But real change starts with small, everyday choices.
In this webinar, Heal the Bay Senior Marine Scientist and Circular Economy Fellow Emily Parker breaks down where plastic pollution really begins, how it became a part of daily life, and what it takes to turn the tide.
Then, Associate Director of Science and Policy, Annelisa Moe joins Emily to answer your most important questions about plastics.
From the rise of “single-use” culture to the policies and systems shaping our environment today, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of the problem.
Celebrate Earth Day with simple, practical actions you can take right now to reduce plastic in your own life and help create lasting change.
Because protecting our ocean doesn’t require perfection—it starts with participation.
You don’t have to be an expert. You just have to start.
Plastics. A simple word that seems synonymous with everyday life for any Californian. But you may be wondering, how did we find ourselves here? Join Senior Scientist and plastic pollution expert Emily Parker to explore the history and impacts of plastic pollution and learn how you can start where you are to reduce plastics in your own life and help us reshape the system that created this mess in the first place. From miraculous invention to trash, we will explore the real story of plastics and uncover how “single-use” products became so popular, leading to the modern waste crisis. We will also empower attendees with tools and actions they can take immediately to make a big difference.
Senior Marine Scientist and Circular Economy Fellow,Heal the Bay
Emily works to keep our oceans and marine ecosystems healthy and clean by advocating for strong ocean conservation policies both locally and statewide. She focuses primarily on plastic pollution reduction efforts and on co-leading the Reusable LA coalition to promote reuse and refill across the Los Angeles region. Before arriving at Heal the Bay, Emily earned a Master’s of Advanced Studies in Marine Biodiversity and Conservation from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, where she conducted research on sea turtle conservation in El Salvador.
Want to support the science, education, and advocacy you rely on?
This Earth Month, we’re focusing on one simple idea: Start where you are.
Protecting our ocean and waterways can feel overwhelming, but real change doesn’t happen all at once. It starts with small, consistent actions taken by people like you.
From reducing single-use plastics in your home to cleaning up your local beach or river to learning more about endangered species, every step forward helps build a healthier, more resilient future.
Wherever you are on your journey, Heal the Bay has a place for you.
Start small. Start local. Start where you are.
Heal the Bay Earth Month 2026 Calendar of Events
Check back for updates, events, news, and more! Click here to view the calendar.
April New Volunteer Orientation – Free
Thursday, April 9, 6:30 pm – 8 pm, Heal the Bay HQ – 1444 9th St, Santa Monica, CA
Not sure where to start? Join us for our Volunteer Orientation and discover all the different ways you can make a real impact on our oceans, coastal waters, and watersheds. From helping at the Aquarium to advocating for marine protected areas on the sand and supporting work to help save a species, there are so many ways to protect what you love.
Whether you’re just getting started or looking to deepen your involvement, this is your place to begin. Learn about our volunteer programs, connect with a community of passionate ocean advocates, and be the first to hear about upcoming events and opportunities.
In-Disposable: The Fight Against Plastic Pollution Starts Where You Are – Free
Wednesday, April 15, 6 pm – 7 pm, Virtual
Start with a question: Where does plastic pollution really come from? Join Heal the Bay Marine Scientist and Circular Economy Fellow, Emily Parker, for an eye-opening look at where plastic pollution really begins, its infamous history, and what small, personal choices we can make to stop it.
Take part in a special community panel during LA Climate Week 2026, a region-wide effort uplifting climate leadership across Los Angeles.
Join Heal the Bay, Friends of the LA River, LA Waterkeeper, Parents Against Santa Susana Field Laboratory, and Wishtoyo Chumash Foundation for an honest and hopeful conversation about the future of the Los Angeles River, from watershed health and water quality to restoration, policy, and community action.
This cross-coalition gathering builds a shared vision for a healthier, more resilient river. After the panel, we’ll take a walk along the river together. We’d love to see you there! Bring a friend, a colleague, or anyone who loves the river and wants to see it thrive.
Earth Month Nothin’ But Sand Beach Clean Up – Free
Saturday, April 18, 10 am – 12 pm, Santa Monica Beach PIer (Northside), Tower 1550
Start where it all began, at Heal the Bay’s home base in Santa Monica!
