Heal the Bay Blog

Category: Locations

Ash to Action: Heal the Bay’s Post-Fire Water Quality Investigation

03.25.2025 | Jillian Marshall and Annelisa Moe

Looking for more than water quality? Find more Ash to Action Updates HERE.

SEE OUR THE LATEST POST-FIRE WATER QUALITY UPDATES:

UPDATE MARCH 28, 2025

The ocean water advisories along LA’s coast have been lifted, and based on recent data, Heal the Bay is cautiously optimistic that chemical contamination from the fires no longer poses a major risk for beachgoers. Post-fire debris is still a danger.

Is it finally safe to swim and surf? This week the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health lifted the ocean water advisories along LA’s coast. Based on data collected in January and February, Heal the Bay is cautiously optimistic that the chemical contamination from the fires does not pose a significant risk for recreation at our local beaches or in our coastal waters. However, the burn area may still pose some risks to beachgoers, swimmers, and surfers. Here’s what we know:

Physical debris is still being observed in the water and along the shore, primarily off the coast of the burn area from Las Flores to Will Rogers Beach. The good news is that LA County Beaches and Harbors is reporting a decrease in the volume of debris washing onto our shores. But because debris can include sharp objects, everyone should continue to use extra caution to avoid anything that looks like wildfire reminants, whether on the sand or in our coastal waters.

Debris removal has begun on the 300 homes along PCH that were tragically lost in the fires. While this is also great news for the bay, the LA County Department of Public Health has issued a health advisory stating that it is not safe to reside within 250 yards of debris removal because the activity can disturb contaminants and send them into the air and water. This means that recreating within 250 yards of debris removal may pose additional risk to beachgoers, swimmers, and surfers.

If you choose to visit our beaches or get in the water, HTB recommends the following safety precautions:

Avoid areas within 250 yards of active debris removal.
Wear closed-toe shoes if walking on wet sand, as debris such as broken glass and structural fragments may still wash ashore.
Never touch trash or debris with bare hands.
Keep children and pets away from debris, especially in wet sand or high tide areas, where contamination risk may be higher.
Do not approach injured or distressed wildlife. If you have concerns about a marine mammal, contact the Marine Mammal Care Center at (1-800-39-WHALE).
Heal the Bay continues to urge beachgoers to recreate south of Santa Monica at Montana Avenue or north of the fire boundary in Malibu, where impacts are significantly lower.
Avoid eating seafood caught in Santa Monica Bay. Contaminants in the ocean water exceed safe levels for fish consumption. Additionally, the SoCal coast is experiencing a harmful algal bloom, which may pose a risk when consuming locally caught shellfish.

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Please use this information to make informed choices for your safety and the well-being of your family and pets. The LA Regional Water Quality Control Board has also published risk-based recreational thresholds and a tool to help beachgoers decide how often they can safely enjoy the coastal waters. Click the link in our bio to view these resources.

While the beaches are open to the public now, the long-term impacts of wildfire contamination continue to raise concerns. Our January data shows elevated levels of heavy metals in the bay, posing risks to marine life. Heal the Bay continues to investigate the effects of wildfire-related pollutants and bioaccumulation in our coastal ecosystems, but we can’t do it without you. Visit healthebay.org/donate to support our science, safety, and post-fire recovery work. Together, we can protect what we love.

UPDATE MARCH 27, 2025

According to water-quality testing results released today by Heal the Bay, local marine life faces significant and ongoing threats from heavy metals that leached into Santa Monica Bay after January’s Palisades wildfires.

PRESS RELEASE 3/27/2025 –Test results from 10 collection sites along the entire length of Santa Monica Bay show that immediately after the fires, water quality at LA’s beaches was much better than expected, diminishing fears about human health impacts from polluted runoff in fire-scarred areas. We cannot definitively say that the water is safe until we have additional data and information about risk-thresholds for recreational contact, but based on the data we have seen to date, we are cautiously optimistic.

However, our analysis indicates that marine mammals, multiple fish populations, and other species further down the food chain are at serious risk from elevated levels of beryllium, copper, chromium, nickel, lead, and other harmful heavy metals and nutrients.

Silver, arsenic and zinc were also detected above average marine-health limits. Aluminum, iron, and manganese also showed elevated levels, though no marine health limits exist for these metals. In all, Heal the Bay staff scientists and a regional water agency tested for 116 known pollutants at multiple sites in January and February.  (Please click here for a detailed analysis of the results, our data spreadsheet, and raw data from the PHYSIS lab.

Following heavy seasonal rains, toxic pollutants washed into the intertidal zones from burned structures and scorched earth in the Palisades, Topanga, and Malibu. Waves lapping onto fire-ravaged buildings along Pacific Coast Highway continue to sweep harmful metals into the sea.

Even at low concentrations, heavy metals can disrupt vital biological processes, damage cells, and impair reproductive and immune functions for marine life. Metals can also be transferred and magnified through the food chain. This impacts the entire food web, which inevitably impacts humans. In short, when animals get sick, humans can get sick, particularly from consuming seafood that has a bioaccumulation of metals in their systems.

Heal the Bay is urging authorities to expedite the removal of burned-out structures and other fire-related debris from PCH as soon as possible. Unfortunately, some homeowners have been slow to respond to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ offers to facilitate debris removal. Roughly 45 shoreline homeowners have opted out of the program, while nearly 100 have not responded at all. Whether or not a homeowner decides to use the US Army Corps of Engineers or a private contractor, it’s imperative that debris removal happens quickly.

“Every day that hazardous debris remains along the coast, more harmful contaminants flow into the sea,” says Tracy Quinn, President and CEO of Heal the Bay. “If we want to give our marine life a fighting chance, we need that debris removed as soon as possible.”

The most concerning findings come from the hardest-hit fire areas, including Topanga Beach, the Big Rock section of Malibu, and Will Rogers State Beach near Pacific Palisades. However, the waters around Santa Monica Pier and Dockweiler State Beach also spiked for heavy metals — suggesting that more studies are needed to understand the movement of contaminants offshore or identify other sources.

Because it is now March, these data do not tell us the current conditions in Santa Monica Bay, but they do provide valuable insight into the impacts of the Palisades Fire on marine life and the potential impacts on human health.

Risk tolerance is a personal decision. Here is some information that can help beachgoers decide if, when, and where they may want to enter the ocean. 

The contaminants tested seem to be below human health limits for recreational contact for the data where limits could be identified. The Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board is still assessing risk-thresholds, including those for PAH, a harmful organic compound related to fire-scorched debris.

PAHs, the group of contaminants that may be above human health limits, are unlikely to sicken people who swim or surf a few times, but frequent or prolonged exposure may contribute to an increased risk for future chronic health issues.

Beachgoers should also be careful about walking on the sand, which may contain sharp fire-related debris like nails and broken glass. For the time being, Heal the Bay recommends avoiding beaches within the fire-impacted areas and as far south as Montana Ave in Santa Monica. The Regional Water Quality Control Board has already posted some sand and sediment data for LA’s beaches. We are waiting for the complete test results to post our analysis. Stay tuned.

The fire and recent marine mammal deaths

It’s also worth noting the recent uptick in marine mammal beach stranding and deaths in Santa Monica Bay related to domoic acid poisoning. Elevated levels of runoff-related nutrients can contribute to the development of algal blooms in the Bay and accumulate in shellfish. When mammals consume shellfish, they can get sick and die from the neurotoxins produced by certain algae.

This is the fourth consecutive year of domoic acid outbreaks. The recent fires did create a significant dump of nutrients like sulfate and phosphorous into the ocean, but there is no evidence, yet, of a correlation between the wildfires and the domoic acid outbreak.

About the testing

On Jan. 24-25, before the first winter storms came, Heal the Bay staff collected ocean-water samples at 10 shoreline sites across Santa Monica Bay. From Paradise Cove to Malaga Cove, they tested for 116 pollutants. They took samples again on Jan. 28, after heavy rainfall, to better understand how stormwater might carry toxins from the burn zone.

Processing samples took multiple weeks due to the complexity of sample preparation, the need for precise instrumentation, and the rigorous quality control required. It also took several weeks to receive the data results back from Physis Lab. Then, additional time was needed for Heal the Bay’s Science and Policy Team to analyze and assess the data.

Staff members from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health collected water samples on Feb. 18, which Heal the Bay also analyzed for its report. After the intense Feb. 13 storms, testing showed elevated levels of contaminants that do not have established risk-thresholds for recreational contact. Further analysis is required and will be included in an upcoming post.

Heal the Bay is part of a collaborative task force working with government agencies, researchers, and other nonprofits to better understand the extent of the contamination and how to clean it up efficiently. We will be updating our analysis and sharing the findings in the weeks to come as soon as new data becomes available.

Heal the Bay is the only organization providing this kind of in-depth analysis of water quality data.

But to continue this important work, we need your support. If you’d like to see more of these efforts, please consider donating.

Every contribution helps! SUPPORT OUR WORK NOW

Read the Full Scientific Analysis – Published on March 27, 2025

See all of the data that Heal the Bay has compiled – Data
Spreadsheet Published March 27, 2025

See our Raw data from PHYSIS LAB Testing- Published March 27, 2025

UPDATE MARCH 25, 2025

Watch the Webinar for today’s latest Heal the Bay Ash to Action Updates.

Learn about the critical work that Heal the Bay and its academic partners are doing to protect the environment and monitor water quality in Santa Monica Bay.

UPDATE MARCH 13, 2025

The Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board has released its 2025 Post-Fire Water Quality Monitoring results.

