was picked up at your beach last year? Use the MDDB's Analysis and Charting Wizard to analyze the data in the database, creating your own custom charts and tables. It’s easy to search by number of cleanups or types of debris.
• If you, your school, organization or company already participate in the Adopt-A-Beach program use the MDDB to enter the tallies from completed beach cleanup data cards. If you aren't already a beach adopter, apply for Adopt-A-Beach online using the MDDB. Adopt-A-Beach is an educational project of the California Coastal Commission.
• Can't commit to the Adopt-A-Beach Program? Then use the MDDB to request a One-Time Cleanup. This program gives people of all ages the chance to learn about and participate in the conservation of our coastal resources one cleanup at a time.

Note: If you just want to participate in Heal the Bay's monthly "Nothin' But Sand" cleanups, no application or scheduling is needed...just show up!

Hey Teachers!

The Marine Debris Database is a powerful educational tool for schools that participate in beach cleanups through our Adopt-A-Beach program, providing hands-on learning  while bringing critical thinking and analysis to the classroom. After the beach cleanup, students return to schools to input their cleanup data. Teachers will receive a necessary password as part of the Adopt-A-Beach application process.

Our middle and high school curriculum is designed to enhance student’s knowledge of marine debris, water and beach pollution, and how beach cleanups help the community. In addition, teachers’ content knowledge and creative toolboxes will be expanded. This curriculum can be enhanced through participation in  Heal the Bay’s Speakers Bureau and Adopt-A-Beach programs. Each lesson is divided into the 5 E’s: Engage, Explore, Explain, Evaluate, and Extensions. (link to Curriculum which will be PDF’d) The step by step Marine Debris Database Instructions will guide you through the process.

Sponsor

Heal the Bay’s Marine Debris Database was made possible through a grant from the Bay Restoration Commission.