Join us this Earth Month for one of our biggest beach cleanups of the year. Help remove harmful debris from this iconic beach, connect with fellow ocean lovers, and learn how you can continue to take action for the environment.
Start where science meets fun! Dive into an Earth Month Open House at the Aquarium under the Santa Monica Pier and explore the wonder of our coastline through hands-on experiences. Touch a shark, meet over 100 local species, including the critically endangered sunflower sea star, and discover how your everyday choices can create waves of impact. Enjoy fun planet-friendly activations like arts and crafts, nature journaling, and enjoy a surprise performance by award-winning artist and activist Madame Gandhi!!
Thank you, Sunny Within, for supporting this event!
Sunny Within is matching all gifts up to $2,500 given on or before April 19, 2026, to help you start where you are. Give what you can, make twice the impact.
Earth Day 2026
Wednesday, April 22
Start Where You Are. A new wave begins this Earth Day.
This Earth Day, we’re premiering a powerful new campaign about the small moments that spark big change. Wherever you are in your journey, this is your invitation to begin. Tune in, follow us on social, and don’t miss your chance to start.
The Comeback: Saving the Sunflower Sea Star From Extinction – Free
Tuesday, April 28, 6 pm, Virtual
We’re starting with a single sea star, and she needs your support. Join Heal the Bay for a virtual behind-the-scenes look at our urgent work to save the critically endangered sunflower sea star, why the future of California’s kelp forests depends on it, and how you can help.
Saturday, April 25, Manhattan Beach Dunes, 10 AM–12 PM and Saturday, April 26, Temescal Canyon Park, 9 AM–12 PM
Start in the canyon or start in the south bay. Just start where you are!
Join Heal the Bay and partners for two BioBlitz events that turn exploration into action. From the sandy dunes of Manhattan Beach to the trails of Temescal Canyon, you’ll help document local wildlife, learn from experts, and support hands-on restoration efforts across LA.
Saturday, April 25 | Manhattan Beach Dunes (10 AM–12 PM)
Explore a rare coastal ecosystem, snap photos of native species, and see how your observations contribute to the ongoing restoration work of LA’s coast with Heal the Bay and the Bay Foundation.
Saturday, April 26 | Temescal Canyon Park (9 AM–12 PM)
Be part of a day of biodiversity tracking and restoration, in partnership with Resilient Palisades and TreePeople, honoring the lives impacted by the Palisades Fire and supporting the land’s recovery.
Check out our list of Earth Month events hosted by some of our favorite social and environmental organizations across Los Angeles. Stop by Heal the Bay’s Outreach table while you’re enjoying Earth Month fun around Los Angeles County this April.
April 12, 9 am – 12 pm: Beaches and Harbors 2026 Kids Beach Cleanup
April 18, 10 am – 2 pm: South Bay Parkland Conservancy Earth Day 2026
April 19: Resilient Palisades, Palisades Village Green
April 21, 9 am – 3 pm: CSUDH Sustainability 19th Annual Earth Day
April 23, 11:15 am – 12:45 pm: Eco Action Club at SMC Earth Week
April 25, 6 pm – 10 pm: Ayana Johnson What If We Get It Right? Book Release at The La Brea Tar Pits
May 1 – 3, 10 am – 8 pm: Beachlife Festival, Redondo Beach
May 2, 8 am – 1 pm: Culver City Envirofest
Heal the Bay was founded on a simple truth: one person can make a difference. Dorothy Green proved that 40 years ago when she took a stand for our ocean and sparked a movement that continues today.
This Earth Month, you can double YOUR impact! Sunny Within is matching all gifts up to $2,500 given on or before April 19, 2026, to help you start where you are.
Give what you can. Make TWICE the impact for lasting change.
Replica of Esperanza Elementary School’s Green Schoolyard created by SALT Landscape Architects, showcasing nature-based play elements
Every child deserves a school that’s safe, healthy, and allows them to thrive. In Los Angeles, a majority of LA County schools are covered in pavement. Not only does pavement contribute to high temperatures on school campuses, it also prevents water from infiltrating when LA experiences rain, leading to stormwater runoff.