“The board has been working with Los Angeles County to monitor ocean water quality since Jan. 22, 2025. Samples are collected regularly at 12 beach sites from La Costa Beach to Dockweiler Beach by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. They then are analyzed by the board for metals, nutrients, polychlorinated biphenyls (PBCs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are chemicals that may be found in water runoff based on previous California wildfires.” (Waterboards.ca.gov)

Click here to SEE THEIR RESULTS, the test site map, and stay tuned for their sediment and beach sand sampling results.

UPDATE FEBRUARY 28, 2025

Post-Fire Water Quality in Santa Monica Bay: We reviewed results from the LA County Department of Public Health (DPH).

Recent wildfires in Los Angeles that started on January 07, 2025, have impacted water quality in Santa Monica Bay. To understand the extent of these water quality impacts, we looked for contaminants that are likely to be mobilized after a wildfire, and that pose a risk to human and ecological health when concentrations are elevated; this includes heavy metals, PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), nutrients, bacteria, and solids that decrease water clarity. Right now, Heal the Bay has data that our staff collected for bacteria and water clarity (referred to as “turbidity”), which have faster processing times and which we can test on-site in the Heal the Bay lab, while other contaminant samples were sent to a contracted lab to process.

While we wait for Heal the Bay’s results for the other contaminants, we reviewed results from the LA County Department of Public Health (DPH), which took samples on January 22, 2025, and January 27, 2025, at beaches from Las Flores State Beach to Dockweiler State Beach. These data points are representative of water quality before and after the first flush rain event, over a month ago. Since then, we have had additional significant rainfall, including nearly two inches of rain on February 13, 2025, which, unfortunately, was not tested by DPH in time to provide wet weather data. Data that are more recent will provide needed insight into overall conditions in our coastal waters. Heal the Bay will continue to provide updates as new data become available.

Water contact limits do not exist for most of the contaminants of concern associated with wildfires, so to understand potential health risks, we compared results to limits in the CA Drinking Water standards, the CA Ocean Plan (for both human health and marine life), and the Hawai‘i Department of Health Surface Water Action Levels for Marine Habitats (used to assess impacts of the Lahaina Fires). Our initial findings show elevated heavy metals, bacteria, nutrients, and other organic compounds, along with a decline in water clarity, all of which indicate that wildfire runoff does pose a risk to human and ecological health and that contamination is traveling beyond the immediate burn zone.

Key Findings from January 22 and 27, 2025:

Heavy Metals and Metalloids: Aluminum, iron, selenium, and manganese were elevated above drinking water standards, sometimes as much as 10x the limit. This is not an immediate human health threat, but we urge caution if there is the possibility of ingestion. These four metals, in addition to arsenic, copper, and zinc, also exceeded safety thresholds for marine health, particularly at Will Rogers State Beach and Topanga Beach, posing a health risk to marine life. Even at low concentrations, these metals can disrupt vital biological processes, damage cells, and impair reproductive and immune functions for marine animals.

PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons): PAHs were detected at unsafe levels, based on human health standards in the CA Ocean Plan, at Will Rogers State Beach and Topanga Beach and were not detected at other sites. This poses a site-specific risk to human health within the burn zone.

Nutrients: Elevated phosphorus levels have increased nutrient concentration in Santa Monica Bay, leading to the formation of a persistent brown foam along the shoreline and increasing the risk of algal blooms.

Turbidity & Solids: While turbidity may not pose a direct risk to public health, it can disrupt biological processes for marine life, and water clarity can help to show how far runoff from the burn zone traveled along the coastline. Water clarity declined significantly after rain from Surfrider Beach down to at least Dockweiler Beach, indicating wildfire runoff spread beyond the burn zone. Turbidity levels were consistently good at Paradise Cove (north of the burn zone) and Malaga Cove (just north of Palos Verdes Peninsula), indicating boundaries on the extent of pollution traveling up and down the coastline, but that boundary is not yet clear.

Bacterial Contamination: High bacteria levels were observed near storm drains, worsening after rainfall, following the typical pattern for bacterial pollution in Santa Monica Bay.

What You Need to Know:

A day at the beach should never make anyone sick. Heal the Bay is dedicated to protecting public health by sharing water quality information, and we remain concerned about the potential risks associated with post-fire contamination in ocean water and sand. Additionally, hazardous debris, such as nails and pipes, continues to wash ashore, posing a physical risk to beachgoers.

At this time, Heal the Bay recommends avoiding beaches and ocean water from Las Flores to Santa Monica State Beach and exercising caution at beaches further south, at least to Dockweiler State Beach. While water clarity does improve further south at Malaga Cove, we do not yet have comprehensive data for beaches south of Dockweiler State Beach, so we cannot determine potential health risks. If you visit the beach anywhere in Santa Monica Bay south of Surfrider Beach:

Stay vigilant; look out for sharp debris and avoid picking up objects with bare hands.

Keep children and pets from touching or ingesting water or wildfire debris.

Refrain from full-body submersion into the coastal waters in the designated areas, which can lead to accidental ingestion.

Heal the Bay has collected additional sand and water samples throughout Santa Monica Bay from Paradise Cove down to Malaga Cove. We will share results on our website as soon as those data become available. We urge the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to enhance transparency in decision-making and ensure all relevant data is made publicly accessible in a timely manner. Until further testing is completed and more information on current water conditions is released, we advise the public to remain cautious when visiting affected beaches.

UPDATE FEBRUARY 26, 2025

On Monday, February 24, 2025, Heal the Bay learned that the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPH) had stated beachgoers may recreate on the sand in the fire-impacted areas. We also learned that this determination is likely based on only two debris samples taken by Los Angeles County Public Works, one at Topanga Creek and the other at Will Rogers State Beach. These samples were collected to determine the disposal method required to remove the debris, not to determine if it is safe for people to be on the sand. It is alarming that DPH would make this proclamation based on only two data points. While preliminary debris and ocean water quality testing have not shown elevated levels of harmful contaminants attributed to burned household items, the sample size for both water and sand thus far is quite small. At this time, we simply do not have enough information to determine if the sand or water at beaches where debris is present is safe for recreation. Furthermore, dangerous debris such as nails, screws, and pipes continue to wash up on shore, often concealed in sand or near-shore waves, increasing the risk to people playing on our beaches. This is an unprecedented event, and we must wait for the results of additional testing before declaring our beaches safe. We ask for increased transparency from the LA County Department of Public Health in decision making going forward, data used to protect our public health should be available to the public.

For now, Heal the Bay recommends that people avoid beaches (both sand and water) from Las Flores to Santa Monica State Beach and use extra caution on beaches south of Santa Monica. If choosing to go to the beach, watch out for sharp debris, do not pick up debris with your bare hands, and keep a close eye on children and pets to ensure they do not touch or ingest debris.

Heal the Bay and the Regional Water Quality Control Board have each collected sand samples from throughout the burn area, and we are awaiting results. We will share our ocean water and sand testing results on our website as soon as they are available.

Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s full statement on beach safety: “The ocean water advisory due to fire impacts from Las Flores State Beach to Santa Monica State Beach remains in effect until further notice. Beachgoers may recreate on the sand but continue to be advised to stay away from visible fire debris and to stay out of the ocean water during any posted ocean advisory.”

UPDATE FEBRUARY 18, 2025

We expect results this week from Heal the Bay’s first round of expanded ocean-water quality testing.

In late January, Heal the Bay’s staff scientists began collecting ocean-water samples from 10 shoreline sites along the Bay to test for heavy metals, PCBs, asbestos, and other toxins. These harmful pollutants are flowing unchecked to the sea from recent heavy rains and other runoff from burn zones. We expect results from before and after the “first flush” storm during the week of February 17th and will post them here.

UPDATE JANUARY 14, 2025

We present the updated timeline detailing our recent water quality assessment activities in the coastal regions affected by the Palisades fire.

January 24-25, 2025

- Heal the Bay conducted initial pre-rain water quality testing at 10 locations throughout Santa Monica Bay: five within the burn zone, three outside of the burn zone but within the beach advisory zones, and two control sites (one north and one south of the beach advisory zones).
- Our water quality scientists tested for temperature, turbidity, Fecal Indicator Bacteria, PAHs, PCBs, PFAS, benzene, mercury, and other heavy metals. This sampling involved coordination with the Fire Department and Lifeguards to gain access to the closed burn zone.
January 28, 2025:
- After the January 26 rainstorm, staff took water quality samples again for the same pollutants and at the same locations tested on January 24-25, to compare pre- and post-rain results.
- Jenny Jay from UCLA joined us for the six northernmost sampling sites to test for metals, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and nutrients.
February 3, 2025:
- Heal the Bay staff examined the Beach Report Card on Friday, January 31, 2025, and identified data gaps within the burn zone.
- Staff went out on Monday, February 3, 2025, to sample the five locations within the burn zone for temperature, turbidity, and Fecal Indicator Bacteria (which we can process ourselves in our lab) to fill those data gaps.
- On this sample day, journalists from NPR and Spectrum News and the Fire Department’s photography team joined us to document and report on our testing.
- Heal the Bay staff attended the Post-Fire Coordinated Water Quality Testing Meeting hosted by SCCWRP. While this group aims to establish a working group to coordinate long-term post-fire water quality monitoring (which Heal the Bay will participate in), this meeting addressed urgent needs arising from the weather conditions by identifying who would be conducting sampling that week, where the sampling would occur, and which contaminants would be tested.
February 10, 2025:
- Heal the Bay returned to the field one last time to support ongoing research, visiting six of our ten original sample sites, from Surfrider Beach at Malibu Lagoon to Will Rogers State Beach at Santa Monica Canyon.
- An assessment of the BRC on Friday, February 7, 2025, indicated no remaining data gaps, so we did not collect Fecal Indicator Bacteria samples.
- Instead, this trip was intended to gain access to the burn zone one more time and show our sampling locations to researchers from the Proteocean Lab at USC. They plan to build on our initial testing with weekly sampling for heavy metals, microbial health, and nutrients.
- Staff from Surfrider also joined us so that we could show them where there is safe access to their regular testing locations within the burn zone.
- We also collected sand samples at each site from below the high tide line and above the high tide line where the sand was dry (where possible). These samples have been delivered to CSU Northridge, where researchers will test them for heavy metals and PAHs. They will also compare the results from our sand samples to soil samples that they collected within the Eaton Fire burn zone.