Greening schoolyards by removing pavement and implementing nature-based solutions (i.e. schoolyard forests, habitat gardens, bioswales, outdoor classrooms, nature-based play areas, etc.) is one way to tackle these problems and make schoolyards safer and healthier for students. Implementing schoolyard greening projects in Los Angeles has proved challenging.
Council for Watershed Health, Heal the Bay, Los Angeles Waterkeeper, and Randolph Consulting Group have teamed up to promote large-scale schoolyard greening and stormwater management throughout LA County, particularly in LA’s most park-poor and historically impacted communities.
Annelisa Moe (Heal the Bay), Alejandro Fabian (TreePeople), and Ben Harris (LA Waterkeeper) at the Managing Stormwater on School Campuses: From Potential to Permits session at the Green CA Schools Summit in Pasadena
Our team launched our partnership with a session at the Green CA Schools and Higher Education Summit in Pasadena on November 13, 2025. The Summit opened with remarks from State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond, and Deputy Superintendent, Abel Guillen, as well remarks from the Mayor of Pasadena, the SoCal firestorms still fresh on the speaker’s mind, they spoke about resiliency and the role schools play in supporting more climate resilient solutions, increasing shade canopy through trees, greening of school campuses and the importance of teaching stewardship to students. It was great to see these points elevated by state leadership.
Los Angeles County is in a unique position to lead in the state because of the L.A. County’s Safe Clean Water Program, which funds stormwater projects to improve water quality, increase water supply, and provide community benefits. Schools are a critical component of this ecosystem by managing stormwater and greening campuses, we increase climate resiliency, and provide an enriched learning environment for students across the region. The more we are able to connect greening and stormwater management, the better for the region.
The session we put together, titled Managing Stormwater on School Campuses: From Potential to Permits, walked attendees through what stormwater runoff is and the impact of stormwater pollution on our waterways, data from a TreePeople study on the potential of LAUSD schools to contribute to stormwater management, and the regulatory environment for stormwater management (i.e. are you now or will you be legally required to manage stormwater).
The key takeaways we wanted the audience to leave with are:
In LA County, the average one-inch rainstorm results in 10 billion gallons (30,700 acre-feet) of runoff moving through the storm drain system.
Looking at all schools in LA County, there is a total of 19.5 billion gallons per year (60,000 acre-feet/yr) of stormwater management potential (this volume would address almost 75% of LA County’s groundwater recharge goal for context), and strategically selecting the sites with the greatest potential, 10% of the sites (78 LAUSD sites) could achieve 9.8 billion gallons per year (30,000 acre-feet/year).
While schools are not currently regulated by a stormwater permit (i.e. required to legally manage their stormwater), they are one of the few entities left that are not regulated and are likely to be regulated in the future.
Overall, we are galvanized by the momentum that is building in Los Angeles for green schoolyards and will be hosting our own symposium in May exploring the many synergies of school greening and stormwater. We look forward to seeing you in May.
What are Heal the Bay scientists actually finding in the water one year after the Palisades Fire? Our post-fire coastal sampling and testing continue, with support from our partners at UCLA.
During the final days of a major rain event (December 23–26, 2025), Heal the Bay’s Water Quality team collected water samples on December 26 from creeks and beaches within the Palisades burn zone. The water’s color and texture immediately signaled severe runoff impacts.
While UCLA is analyzing these samples for heavy metals and other pollutants of concern, Heal the Bay scientists measured turbidity in our lab, a measure of how cloudy water is due to ash, dirt, and debris. The levels we found were extremely high. While turbidity doesn’t measure toxicity, it tells scientists that conditions are likely causing contaminants to move.
Below are the turbidity levels found by Heal the Bay from water samples collected on December 26th:
For context, on December 12, 2025, during dry weather, these same waters measured below 5 NTU, which is typical for clear water. Readings between 1,000 – 4,000 NTU are extremely high and signal severe runoff impacts.
Why does this matter?
After a wildfire, vegetation that normally stabilizes soil and filters runoff is lost. Even a year after the wildfires, rain can rapidly wash ash, sediment, and debris into creeks and the ocean. High turbidity water can transport pollutants, harm aquatic life, clog fish gills, and block sunlight that marine ecosystems need to survive.
This research is ongoing. Additional samples are now being analyzed by UCLA for nutrients and heavy metals — a complex process that can take months. Heal the Bay will continue to share findings as results become available and keep the public informed as the science develops.
Donate today and help us protect what you love in 2026.
Heal the Bay celebrated forty years of protecting the people, wildlife, and coastal waters of greater Los Angeles, and this year demonstrated just how vital that work is. From rising seas and plastic pollution to toxic algal blooms, our region faced mounting threats — and it began with one of the most devastating climate disasters in Los Angeles’ history.
The January wildfires disrupted ecosystems and displaced communities, including Heal the Bay’s own CEO, Tracy Quinn, yet the response was immediate and effective. Volunteers, neighbors, and supporters stepped up to care for one another and the environment, proving time and again that even the smallest actions can lead to a massive impact.
As we near the end of 2025, we’re proud to celebrate the impact we achieved together. Here are some of the milestones that demonstrate what’s possible when a community comes together for clean water, healthy ecosystems, and a thriving coast.
The Road Ahead
Building a stronger, safer coastline for LA: As rising seas, toxic algal blooms, and climate change threaten public and coastal ecosystems, Heal the Bay scientists are advancing critical research and pushing for science-driven policies that protect people, wildlife, and coastlines.
Stopping plastic pollution at the source: Plastic waste is more than an eyesore. It shows up in our air, our food, and our ocean. Heal the Bay is confronting the problem upstream by strengthening bans on single-use plastics, partnering with the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games to promote reusable solutions, and holding plastic polluters accountable.
Turning awareness into action: From beach cleanups to climate education, we’re empowering Angelenos with hands-on tools to advocate for our coast and helping educators inspire the next generation of ocean stewards.
Your support makes this work possible. If you’re inspired by what we accomplished together in 2025, consider making a year-end gift to help us continue defending clean oceans and healthy coastlines for all.
Update — Dec. 3, 2025: Thank you to all our generous Giving Tuesday donors for standing with our coast, our wildlife, and the next generation of ocean stewards. We couldn’t do this work without you.
If you’d still like to support Heal the Bay — and the work that helps protect the people, places, and wildlife you love — donate here. We’ve got big plans in store for 2026. And your support, in any amount, can help make it possible.
From devastating wildfires and toxic algal blooms to plastic pollution and climate change, California’s coastline, communities, and wildlife are at risk like never before. For endangered species like the sunflower sea star, giant sea bass, and tidewater goby, Heal the Bay’s science, education, and advocacy is a lifeline that can help save them from extinction. But our work is at risk, too.
That’s why this Giving Tuesday, Heal the Bay called on supporters to join us and our animal ambassadors to protect what’s endangered. Every gift helps save our work — and the endangered species who rely on it — from extinction.
Read on to learn more about how donations help support our endangered animal ambassadors.
Meet Heal the Bay’s Animal Ambassadors
Heal the Bay Aquarium cares for several endangered species, including a sunflower sea star, giant spotted sea bass named “Gordita”, and tidewater gobies rescued from waters impacted by the Palisades Fire.
Through education, advocacy, and science, including restorative aquaculture, Heal the Bay is helping save these species from extinction and restore their ecosystems. Aquarium visitors can meet some of them from 12-4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday under the Santa Monica Pier.
The Sunflower Sea Star
Sunflower sea stars are one of the bay’s most important species. But after sea star wasting devastated populations in the 2010s, they’re now functionally extinct in California.
At Heal the Bay Aquarium, we are honored to care for one of only a few female sunflower sea stars in captivity in the entire state. We’re making groundbreaking strides in sunflower sea star recovery, with the long-term goal of raising and returning this endangered species to Santa Monica Bay so the ecosystem can thrive again. Our sea star’s story is one of resilience and of the power of advocacy, as she plays a vital role in this groundbreaking repopulation research.
Protecting this sea star means protecting the policies and advocacy that could help save her species.
The Giant Sea Bass
Giant sea bass are the largest bony fish along California’s coast, growing up to nine feet long and weighing as much as a full-sized grizzly bear. They can also live to 75 years old. Overfishing in the early 1900s pushed them to the brink, and today, they remain critically endangered.
“Gordita”, our resident giant sea bass, is one of Heal the Bay Aquarium’s most beloved ambassadors. Each year, she helps thousands of local students discover how protecting our coastline creates ripples far beyond the water.