UPDATE JANUARY 29, 2025

Our fire response has just begun.

Over the past six days, the Heal the Bay Science and Policy Team has been testing water in and out of the burn zones along Santa Monica Bay impacted by the Palisades Fire.

The Palisade Fire has increased sedimentation and introduced harmful pollutants into our coastal waters, and Heal the Bay is dedicated to understanding the impacts, which is why we are testing for key pollutants that may be transported into Santa Monica Bay due to runoff from the Palisade Fire.

Not only are we testing for bacteria and turbidity (which we can process in-house), but we are also collecting samples to test for Heavy metals, Mercury, PAHs/PCBs, Benzene, and PFOS/PFOA (two types of PFAS). We collected samples before and after the rain event on January 26, 2025, which will provide a comparative analysis of initial pollutant levels and stormwater runoff effects.

During a typical rain event, stormwater runoff is considered the most significant source of water pollution. Following the unprecedented wildfires in Los Angeles this past weekend, the “first flush” amplified the pollution – carrying not only higher levels of typical pollutants like oil and grease, trash, plastic, bacteria, and heavy metals but also wildfire debris and other hazardous materials including ash, fire suppressant, household chemicals, car batteries, and more. These contaminants pose significant risks to water quality, marine ecosystems, and public health.

The team collected water samples from 10 key locations, including areas within the burn zone, adjacent impacted areas, and control sites.

(NOTE: We were joined in the field by Professor Jennifer Jay of UCLA, and there may be additional data from agency offices like the LA County Department of Public Health, that will also contribute to the very limited water quality dataset for understanding the impacts of the Palisades Fire.)

Heal the Bay is one of only a few organizations doing this water quality testing in the wake of these devastating fires. Still, great science is collaborative, and our team is excited to be one of the only nonprofits contributing to this initial and limited data set. Every bit of data will help us understand the long-term impacts of this unprecedented fire season.

Our findings will be shared as soon as possible to inform the public about potential environmental and public health risks. We will also contribute to coordinated monitoring efforts that will inform policymakers and guide future mitigation and response efforts.

While our samples are being processed to help us understand what is in our coastal waters, we strongly urge everyone to avoid contact with ocean water and to refrain from walking on the beach, as fire debris runoff may contain toxic or carcinogenic chemicals. The LA County Department of Public Health has issued Ocean Water Closures from Las Flores State Beach to Santa Monica State Beach, with additional Beach Advisories issued as far north as Surfrider Beach at Malibu Lagoon and south to Dockweiler State Beach at World Way, all of which will remain in effect until further notice. Your health and safety are our top priority—thank you for doing your part to protect yourself and our environment.

There are so many people to thank for making this work happen, but we will start with a huge thanks to Dan Murphy of the LA Fire Department for helping coordinate access to the burn zone, Los Angeles County Lifeguards and to our Heal the Bay sampling team (Dr. Tania Pineda-Enriquez PhD, Annelisa Moe, Naomi Meurice, Zoë Collins, and Vicente Villaseñor). 

Key Terms:

PAHs = polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds associated with oil/grease

PCBs = Polychlorinated biphenyls, chemicals used in industrial / commercial products  (PCBs stopped being produced in the 70s, so a legacy chemical)

PFASs = Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, forever chemicals (manmade chemicals that do not breakdown ) used to make waterproof, nonstick, and flame-resistant products.

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Celebrating Earth Month 2025

03.12.2025 | Heal the Bay

California Events Heal the Bay Aquarium Los Angeles Take Action

Celebrate Earth Month with Heal the Bay!

Fun, inspiring activations are happening all month for everyone – individuals, families, schools, and more! Grab your reusable water bottle, sunscreen, and friends for climate action fun near you!

Heal the Bay Earth Month 2025 Calendar of Special Events

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE THE FULL LIST OF EVENTS and get involved this Earth Month with events and activities from Heal the Bay and our partners! 👇👇👇

New Heal the Bay Volunteer Orientation – FREE

Thursday, April 10, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm @ Heal the Bay Aquarium

This Earth Month, take the first step in protecting our oceans, coastal waters, and watersheds with Heal the Bay! Join us for our Volunteer Orientation and discover how you can get directly involved in Heal the Bay’s work. Learn about our volunteer programs, meet like-minded environmental advocates, and be the first to hear about upcoming events and opportunities.

Spring Science Camp at Heal the Bay Aquarium

Monday, April 14 – Friday, April 18, 2025

Spring is a time of renewal—and babies! This season, we’re celebrating by exploring marine animal life cycles, survival strategies, and the adorable offspring of our Aquarium animals. Campers will dive into marine conservation as they discuss shark eggs, experiment with slime, and create their own sea creatures. We’ll also compare survival adaptations of species past and present during an exciting fossil excavation.

Join us as we celebrate new life and the strides Heal the Bay has made toward equitable environmental justice—it’s guaranteed to be an egg-cellent adventure!

Our camp is designed for students grades K-5 as of April 2025 (or aged 5-11). Camp kits and T-shirts will be handed out to campers enrolled for several days and/or a full camp week on your camper’s final day of camp.

Price:
Full Week: $400
Daily: $85 per day

April Nothin’ But Sand Beach Cleanup – FREE

Saturday, April 19, 10 AM – 12 PM @ Santa Monica Pier Tower 1550

Earth Month Beach Cleanup

Join Heal the Bay in celebrating the resiliency of our Greater LA watersheds at our Beach Cleanup this Earth Month! Every gloved hand on the sand, every advocate trained, and every dollar raised brings us closer to a climate-resilient future. Whether you participate in a beach cleanup or contribute to our online fundraiser, you’ll be directly helping to rid our beaches of harmful plastic pollution and advocate for impactful, lasting change for the Los Angeles community.

Join us on the sand, explore all the ways you can make a difference this month, and share this event with your community. Thank you to United By Blue for helping make this cleanup possible!

Celebrate Earth Day at Heal the Bay Aquarium

Saturday, April 19, 12 PM – 4 PM

For Heal the Bay, every day is Earth Day, but April is extra special because communities from around the world come together to celebrate and help heal our planet! Join us for Heal the Bay Aquarium’s Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 19, from 12 pm to 4 pm.

Earth Day Activities Include:

📖 Story Time at 2 pm
🔎Earth Month Scavenger Hunt
🐟 Animal Feeding Demonstrations at 1 pm & 3 pm
🎨Hands-on Crafts & Pollution Awareness Displays
📽️ Short Film Screenings

⭐ Nothin’ But Sand Volunteers! Get half-off adult admission and FREE admission for children 12 & under when you participate in our Earth Month Beach Clean Up at Santa Monica State Beach, April 19, 10 am – 12 pm.

Don’t miss this chance to celebrate Earth Day at the iconic Santa Monica Pier!

Plan Your Visit

Black Sands, A Beach Talk Series- FREE

Monday, April 21, 7 PM – Virtual

Join us for Black Sands, a special virtual installment of Heal the Bay’s on-the-sand Beach Talk series

We welcome ALL who want to connect, learn, and share.

This roundtable will blend thoughtful dialogue with community-building, exploring topics like Black identity in outdoor and marine spaces, coastal resilience, climate justice, wellness, and environmental stewardship. Whether you’re a longtime advocate, a curious learner, or someone simply seeking space to exhale, Black Sands is for you.

Heal the Bay BioBlitz: 2025 L.A. City Nature Challenge – FREE

Sunday, April 27, 10 AM – 12 PM @ Ballona Discovery Park OR Gardena Willows Wetland Preserve

Join Heal the Bay’s Safe, Clean Water Program (SCWP) for the 2025 LA City Nature Challenge BioBlitz, a global event that started as a friendly competition between Los Angeles and San Francisco and has since grown into a worldwide movement!

A BioBlitz is a fun, hands-on community science event where we’ll work together to document local wildlife. By snapping photos of wild plants and animals, you’ll contribute valuable data to a global biodiversity database to help scientists better understand our urban environment. No experience needed! Just bring your curiosity and a smartphone.

We’re offering two BioBlitz locations this year, and both are happening simultaneously, so please choose only one.

WHERE: Gardena Willows Wetland Preserve (1202 W 170th Street; Gardena, CA 90247) OR Ballona Discovery Park (13110 Bluff Creek Dr; Los Angeles, CA 90094)

Gathering at Kuruvungna – FREE

Saturday, May 3, 10 am – 2 pm @ Kuruvungna Village Springs and Cultural Center

Heal the Bay is joining the Gabrielino Tongva Springs Foundation in honoring and celebrating the past, present, and future of the Kuruvungna Village Springs and Cultural Center. This family-friendly gathering will feature live music, garden tours, art, vendors, food, and workshops.

We’re Looking For Our 2025 Coastal Clean Up Day Poster Artist!

Calling all ocean-loving artists! Let your artwork advocate for our ocean this Coastal Cleanup Day!

Win $500 and see your artwork all over Los Angeles County on the official Heal the Bay Coastal Cleanup Day poster!