The Tidewater Goby
Tidewater gobies are tiny but mighty endangered fish that play a big role in the food webs of California’s marshes, lagoons, creeks, and estuaries. Despite their resilience, they’ve been severely impacted by coastal development, habitat degradation, and the alteration of natural water flows.
After the January 2025 wildfires impacted the waters of Topanga Lagoon, Heal the Bay Aquarium helped care for a rescued a group of tidewater gobies from the contaminated conditions. We cared for them until their habitat recovered, and most have now been safely released back into the wild. Our team continues to care for the remaining gobies and is working to help strengthen and restore this fragile population.
Through our partnership with Santa Monica College, students in the Sustainable Aquaculture Certification Program are being introduced to these rescued gobies and learning how restorative aquaculture can support endangered species recovery.
Protecting at-risk species starts with science: the research, monitoring, and restoration work Heal the Bay uses every day to safeguard our coastal watersheds and the animals that depend on them.
How Our Work Is Helping
At Heal the Bay, we use science, education, and advocacy to protect our coast, communities, and wildlife through initiatives including:
Water-Quality Monitoring: Regular testing identifies pollution hotspots, monitors over 700 beaches for fecal indicator bacteria, and provides data that drives policy change.
Restorative Aquaculture: Breeding and release programs help vulnerable species recover while scientists learn what these animals need to thrive in changing ocean conditions.
Policy Advocacy: From plastic reduction to climate resilience strategies, science-informed advocacy ensures that regulations reflect the needs of our communities, wildlife, and ecosystems.
Education Programs: When students connect with marine life through hands-on experiences, they become the advocates and scientists who’ll protect these species for decades to come.
Why This Moment Demands Action
Federal protections for endangered species and critical habitats face ongoing challenges. Meanwhile, climate change and disasters accelerate.
When funding disappears, so do the knowledge, data, and community relationships that make conservation work. Despite mounting challenges, we remain optimistic. The endangered species that call Southern California’s coast home can recover, but only if the work protecting them continues.
Thank you to all of our supporters who signed the petition. We received 644 signatures and have submitted them to the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA).
We appreciate everyone who took the time to support this effort. We will share updates as they become available.
Decades of toxic DDT and “forever chemicals” still linger in Santa Monica Bay, putting subsistence and recreational anglers at risk. Heal the Bay is urging the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment to call for new testing and update safety standards to protect our local anglers.
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California has a responsibility to protect its residents from toxic pollution. We will continue to urge OEHHA to take the necessary steps to keep our angler community safe.
The 2025 legislative session was a tough one for California’s environmental advocates. Against the backdrop of devastating wildfires, raids impacting California’s immigrant communities, severe budget constraints across the state, and federal rollbacks that weakened environmental protections, many of our state’s most important environmental bills faced uphill battles as legislators were forced to reshuffle their priorities. Still, amid the challenges, we saw meaningful wins for ocean health and waste reduction. And we’re hopeful that a number of bills still in the pipeline will pass next year.
Below is a breakdown of the environmental legislation we’ve been tracking this year and where it stands as we head into 2026.
Major Wins for Our Environment
AB 1056 — Phasing Out Gillnets for Good
We’re thrilled to share a major victory for ocean conservation, and one that Heal the Bay has proudly supported every step of the way through support letters and direct lobbying on California Ocean Day in Sacramento. Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 1056into law, which will phase out the last remaining set gillnets in California.
Set gillnets are mile-long nets anchored to the ocean floor that often entangle high numbers of marine wildlife. This destructive gear dates back to 1915, so this victory has been a long time coming. Congratulations to our friends at Oceana, Resource Renewal Institute, and the Office of Assembly Member Steve Bennett who sponsored and championed this milestone legislation. Read the press release here.
SB 279 — Scaling Up Composting Statewide
Another bright spot this session was the passage of SB 279, which takes a major step toward building California’s circular economy by expanding access to composting programs across the state. Composting not only curbs greenhouse gases but also enriches soils, conserves water, supports local agriculture, and helps reduce pollution by making it even easier to use and dispose of compostable products, making this a win for both people and planet. This law strengthens California’s ability to divert organic waste from landfills, reducing methane emissions and helping cities and counties meet their climate goals.
Missed Opportunities
AB 823 — Expanding the Microbead Ban
We were deeply disappointed to see AB 823, vetoed by Governor Newsom. This bipartisan bill that passed both the Assembly and Senate would have expanded California’s existing microbead ban to include cosmetics, further protecting our waterways from harmful microplastics. The governor’s veto cited procedural concerns, but this decision undermines years of progress toward a plastic-free future.
This was an important measure to stop microplastics at the source. Heal the Bay will continue to push for stronger action on this front next year.
SB 45 — Tethered Caps on Bottles
SB 45would have required tethered caps on beverage bottles, preventing loose plastic caps from polluting our beaches and waterways. This solution already exists in other parts of the globe, with producers adopting the tethered cap design. Unfortunately, the bill died earlier this spring. But it won’t stop our continued advocacy for targeted solutions and bigger, more comprehensive plastic-reduction policies that keep plastics out of our environment.
Bills Still in the Pipeline
Several promising bills didn’t cross the finish line this year but will return for consideration in 2026. We’ll be leveraging our advocacy efforts next year to ensure these proposals around pollution prevention, water justice, and waste reduction don’t stall out for good.
AB 762: Proposes a ban on disposable vapes to protect public health and reduce e-waste.
SB 561: Would create a manufacturer responsibility program for safely managing the disposal of unused emergency distress flares — explosives that poses serious safety risks.
SB 501: Would establish a producer responsibility program for household hazardous waste and require producers of that waste to provide a convenient collection and disposal system.
SB 350: Introduces the creation of a statewide water rate assistance program to ensure access to affordable, clean water.
SB 601: Would reaffirm California’s Clean Water Act protections following federal rollbacks.
AB 638: Was authored to provide state guidance for safely using stormwater as a non-potable water source.
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges of this legislative season, our commitment to protecting our coast and communities remains as strong as ever. Every session brings new opportunities to advance policies that protect biodiversity, reduce pollution, safeguard clean water, and build a more sustainable Los Angeles.
We’ll continue advocating alongside our partners and community members to advance these bills that are still in the pipeline and ensure that California remains a global leader in ocean conservation and climate action.
Stay tuned for action alerts, local advocacy opportunities, and ways to raise your voice for clean water and healthy ecosystems.
Trash didn’t stand a chance! Coastal Clean Up Day 2025 made waves of impact across LA in one unforgettable day. From the mountains to the beaches, YOU showed up for your Earth, your city, and your community. We are thrilled to announce the results!
6,772 volunteers
19,139 pounds of trash removed
610 pounds of recycling removed
This year, we saw it all: divers hauling debris from the deep, Preston Lilly paddling miles in support of Heal the Bay, and thousands of volunteers collecting even more trash and recyclables than in 2024!
See how volunteers captured Coastal Clean Up Day 2025 across LA County.
Help keep our beaches healthy and beautiful, one piece of trash at a time.
Water quality at many West Coast beaches and Los Angeles freshwater sites improved over the past year, according to Heal the Bay’s annual Beach Report Card and River Report Card, released today. The reports’ findings highlight both progress and persistent risks for millions of people who swim, surf, and play in local waters each year.
A near-record 62 beaches earned a spot on the nonprofit’s coveted Honor Roll with perfect A+ scores in 2024-2025. It was the highest Honor Roll count in over a decade. Only 12 beaches made the Honor Roll last year and just two in the 2022-2023 report. Freshwater sites also saw gains in the 2024 River Report Card, with 24 out of 35 graded safe for recreation.
But the good news comes with caveats. Climate “whiplash” is making water quality more variable. Dry years are generally bringing cleaner water — with less bacterial pollution washing into waterways — while wet years are dragging down grades. Persistent hotspots like the Santa Monica Pier, several San Diego County beaches, and the lower L.A. River remain unsafe despite improvement efforts. And January’s wildfires added a new layer of concern, underscoring the importance of Heal the Bay’s work to expand testing and monitoring in the wake of the disasters. “More beaches and rivers were safe for swimming than we’ve seen in years,” said Annelisa Moe, Heal the Bay’s Associate Director for Science & Policy. “But persistent pollution hotspots and new threats from climate extremes like wildfires make it clear that we can’t take clean water for granted. That’s why Heal the Bay is pushing for stronger infrastructure and policies to protect public health and our waterways.”