Submit a portfolio of your work and a concept for a poster that captures the essence of our theme: “Rebuild With Resilience.”

How do you envision the future of LA? What changes do you hope to see in your community? How can we build a climate-resilient future? Express your vision through original artwork inspired by this theme!

Submissions are accepted until May 31st, 2025. See full details and application here!

Apply Now

Gear Up for Earth Day with Heal the Bay

Level up your drip while leveling up the ocean!

Rep Heal the Bay, discover unique gifts, and shop reusable goods, all for a great cause!

Shop Heal the Bay

Heal the Bay Earth Month 2025 Tabling Calendar

Check out our list of Earth Month events hosted by some of our favorite social, environmental, and partner 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.

Pepperdine’s University’s Annual Earth Day Celebration @ Pepperdine University, April 1, 11 am – 2 pm

2nd Annual Cleanup @ Discovery Cube Los Angeles, April 12, 9 am – 12 pm

City of STEM + Maker Faire @ Exposition Park Los Angeles, April 12, 9 am – 4 pm

Wild for the Planet @ The LA Zoo, April 18 – 20, 10 am – 4 pm

Annual Earth Day Event @ South Bay Parkland Conservancy, April 19, 10 am – 1 pm

CSUDH’s 18th Annual Earth Day Celebration @ Cal State University, Dominguez Hills, April 22, 9 am – 2:30 pm

City of Santa Monica Earth Day Celebration: Our Power, Our Planet @ Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401, April 22, 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM

The 2025 Arts & Literacy Festival at Virginia Avenue Park @ City of Santa Monica’s Virginia Avenue Park, Santa Monica Public Library, Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District-Child Development Services, and Venice Family Clinic, April 26, 10 am – 2 pm

Beverly Hills’ 22nd Annual Earth Day, 9300 Civic Center Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, April 27, 9 am – 1 pm

City of Manhattan Beach Earth Day, April 29, 11 am – 3 pm

Culver City Enviro-Fest, May 3, 9 am – 1 pm

Make waves for a sustainable future in Greater Los Angeles by making your Earth Month donation to Heal the Bay.

DONATE

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FAQ on EPA Hazardous Waste Site at Topanga Beach

01.31.2025 | Heal the Bay

Ash to Action California Locations Malibu / Pacific Palisades News Press Release Water Quality

Heal the Bay strongly disagrees with the selection of State land in close proximity to Topanga Creek and Lagoon as the US EPA’s Palisades Fire hazardous material staging area, where materials will be sorted and repackaged before they are sent to permitted waste collection facilities. The site chosen is an area of cultural and ecological significance, and we stand with the surfers, swimmers, and local communities concerned about the potential for harm to this precious ecosystem.

UPDATE: February 26, 2025 -The first phase of removing wildfire debris is over. What happens to those collection sites? (Daily News)

UPDATE: February 12, 2025 – Heal the Bay’s Associate Director of Science and Policy, Annelisa Moe, toured the EPA hazardous waste sorting and storage sites at Topanga Creek and Will Rogers State Beach with Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, the EPA, and FEMA.

UPDATE: January 31, 2025 – Initial Takeaways from the EPA Hazardous Waste Site at Topanga Beach & FAQ (below)

For the record, Heal the Bay was NOT consulted on the site selection ahead of time.

Soon after we learned about the site selection, we asked to meet with US EPA officials to express our concerns and learn what measures were being taken to protect Topanga Creek and Lagoon. That meeting occurred on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 4:30 p.m.

At our meeting with EPA, we learned that operations have already begun on the Topanga site, reducing the likelihood that we can get EPA & FEMA to select a different location (although we still pushed). Between the Palisades and Eaton fires, this is the largest operation the EPA emergency response team has had to clean up since they began this work in 2015. In addition, they have been tasked by the current Federal Administration to complete the work in 30 days, a time constraint that has left the region with few options.

We are fighting to ensure that the EPA implements sufficient measures to prevent contaminants from coming into contact with the bare soils or leaving the site and impacting critical waterways. In addition to what the EPA has proposed (see EPA’s FAQ), Heal the Bay asks for water testing in Topanga Creek and Lagoon. We have also asked to be permitted access to the site to observe operations and the implementation of measures meant to prevent harmful chemicals from leaving the site. We are waiting to hear back on both of these.

Although we strongly disagree with the site EPA and FEMA have chosen, speedy removal of hazardous wastes from the burn areas IS ESSENTIAL. Right now, the hazardous waste in the burn areas is uncontained and exposed to the elements, with almost no measures in place to prevent it from being blown by the wind or entering our ocean when it rains again. There are no good choices here, but in our opinion, hazardous materials left exposed at burned structures pose a greater threat to water quality and ecosystem health than they will at an EPA sorting site where multiple containment measures are in place. If the EPA will not or cannot move the hazardous waste staging area from the Topanga location, we demand that they take extra precautions to prevent stormwater from running onto the site, contaminated runoff from leaving the site, and contaminated dust from being blown from the site into waterways. Please join us in asking for water quality sampling to be added to the BMP protocol.

Here are the biggest takeaways from our meeting with the EPA:

What does the EPA look for in a staging site? 

When looking for a hazardous material staging site, the EPA team needs at least five acres of flat land located near a roadway suitable for trucks to enter and exit.
The EPA could not start cleaning efforts until a space was selected and prepared.

Why was Topanga Lagoon chosen as the site location?

EPA did recon with Cal Fire, and the Topanga Lagoon site met the basic logistical requirements for space and access. The state approved EPA use of the Topanga location.
According to the EPA, other proposed sites were either rejected by City of LA and LA County officials or already used by other emergency response teams.
Heal the Bay has requested a list of other sites considered by the EPA.

Will additional locations be needed to remove all of the hazardous waste entirely?

For the Palisades Fire response, EPA anticipates the need for more staging areas, maybe an additional 25 acres.
The EPA is currently searching for other staging areas, and Heal the Bay has requested to be part of that decision-making process.

What has taken place on the site to date?

The property was burned, so EPA cleared it of burned debris, then built berms around it and added straw wattles to prevent water from entering or leaving the site.
Secondary containment and plastic lining have been implemented to prevent direct contact of hazardous materials with the soils on site.
The EPA took soil samples before the cleanup activity commenced and will sample again once the cleanup activity is complete. (NOTE: Heal the Bay has requested a list of contaminants tested to ensure the sampling plan is sufficient).
The cleanup team monitors the air for particulates, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), radiation, and wind indicators for weather tracking.
The cleanup team has started electric car battery recovery for the Palisades area, de-energizing them in the Topanga staging area to be recycled.

What safety precautions will EPA take to protect the environment?

See EPA FAQ
Heal the Bay asked about additional BMPs (Best Management Practices) for the expected rain. EPA Public Information Officer Rusty Harris-Bishop has agreed to update us as more information becomes available.
Heal the Bay has also requested that the EPA conduct water quality monitoring in the nearby creek and Lagoon.
The EPA has explained that they have not had any issues with staging areas in past emergencies, including the Lahaina fires.

When will they start accepting hazardous waste?

As of January 30, they have already started collecting lithium-ion batteries (from electric cars).
Larger-scale work is scheduled to begin January 31, 2025.

When will they be done?

This is a temporary staging area, and although the Palisades Fire was an unprecedented event, the plan is for the site work to be completed by the end of February 2025 (30 days).

Where will the hazardous waste be sent?

Materials are taken to the staging area to sort and re-pack for final shipping to permitted hazardous waste facilities that are in good standing.
The facilities have not been determined yet.
Determining specific locations will depend on what the EPA team finds and how much material is collected. Still, our understanding is that the waste will likely be transported out of state.

Can EPA move the staging to another location?

Attempting to move locations would cause delays in removing the hazardous waste from within the burn zone where it is currently exposed to the elements, which is the biggest concern.

What is more dangerous to the environment: Creating the staging area near an ecologically sensitive area or slowing removal?

Slowing down removal is likely more dangerous for the environment because there are few measures to prevent the waste in the burn areas from entering waterways and the ocean.

Is the EPA planning to test the water quality?

No water quality testing is planned.

Does Heal the Bay have water quality testing recommendations?

Yes, our Water Quality Team recommends that the EPA test for the following:
- Chronic and Acute Toxicity
- Basic water quality parameters (e.g., turbidity, pH, dissolved Oxygen, and temperature)
- Total Suspended Solids
- Heavy Metals (e.g., lead, arsenic, mercury, chromium and cadmium)
- Volatile organic compounds (e.g., Benzene)
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
- Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
- Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
- Oil and Grease
- Total Organic Carbon
- FIB (i.e., E. coli, total coliforms, and enterococcus)
- Dioxins
- Ammonium
- Phosphates
- Sulfates
- Asbestos
- Microplastics
- Radionuclides

Has the EPA started a cleanup operation in response to the Eaton Fire?

They have started cleanup operations in Eaton.

Will Heal the Bay continue to monitor the situation at Topanga Lagoon?

Yes, and Heal the Bay will continue to push for the opportunity to conduct a site visit in the coming days to observe the BMPs in action.

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How Fires Impact Ocean Water Quality

01.17.2025 | Heal the Bay

Malibu / Pacific Palisades News Water Quality

The latest news about the Palisades fire and its impact on ocean-water quality and beach access in L.A. County.

During natural disasters, residents seek three things: community support, goodwill, and up-to-date information. To that end, Los Angeles County leaders invited Heal the Bay science and outreach staff to attend an emergency meeting Thursday morning at the Palisades Fire incident command center at Zuma Beach.

Department officials from L.A. County Fire and Beaches & Harbors asked Heal the Bay to help disseminate accurate updates to the public about how the catastrophic fires affect beach access and ocean water quality.

Here’s what we learned:

Stay away from burn zones and evacuated areas in the Palisades, Topanga, and Malibu areas.

Residents and those who love these areas are naturally curious about the status of homes, commercial structures, and favorite natural places. Command officials understand that people want to return to the areas as soon as possible. However, public safety dictates that fire and evacuation zones remain off-limits until emergency crews clear neighborhoods of downed power lines, roadway debris, lingering hot spots, and other hazards. Officials were unable to give a timetable for when residents may return or when PCH will reopen, but a brief tour by Heal the Bay staff indicates it will be weeks until residents can go back.

There is no public access to any L.A. County beaches in the fire or evacuation zones, roughly north of the Santa Monica Pier to County Line.

If you are a surfer looking to score empty waves, don’t even think about it. Multiple National Guard checkpoints are in place, ensuring that only emergency responders, utility workers, media, and essential workers are allowed on PCH. If you think you might be able to talk your way past checkpoints to tour impacted areas, you are mistaken. All beach parking lots from Will Rogers to Zuma are unavailable to the public, as they are being used as staging areas for emergency crews. All other beaches in L.A. County remain open to the public. But caution is urged, given compromised air quality along County shorelines.

Avoid water contact at any beaches from Malibu’s Surfrider Beach to Dockweiler State Beach near LAX.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has issued an ocean advisory that warns residents to avoid any water contact at these beaches. The firestorms and efforts to beat them down have created massive amounts of runoff, which may contain toxic chemicals and dangerous debris. All that polluted water eventually sloughs off to the Bay. The advisory will remain in effect until three days after fire-fighting operations end.

As of Thursday morning, the Palisades Fire was only 22% contained. Heal the Bay has not determined yet if the County’s Public Health unit will be posting warning signs at impacted beaches. To view a map of impacted locations and get more information, click here. We advise the public to visit Heal the Bay’s Beach Report Card to get updated information on beaches, as well as the Department of Public Health to learn about the latest water-quality details.

Water quality testing of local beaches will continue at sites that are still accessible to sampling agencies.

Water quality samples for fecal indicator bacteria are collected and tested by three government agencies every week at 85 sites in Los Angeles County. Once the results have been processed (after 24 hours), the public is notified when a beach exceeds pollution standards by warnings, advisories, or closures of the affected beaches. These weekly samples form the basis of Heal the Bay’s weekly A-to-F Beach Report Card.

Due to the fires, access to some beaches has been restricted, and some water-quality sampling has been interrupted until further notice. However, local departments will continue their testing to the best of their ability, including many of the 41 beaches where the Department of Public Health has advised beach users to avoid water contact—assuming these sites remain accessible in the weeks to come.

Water quality testing needs to expand beyond monitoring fecal bacteria to include testing for heavy metals, PCBs, nitrates, and other harmful compounds.

Water quality degradation following a fire varies greatly depending on the intensity and duration of the fire and the characteristics of the affected ecosystem. One of the primary effects is the alteration of vegetation coverage, which reduces the natural barriers that slow water runoff after a storm event. This leads to increased soil erosion and sediment transportation into nearby water bodies.

Rainfall can exacerbate these effects by compacting the soil and increasing overland flow, amplifying erosion and pollutant transport. With many homes, businesses, cars, and other manufactured items burning so close to the coast, we are particularly concerned about sediment, trash, and debris washing into the ocean.

During our tour, Heal the Bay staff saw hundreds of burned-out structures on the ocean side of PCH, with high tide waves surging within feet of the twisted, charred wreckage. Sediment can contain high levels of nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen that, in excess, are harmful to marine ecosystems and can create algal blooms. They may also contain chemicals, heavy metals, and other harmful substances that burned in the fires. Recent reports indicate that the presence of so much plastic in modern homes has significantly contributed to more toxic infernos.

~~Heal the Bay does not have the capacity to conduct any water quality testing aside from compiling bacterial data and informing the public when it is safe to enter the water.~~ UPDATE 1/30/2025

On January 24, 2025, the Heal the Bay Science and Policy Team began testing water in and out of the burn zones along Santa Monica Bay impacted by the Palisades Fire.

Not only did we test for bacteria and turbidity (which we can process in-house), but we also collected samples to test for Heavy metals, Mercury, PAHs/PCBs, Benzene, and PFOS/PFOA (two types of PFAS). We collected samples before and after the rain event on January 26, 2025, which will provide a comparative analysis of initial pollutant levels and stormwater runoff effects.

We strongly urge the County of L.A. and any other municipalities to test for the presence of additional contaminants, such as heavy metals, PCBs, nitrates, and other unhealthy compounds. These pollutants can be harmful to humans and aquatic species, and given the extensive firefighting that has occurred directly adjacent to the coastline, these pollutants will be present for months to come.

In the interview below with USA Today, Annelisa Moe, Associate Director of Science, Policy, and Water Quality, discusses some of the long-term risks to coastal ecosystems and water quality.

We will continue to provide water quality information each week on the BRC website, so beach users and freshwater recreational users can make informed decisions.

Note: We will continue to consult with County officials on a daily basis to update this post. We will send alerts on our social media platforms when we receive new information about water quality, public health and beach access.

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What is “aquaculture” and how can it save our oceans?

12.23.2024 | Laura Rink and Tracy Quinn

About Us California California Sharks Climate Change Heal the Bay Aquarium Locations News Take Action

Reimagining the Ocean and Protecting the Planet with Heal the Bay’s Aquaculture Program

Pollution, climate change, and over-fishing have all played a role in the dramatic decline of marine life in our oceans, contributing to food scarcity and poverty in coastal communities across the globe that rely on fishing for food and their local economy.

And while organizations like Heal the Bay work to address the causes of the decline, we also have another tool in our toolbelt. Aquaculture is the controlled growing of aquatic organisms and can be used for sustainable food production, habitat restoration, and species conservation.

At Heal the Bay, we are taking a groundbreaking step in reimagining the modern aquarium. We are working to become the nation’s first fully sustainable aquarium by exclusively exhibiting animals that have been produced through aquaculture.

: Heal the Bay is currently culturing swell sharks, moon jellies, giant spine stars, Pacific sand dollars, and brand new baby pipefish.

: The AquaLab at Heal the Bay Aquarium give the public a chance to learn about our work.

By sourcing our exhibits through aquaculture, we reduce the environmental impact of traditional collection methods, support marine ecosystem restoration, and contribute to the conservation of endangered species—making our aquarium a model of sustainability in the field.

But we aren’t stopping there! We are also helping develop the so-called “blue economy” by mobilizing local students to steward this paradigm shift through our Aquaculture Training Program in partnership with Santa Monica College. Heal the Bay experts, in partnership with SMC, have developed a program to ensure the next generation of aquaculture professionals is equipped to responsibly, sustainably, and ethically grow aquatic species. Our aquarium serves as a hands-on training facility, providing students with real-world experience in sustainable aquaculture practices in our AQUA lab, and our Associate Director of Aquarium Operations, Laura Rink, serves as an instructor for the class.

: The Students from Santa Monica College recieve hands-on education from Heal the Bay expert aquarists.

: Our fertile lobster eggs are thriving as Heal the Bay attempts to be the first aquaculture program to successfully settle this species of Spiny Lobster.

And our moonshot for Heal the Bay’s aquaculture program is to raise and release local endangered species back into Santa Monica Bay to restore balance in our marine ecosystem. One species we are focused on is the Sunflower Sea Star which plays a critical role in the health of our giant kelp forests, like the one off the coast of Palos Verdes. Sunflower Sea Stars eat urchins which eat kelp. A severe decline in sea star populations has led to a proliferation of urchins which are devastating kelp forests across the west coast of the U.S. Currently, Heal the Bay’s aquaculture research also contributes to endangered species recovery through our role in the Sunflower Sea Star SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) initiative.

The sunflower sea star is critically endangered, but Heal the Bay Aquarium is licensed to care for one, allowing us to educate the public about this vital species and the importance of its conservation.

Looking ahead, Heal the Bay envisions expanding our impact by creating a dedicated aquaculture education and research facility. With increased funding, we aim to build a state-of-the-art space that supports both hands-on learning for students and innovative research in marine conservation and sustainability. This facility would help foster the next generation of aquaculture professionals while contributing to global efforts to restore marine ecosystems.

Help Heal the Bay reimagine the ocean and protect the planet when you support our work and DONATE!

SUPPORT HEAL THE BAY

Want to support our work for years to come? There is still time to make your big impact for Heal the Bay with Year End Giving. Give a gift for good to protect our precious watershed and help keep our coastal waters safe and clean all year round. Whether it be Corporate and Foundation Giving, Partnerships, Stock Donations, Donor Advised Funds, Estate Plans, Donations and Sponsorship Opportunities, you can make a lasting impact with your year-end contribution today. Contact Us.

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Big Wins! Making Waves of Change in 2024

12.20.2024 | Heal the Bay

Angler Outreach Program Beach Report Card California California Bag Ban California Drought Climate Change Heal the Bay Aquarium News River Report Card Take Action Water Quality

Reflecting on a Year of Progress

Heal the Bay achieved significant accomplishments in 2024 in safeguarding our waters, preserving biodiversity, and raising awareness about the importance of environmental conservation.  Through our collective efforts and with your unwavering support, we worked tirelessly to create cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable coastal waters and watersheds for Los Angeles and beyond from summit to sea. As we reflect on the achievements of this past year, we are thrilled to carry this momentum into the coming year, always aiming to make a lasting difference. Celebrate them with us!