1. Dry weather meant cleaner water, but climate extremes loom large. Nearly 9 in 10 beaches and more than two-thirds of freshwater sites were safe for recreating last year, likely thanks to a dry summer and winter. But progress is uneven, as climate extremes drive swings in bacteria levels and highlight the urgent need for resiliency planning.
2. Persistent hotspots show where work is most urgent. Trouble spots like the Santa Monica Pier, beaches along the U.S.-Mexico border, and stretches of the lower L.A. River remain unsafe year after year. Outdated sewage and stormwater systems, polluted runoff, and poor water circulation all contribute, underscoring the need for stronger infrastructure and controls.
3. Wildfires add layered threats to water quality. The January 2025 Palisades and Altadena fires washed ash, debris, and toxins into local waters, and early results suggest a link with worsened bacteria levels. Since Beach and River Report Cards only measure fecal indicator bacteria, more study is needed to assess impacts from wildfire-related contaminants like heavy metals. Heal the Bay is advancing this work through its Ash to Action initiative.
About the Reports
What are the Beach and River Report Cards?
Heal the Bay’s 35th annual Beach Report Card and 7th annual River Report Card take a deep dive into bacterial pollution trends at more than 700 beaches along the Pacific Coast and 35 freshwater sites in Los Angeles.
Each site gets an annual letter grade from A to F based on how much fecal indicator bacteria is found in the water during each testing season (summer dry weather, winter dry weather, and annual wet weather). The bacteria come from stormwater runoff, failing sewage systems, or other pollution, and they can cause illnesses like stomach flu, ear infections, upper-respiratory infections, and rashes. In short: The lower the letter grade, the higher the risk of getting sick.
All county health departments in California are required to test beach water quality samples for three types of indicator bacteria at least once a week during the summer season. Many counties also monitor heavily used beaches year-round. Heal the Bay compiles and analyzes the data to produce the annual Beach Report Card.
Freshwater sites don’t have the same monitoring requirements, so Heal the Bay deploys its own scientists with the Stream Team — students trained in field and lab techniques — and works with other local groups and municipalities to collect and analyze samples throughout the summer (May to September).
How is this different from the reports shared in May?
In May, Heal the Bay released a first look at this year’s Beach Report Card with a list of California’s Honor Roll beaches and bottom 10 Beach Bummers. Today’s release expands on those lists with deeper insights and annual grades for more beaches across California, Oregon, Washington, and Baja California.
The 2024 River Report Card was released today and includes annual grades and insights into 35 freshwater sites across Los Angeles.
How did the wildfires impact the reports?
The January wildfires delayed the full report release as Heal the Bay scientists worked to quickly assess how toxins from fire debris were impacting beach and water quality and notify the public about potential health risks beyond bacteria pollution. More information about Heal the Bay’s post-fire response work is available in a special section of the Beach Report Card (pgs. 52-54).
Note: The water-quality grades released today only reflect monitoring of fecal indicator bacteria. They do not include data related to testing for harmful heavy metals and other toxins that made their way to L.A.-area beaches following the Palisades and Altadena wildfires in January.
To follow along with Heal the Bay’s continued exploration of wildfire impacts and solutions, visit the Ash to Action webpage
What’s the difference between the annual and weekly report cards?
Weekly grades for beaches and freshwater sites monitored by Heal the Bay are available on the Beach Report Card (beachreportcard.org) and River Report Card (healthebay.org/riverreportcard) websites. These weekly grades are based on the most recent samples, offering a snapshot of bacteria levels to help people gauge their real-time risk.
The annual reports examine patterns and trends over longer periods to identify consistent problem spots, sources of pollution, and ongoing impacts. These findings help policymakers formulate solutions, aid scientists in improving testing and monitoring methods, and give the public a look at which waters are best avoided throughout the year.
If you care about science-based research that protects our coastline, watersheds, and public health, please consider donating to Heal the Bay. Your support powers critical water quality investigations and drives solutions for a more resilient Los Angeles.