2024 Highlights

Our expertise was sought after, and our work was celebrated.

In 2024, Heal the Bay was honored for decades of commitment to the environment.

Heal the Bay was selected as a 2024 California Nonprofit of the Year by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin of District 42 in recognition of nearly four decades of accomplishments and “outstanding contributions to the communities and environment” we serve.

The 4th Annual Heal the Bay One Water symposium was convened at Lewis Macadams Riverfront Park, establishing Heal the Bay as a thought leader among civil engineers, water conservation experts, and local, county, and state legislators.

Heal the Bay continued its work on the LA28 Environmental Sustainability Committee for the 2028 Summer Olympics to ensure the games are the most sustainable yet and leave a legacy of environmental stewardship in the region.

Heal the Bay Aquarium was voted Santa Monica’s Most Loved Sustainable Green Business of 2024 by thousands of Angelenos.

The First Line of Defense in Environmental Policy

Heal the Bay played a pivotal role in successfully advancing policies and legislation to improve water quality, affordability, and coastal ecosystems and ensure a more sustainable Los Angeles region and climate-resilient California.

In response to advocacy from Heal the Bay, the LA Regional Board recently approved more stringent regulation of surface water runoff from the highly contaminated Boeing Santa Susana Field Lab site. Boeing immediately filed a legal petition opposing the new regulations. Heal the Bay is engaging in this lawsuit as an interested party in support of the Regional Board.

Heal the Bay co-authored the Vision 2045 Report with NRDC and Los Angeles Waterkeeper and shared it with LA County decisionmakers tasked with overseeing the ambitious Safe, Clean, Water Program (SCWP). This collaborative “vision” laid out a roadmap of bolder goals, and recommendations to more quickly and definitively reach 2045 SCWP targets and is now being used as a resource by LA County for the SCWP Watershed Planning Efforts.

Big trouble for Big Plastic

Recognizing the urgent need to combat plastic pollution, Heal the Bay continues impactful environmental policy work and campaigns to amplify sustainable practices. For several years, staff has worked with LA City and County to help create legislation to break the harmful plastic cycle. We took significant steps toward a plastic-free future by advocating for reducing single-use plastics and promoting responsible waste management.

We sued Big Plastic! Heal the Bay took historic legal action and joined a coalition of leading environmental groups to file a lawsuit against ExxonMobil, the world’s largest producer of single-use plastic polymers. California’s Attorney General also filed a similar lawsuit today.

Heal the Bay advocacy supported major wins for state and local plastics regulation this year, including the passage of SB 1053, which removes ALL plastic film bags from checkout counters at convenience stores and grocery stores across the state by 2026 and increases the minimum recycled content requirements for paper bags to 50%.

In 2024, Heal the Bay made big waves for the environment by advocating for the unanimous approval of the Environmental Impact Report for the City of LA’s Comprehensive Plastics Reduction Program. This means that in the next 6 months, we could have powerful new legislation in the City of LA to really reduce plastics, and Heal the Bay will be right there alongside key decision-makers to ensure success.

It Takes a Very Large Village

This year Heal the Bay volunteers made massive waves of change.

In 2024, more than 24,900 Heal the Bay volunteers collected over 24,000 pounds of trash and contributed 71,048 hours to protecting our precious watershed and coastal waters!

In September, Heal the Bay mobilized 6,600 volunteers on Coastal Cleanup Day, removing 18,269 pounds of trash (including 429 pounds of recyclables) from greater Los Angeles coastlines and waterways.

This year Heal the Bay Aquarium welcomed 59 new volunteers, and a total of 128 volunteers completed and served 5,494 hours at the Aquarium.

Environmental Health IS Public Health

In 2024, Heal the Bay continued its relentless commitment to ocean water and freshwater quality from summit to sea.

Our annual Beach Report Car d remains the gold standard for water quality reporting, providing access to the latest water quality information based on levels of fecal-indicator bacterial pollution in the ocean at over 700 beaches. For more than 30 years, our annual report has assigned “A-to-F” letter grades and ranked the “Best and Bummer” lists across beaches from Washington State to Tijuana, Mexico.

The annual River Report Card was also released, ranking freshwater quality and providing grades for 35 freshwater recreation areas in Los Angeles County tested during the summer of 2023. This summer 14 students from colleges across Southern California joined Heal the Bay the Stream Team internship program – our biggest cohort yet! These two programs are at the forefront of our efforts to keep LA’s waters safe and enjoyable for all.

Conservation and Marine Protection Are Key to Our Mission

Heal the Bay reaffirmed its commitment to biodiversity through both volunteer activations and the tireless efforts of our husbandry, operations, and education Aquarium teams.

Heal the Bay Aquarium plays a pivotal role in species conservation through research, breeding programs, and public awareness campaigns. In 2024, four Swell sharks, dozens of Pacific Sandollars, Giant Spine Sea Stars, Bay Pipefish, and hundreds of Moon jellies were born at the aquarium. Our animal care team released seven protected and rehabilitated marine animals, including keystone species like Swell sharks and Leopard sharks, into Santa Monica Bay. By releasing these animals back into the wild, Heal the Bay continues its mission to protect and support the biodiversity of wild fish populations.

As part of our commitment to successful conservation efforts, Heal the Bay Aquarium continued its work with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Wildlife Trafficking Alliance. As an official member of the US Fish & Wildlife Department’s Wildlife Confiscation Network pilot program, the aquarium is certified to care for the well-being of wildlife confiscated from illegal trade.  
Heal the Bay’s Science and Policy Team successfully lead public meetings to educate Californian’s on the impacts of DDT on public health and biodiversity.
They were also featured as experts in the Los Angeles Times documentary “Out of Plain Sight.”.

As a watchdog for Marine Protected Areas, Heal the Bay’s MPA Team is actively contributing and analyzing critical data on California’s first decade-long review that began in 2023. One of the biggest conclusions of the review highlighted the fact that protecting these precious estuaries for the past decade has worked, allowing for flourishing biodiversity, larger populations, and bigger individual animals in these safeguarded areas.

Environmental Equity and Inclusion are pillars of Environmental Health

This year, Heal the Bay continued to advocate for communities that experience the worst systemic and often immediate impacts of environmental injustice and climate change.

After 10 years of effort by Heal the Bay Outreach, Inell Woods Park, a first-of-its-kind stormwater park, is complete in the Compton Creek watershed. This pocket park will provide green space to an underserved community. The ribbon cutting is estimated for early 2025, highlighting the connection between communities, green space, and health.

The Heal the Bay Science and Policy Team hosted the Sacred Places Institute for Indigenous Peoples for a day of hands-on water quality testing and knowledge sharing. By blending scientific methods with Indigenous traditions, we gained deeper insights into LA’s freshwater systems and the cultural significance of water.

Environmental Education, Outreach and Sharing our Passion to Protect What We Love

Education remained a cornerstone of our mission. In 2024, Heal the Bay expanded our outreach program, teaching schools and communities to understand the importance of environmental conservation and the role each individual can play.

Educational efforts continued to inspire and inform diverse audiences through innovative approaches and interactive science-based programs. The Heal the Bay Aquarium Education Team sponsored 247 field trips and welcomed 11,668 enthusiastic students from 22 school districts in LA County, including 85 students from Title 1 schools.

This year, “Coastal Cleanup Education Day” at the Aquarium hosted more than 118 3rd-6th grade students from across Los Angeles County for a day of beach exploration, scientific excursions, education, and hands-on learning while having fun in the sun.

In 2024, Heal the Bay built a blue economy, providing professional training on sustainable aquaculture practices in partnership with Santa Monica College. This program not only empowers future environmentalists with hands-on job training, but it has also allowed Heal the Bay Aquarium to lead a program that has put them on track to achieve 90% sustainability through aquaculture and animal donation within the next five years.

Speakers Bureau and Beach Programs (through the Adopt a Beach Program) gave 195 talks this year to educate the public on all Heal the Bay’s amazing and impactful work.

Cheers to 2024

As we look back on 2024, Heal the Bay celebrates a year of accomplishments, resilience, and collaboration. These achievements underscore the collective efforts of our dedicated team, volunteers, and supporters who positively impact the health of our oceans and coastal ecosystems.

Here’s to a future with even more significant strides toward a sustainable and thriving planet!  

Looking to the Future with 2025 in our sights

In 2025, Heal the Bay will celebrate its 40th Anniversary, marking four decades of dedicated environmental work. Since its founding, the organization has been a powerful advocate for clean water, coastal protection, and environmental justice across California. Through education, outreach, and policy efforts, Heal the Bay has significantly improved local ecosystems, making beaches, rivers, and communities safer and healthier. The organization remains committed to addressing climate change, promoting sustainability, and protecting the region’s natural beauty for future generations.
Thank you to all our supporters, both past and present.

Thank you for all our supporters both past and present.

SUPPORT HEAL THE BAY

Want to support our work for years to come? There is still time to make your big impact for Heal the Bay with Year End Giving. Give a gift for good to protect our precious watershed and help keep our coastal waters safe and clean all year round. Whether it be Corporate and Foundation Giving, Partnerships, Stock Donations, Donor Advised Funds, Estate Plans, Donations and Sponsorship Opportunities, you can make a lasting impact with your year-end contribution today. Contact Us.

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Capture King Tides to Understand Sea Level Rise

12.12.2024 | Annelisa Moe

California Climate Change

Join community scientists in California to observe and document the King Tides on December 13, 2024. This extreme high tide event provides a glimpse of what we face with climate-driven sea level rise. Your images will contribute to a better understanding of how to adapt to and combat the climate crisis. Get a glimpse of last winter’s King Tide.

UPDATED FEBRUARY 1, 2024

Capture the King Tide this December!

King Tides are a wave phenomenon that can only be witnessed a few times a year when the high tide is at its highest and the low tide is at its lowest. These extreme tides only come to shore when the moon is closest to the Earth and when the Earth is closest to the Sun. King Tides can teach California so much about the changing coastline, if their impact can be captured.

This February, Heal the Bay is calling on all local beach lovers to hit the sand and help us document these extreme tides. Taking pictures and recording this natural phenomenon can help climate scientists predict the future of California’s coastline in preparation of impending sea level rise, which is the first step toward adapting for and combating the climate crisis. Last year your observations were vital to prepare Los Angeles for a future affected by climate change and we need your help once again.

The second King Tides event of this season will occur on:

December 13,2024 at : 9:30 AM

December 14,2024 at : 7:25 AM.

December 15,2024 at : 8:07 AM.

Once again, we are calling on all those who love the California coast to help capture the King Tide.

Not in Los Angeles?

Check out this list of 2024 King Tide Events with the California King Tides Project to observe and help capture the impact of these waves wherever you are on the CA coast.

Our Guide to Capturing the King Tide Guide

How to capture the King Tide on your own!

Instructions from the CA Coastal Commission:
1) Find your local high tide time for one of the King Tides dates.
2) Visit the shoreline on the coast, bay, or delta.
3) Be aware of your surroundings to ensure you are safe and are not disturbing any animals.
4) Make sure your phone’s location services are turned on for your camera and then take your photo. The best photos show the water level next to familiar landmarks such as cliffs, rocks, roads, buildings, bridge supports, sea walls, staircases, and piers.
5) Add your photo to the King Tides map either by uploading it via the website or by using the Survey123 app.

Sea Level Rise

Before we get into the details of this year’s King Tides event, let’s begin with the larger context of sea level rise. Humans are polluting Earth’s atmosphere with greenhouse gases (GHGs) like CO2, primarily through the burning of fossil fuels, driving average global temperatures up at an unprecedented rate.

Oceans have helped to buffer this steady pollution stream by absorbing 90% of our excess heat and 25% of our CO2 emissions. This, among myriad impacts, has increased sea temperatures, causing ocean water to expand. The combination of ocean water expansion and new water input from the melting of landlocked glaciers results in rapid sea level rise.

: Santa Monica Beach Current

: Santa Monica Beach Sea Level Rise 2ft

: Santa Monica Beach Sea Level Rise 7 Ft

: Ports Current Sea Level

: Ports Sea Level Rise 7ft

: Marina Del Rey Current Sea Level

: Marina Del Rey Sea Level Rise 7ft

Take a look at images from the NOAA Sea Level Rise Viewer. Light blue shows areas expected to flood consistently as sea levels rise. Bright green shows low-lying areas vulnerable to flooding from groundwater upwelling as seawater intrusion increases.

According to the 2021 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report, sea level will rise 2 feet by 2100 even if efforts are made to lower GHG emissions, and possibly as much as 7 feet by 2100 if we continue with “business as usual” (i.e., burning fossil fuels at the current unsustainable rate). Rapid sea level rise threatens beach loss, coastal and intertidal habitat loss, seawater intrusion into our groundwater supply (which could contaminate our drinking water supply and cause inland flooding from groundwater upwelling), as well as impacts from flooding or cliff erosion on coastal infrastructures like roads, homes, businesses, power plants and sewage treatment plants—not to mention nearby toxic sites.

Here's a sea level rise problem we should all think more about: Toxic sites that could flood + expose nearby residents to dangerous chemicals.
A new study by @UCBerkeleySPH @UCLAFSPH found that *more than 400 toxic sites* in California could flood by 2100 https://t.co/Y0N75ZTDnJ
— Rosanna Xia (@RosannaXia) November 30, 2021

King Tides: A Glimpse of Future Sea Levels

Ocean tides on Earth are caused by the gravitational pull of the moon (and the sun, to a lesser extent) on our oceans. When the moon is closest to Earth along its elliptical orbit, and when the moon, earth, and sun are aligned, gravitational pull compounds, causing extreme high and low tides called Perigean-Spring Tides or King Tides. These extreme tides provide a glimpse of future sea level rise.

Image courtesy of NOAA National Ocean Service.

In fact, King Tides in Southern California this December and January are expected to be 2-3 feet higher than normal high tides (and lower than normal low tides), providing a clear snapshot of what the regular daily high tides will likely be by 2100.

: Surfider Beach Third Point, Malibu (Photo by CA Coastal Commission)

: Broad Beach, Malibu in 2016 (Photo by LA Waterkeeper)

: (Top to bottom) Low, Medium, High Tides at Carbon Beach, January 8-10 2013

What is being done

Many coastal cities in California have developed Local Coastal Programs in coordination with the CA Coastal Commission to address sea level rise. The Coastal Commission is also developing new sea level rise guidance for critical infrastructure, recently released for public review. Unfortunately, if we continue with “business as usual,” the rate of sea level rise will occur much more quickly than we can adapt to it, which is why we need bold global action now to combat the climate crisis and limit sea level rise as much as possible.

What you can do

Motivated people like you can become community scientists by submitting King Tides photographs the weekend of December 23 and 24, 2022 to contribute to the digital storytelling of sea level rise. These photos are used to better understand the climate crisis, to educate people about the impacts, to catalog at-risk communities and infrastructure, and plan for mitigation and adaptation. Join the Coastal Commission in their CA King Tides Project!

Get involved in #KingTides events

In the Los Angeles area? Here are some areas we expect will have noticeable King Tides:

In Palos Verdes, we recommend: Pelican Cove, Terrenea Beach, White Point Beach, and Point Fermin. In Malibu, we suggest: Paradise Cove, Westward Beach, Broad Beach, El Pescador State Beach, and Leo Carrillo State Beach.

ACTION LINK(S)

FIND LOCAL KING TIDE TIMES

SEE PREVIOUS KING TIDE PHOTOS

SUPPORT OUR WORK

Written by Annelisa Moe. As a Coastal and Marine Scientist for Heal the Bay, Annelisa works to keep our oceans and marine ecosystems healthy and clean by advocating for strong legislation and enforcement both locally and statewide. She focuses on plastic pollution, marine protected areas, sustainable fisheries, and climate change related issues.

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Listening to the Land: Water Quality Training with Sacred Places Institute

11.25.2024 | Heal the Bay

Malibu / Pacific Palisades Water Quality

From the desk of the Heal the Bay Water Quality Team.

Heal the Bay recently hosted the Sacred Places Institute for Indigenous Peoples for a day of hands-on water quality testing and training to share our knowledge on the contaminants in LA’s freshwater, test for pollutants, and assess the ecosystem to protect public health. This partnership combined scientific methods with Indigenous traditions, creating a captivating day of cross-organizational knowledge sharing that promised to unveil new insights and foster a more profound respect for diverse perspectives.

Incorporating Indigenous perspectives is so important when it comes to environmental science. Indigenous communities and organizations often possess deep, localized knowledge of their environment, including an intricate understanding of water systems and changes over time. This legacy knowledge can significantly enhance the accuracy and completeness of water quality data and is an opportunity to learn more about the cultural and spiritual values of the area’s original inhabitants, and to help see water as more than just a resource.

Diving into the Current

Following an insightful morning filled with presentations and lively discussions, we convened at Malibu Creek State Park to measure the water’s turbidity, temperature, and other environmental factors. We donned our signature “Stream Team” boots and protective gear to wade “knee-deep” into the process of assessing the creek’s water quality. It was the perfect opportunity to put theory into practice and to demonstrate firsthand how water quality impacts our environment.

Heal the Bay staff shared insights into our Stream Team’s process to tests for fecal indicator bacteria, explaining how these pollutants signal ecosystem and public health risks and how this science informs both our Beach Report Card and River Report Card. Members of Sacred Places Institute shared the historical and cultural significance of water, reflecting on Indigenous water stewardship in the LA area, past and present, and highlighted the ongoing work to restore urban waterways.

At Las Virgenes Creek, before we started our fieldwork, Sacred Places Institute’s Land, Water, and Climate Justice Director Jessa Calderon (of the Tongva, Chumash, and Yoeme Nations) began with a prayer to honor nature. She sought permission to collect a water sample and waited for the land and water to indicate consent—an important step in ensuring that our work was in harmony with the environment. With no signs of refusal from the land, we proceeded to collect water samples. This approach underscores the importance of integrating Indigenous perspectives into water quality testing programs, where the land isn’t just a resource, but a partner in the process.

Reflecting on the training, Sacred Places Institute said: “Participating in the Heal the Bay water quality testing training validated the continued need for local and state stringent water policy regulations and enforcement as one way to keep waterways free from industrial development contamination and stormwater runoff. Moreover, it reinforced the need for water back to local Native Nations as the inherent guardians of local waterways and as an effort to reintroduce the traditional caretaking knowledge for water as a means to help bring it back to balance.”

Back to the Lab Again

After collecting samples, we headed back to the Heal the Bay lab. Tests revealed low E. coli levels but elevated Enterococci and total coliforms, which are other types of bacteria found in the intestines of humans and animals. While E. coli levels were low and typically a primary concern for water contamination, the elevated levels of Enterococci and total coliforms suggest that there may still be a potential health risk for people who come into contact with the water. These bacteria are indicators of fecal contamination, which could pose a risk of illness, especially if someone swallows contaminated water or has open cuts.

The Why Behind the Work

We were honored to be able to share our knowledge and learn so much from our long time partners at Sacred Places Institute. By blending our scientific methods and Indigenous knowledge, we deepen our understanding and strengthen Heal the Bay’s commitment to safe, clean water for all. Support our mission to protect LA’s waterways.

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Heal the Bay’s 2024 Voter Guide

10.23.2024 | Heal the Bay

Culver City Take Action

October 29,2024 — There are exciting propositions that could lead to important environmental change on California’s general election ballot this year. We created this voter guide to help you make the most informed vote possible on the environmental issues facing California and Los Angeles. On November 5 (or earlier, if you’re voting by mail), cast your votes with confidence.

Heal the Bay is excited to share our insights and vision for how science and policy can protect the environments we cherish. We encourage voters to explore our resources and do their own research to make informed decisions. Your engagement is vital for safeguarding our coastal ecosystems.

Ready? Set! VOTE!

Proposition 4: California Climate Bond – the safe drinking water, wildfire prevention, drought preparedness, and clean air bond act

The issue: Approving Proposition 4 would authorize $10 billion to be spent on environmental and climate projects. The most significant portion, $3.8 billion, would be spent on water projects. Half of those funds would be earmarked to improve water quality. The remainder will be allocated to protecting the state from floods, droughts, and other activities, including restoring rivers and lakes. The rest of the money would be spent on:

Wildfire and extreme heat projects, $1.95 billion.

Natural lands, parks, and wildlife projects, $1.9 billion.

Coastal lands, bays, and ocean protection, $1.2 billion.

Clean energy projects, $850 million.

Agricultural projects, $300 million.

The stakes: California has yet to recover from the multiple atmospheric rivers that fell between December 31, 2022, and March 25, 2023. The heavy rain fall resulted in massive property damage and at least 22 fatalities across the state. Intensifying storms, L.A.’s aging infrastructure, and ongoing sea level rise are ingredients for a perfect storm that could wreak havoc on coastal properties and shorelines while seriously straining our local economy. Is L.A. ready? Prop 4 gives our region a chance to build resiliency and buffer our fragile water systems against weather whiplash.

Our recommendation: Cast your ballot for climate ready beaches and neighborhoods. Vote YES.

Proposition 5: Lower voter threshold for local infrastructure bonds

The issue: State law currently requires a super majority (2/3) for passage of local housing and infrastructure bond measures, which restricts the ability of local voters to approve those bonds for their communities. Prop 5 would lower the threshold from 66.67% to 55% for passage of local bonds related to infrastructure for water, parks, housing, transportation and more.

The stakes: Los Angeles’ water infrastructure has been historically underfunded, which is why 33% of our sewage infrastructure is past its expected lifespan. We need to upgrade sewage infrastructure now as well as invest in water recycling and stormwater capture to improve water quality, protect public health, and to secure a reliable climate-resilient water supply. Prop 5 would apply to all local housing and infrastructure bond measures, and will, for example, allow local communities to more easily invest in critical water infrastructure.

Our recommendation: Making it easier to fund critical water infrastructure projects will protect public health. VOTE YES.

Measure US*: Aging LAUSD schools require urgent infrastructure funding

The issue: LAUSD schools need infrastructure funding. About 80% of the buildings were built over 50 years ago and need upgrades for student and faculty safety and daily experience. LAUSD owns 6,400 acres of land in Los Angeles which presents an enormous opportunity to include multi-benefit stormwater capture in property upgrades.

The stakes: LAUSD forecasts $80 billion in unfunded fixes and necessary campus improvements. This ranges from faulty A/C units, lack of shade and green space, leaky roofs, plumbing, and much more. As we experience hotter days and weather extremes in the face of climate change, we must prepare for the future and invest in spaces where our kids spend so much time. This $9 billion bond is the first step to address some of these disparities and work towards technology improvements for students, accessibility, and energy efficiency/electrification. Specifically, $1.25 billion is earmarked for school greening projects, like planting trees, increasing shade, ripping up asphalt, and creating outdoor learning spaces. These upgrades not only improve our students’ physical and mental health but can also capture stormwater, reducing the pollution reaching our coastal waterways.

Measure US funding will:

Improve school safety

Upgrade classrooms to prepare students for college and careers

Replace leaky roofs, unreliable plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems

Update learning technology and infrastructure – including energy efficiency and electrification

Improve schools for disability access and earthquake safety

Renovate older schools to reduce disparities

Upgrade old and deteriorating athletic facilities and play structures

Create outdoor learning spaces and upgrade school yards

Our recommendation: Support investing in a healthier school environment for our LAUSD students. Greener schools mean greener communities. VOTE YES.

*City of Los Angeles voters only.

Got election questions? Not sure when/where/how/if to vote? Visit the Secretary of State’s election FAQ page.

Want to learn more about Heal the Bay’s Science and Policy work? Subscribe to our Blue News Letter for the latest updates and insights! SUBSCRIBE

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Coastal Cleanup Day 2024 – Wrap Up

09.30.2024 | Jillian Marshall

California Coast Coastal Cleanup Day Los Angeles News

Check out the full 2024 Coastal Wrap-Up Book:

DOWNLOAD THE 2024 WRAP-UP BOOK

Check out our Coastal Cleanup Day Highlight Stats!

Updated September 27, 2024, 3:00 PM

Los Angeles County Numbers (Heal the Bay Sites)

6,983 Volunteers cleaned
62 Sites,
Removing 19,209.47 Pounds of trash from our coastline and waterways!

According to the California Coastal Commission as of 5PM 9/24 with 50% reporting (including Heal the Bay)

According to the California Coastal Commission, more than 250,000 pounds of trash was removed on the 2024 California Coastal Cleanup Day. The event took place on September 21, 2024, and nearly 29,000 volunteers participated.

Thank you to all who joined Heal the Bay in Los Angeles County on Coastal Cleanup Day 2024, and a special thank you to our 2024 Coastal Cleanup Day Sponsors:

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Heal the Bay Blog

Category: Locations

Looking for more than water quality? Find more Ash to Action Updates HERE.

SEE OUR THE LATEST POST-FIRE WATER QUALITY UPDATES:

Post-fire ocean advisories were just lifted, but is it finally safe to swim in the coastal waters?

Heal the Bay’s post-fire water quality data and analysis is live!

Watch the Webinar on the most recent Ash to Action updates

Read our analysis of the LACDPH & RWQCB data (part 2).

Our analysis of the LA County Department of Public Health post-fire water quality data is live.

Learn about beach safety in the wake of the fires.

In late January, Heal the Bay’s staff scientists began collecting ocean-water samples from 10 shoreline sites along the Bay to test for heavy metals, PCBs, asbestos, and other toxins. See our water quality testing timeline

Our fire response has just begun.

UPDATE MARCH 28, 2025

UPDATE MARCH 27, 2025

UPDATE MARCH 25, 2025

Watch the Webinar for today’s latest Heal the Bay Ash to Action Updates.

UPDATE MARCH 13, 2025

The Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board has released its 2025 Post-Fire Water Quality Monitoring results.

UPDATE FEBRUARY 28, 2025

Post-Fire Water Quality in Santa Monica Bay: We reviewed results from the LA County Department of Public Health (DPH).

UPDATE FEBRUARY 26, 2025

UPDATE FEBRUARY 18, 2025

UPDATE JANUARY 29, 2025

Celebrate Earth Month with Heal the Bay!

Heal the Bay Earth Month 2025 Calendar of Special Events

New Heal the Bay Volunteer Orientation – FREE

Thursday, April 10, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm @ Heal the Bay Aquarium

Spring Science Camp at Heal the Bay Aquarium

Monday, April 14 – Friday, April 18, 2025

April Nothin’ But Sand Beach Cleanup – FREE

Earth Month Beach Cleanup

Celebrate Earth Day at Heal the Bay Aquarium

Saturday, April 19, 12 PM – 4 PM

Earth Day Activities Include:

Black Sands, A Beach Talk Series- FREE

Heal the Bay BioBlitz: 2025 L.A. City Nature Challenge – FREE

Gathering at Kuruvungna – FREE

We’re Looking For Our 2025 Coastal Clean Up Day Poster Artist!

Heal the Bay Earth Month 2025 Tabling Calendar

Here are the biggest takeaways from our meeting with the EPA:

The latest news about the Palisades fire and its impact on ocean-water quality and beach access in L.A. County.

Stay away from burn zones and evacuated areas in the Palisades, Topanga, and Malibu areas.

There is no public access to any L.A. County beaches in the fire or evacuation zones, roughly north of the Santa Monica Pier to County Line.

Avoid water contact at any beaches from Malibu’s Surfrider Beach to Dockweiler State Beach near LAX.

Water quality testing of local beaches will continue at sites that are still accessible to sampling agencies.

Water quality testing needs to expand beyond monitoring fecal bacteria to include testing for heavy metals, PCBs, nitrates, and other harmful compounds.

Reimagining the Ocean and Protecting the Planet with Heal the Bay’s Aquaculture Program

Reflecting on a Year of Progress

2024 Highlights

Cheers to 2024

Looking to the Future with 2025 in our sights

UPDATED FEBRUARY 1, 2024

Capture the King Tide this December!

Our Guide to Capturing the King Tide Guide

Sea Level Rise

King Tides: A Glimpse of Future Sea Levels

What is being done

What you can do

Get involved in #KingTides events

In the Los Angeles area? Here are some areas we expect will have noticeable King Tides:

Diving into the Current

Back to the Lab Again

The Why Behind the Work

Heal the Bay is excited to share our insights and vision for how science and policy can protect the environments we cherish. We encourage voters to explore our resources and do their own research to make informed decisions. Your engagement is vital for safeguarding our coastal ecosystems.

Check out the full 2024 Coastal Wrap-Up Book: