Southern California is currently experiencing a significant harmful algal bloom (HAB) that poses serious threats to marine life and public health.
You may have recently seen disturbing reports of disoriented sea lions or deceased dolphins along the California coast. These marine mammals are experiencing the effects of harmful neurotoxins due to a toxic algal bloom. As the number of beached and injured animal cases rises, so does the spread of misinformation about their cause, their impact on marine life, and whether it’s connected to recent wildfires. Heal the Bay’s science team is here to break down the facts about this bloom and share what beachgoers, anglers, and coastal communities need to know to stay informed and safe.
The Bloom Below the Surface
Current Status of the Algal Bloom
The recent bloom was first detected in San Diego in December 2024, but the toxic algal bloom intensified in mid-February as it moved into Los Angeles County. It has now spread along the entire Southern California coastline and into Baja, affecting all Southern California counties from San Diego to Santa Barbara, and is now being detected along Central California waters as well.
What type of algae is this?
This bloom is primarily caused by the algae species Pseudo-nitzschia, a type of phytoplankton that produces domoic acid, a potent neurotoxin that causes domoic acid poisoning, also referred to as Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning. However, this is a unique and somewhat unprecedented bloom as we are also seeing another plankton, a type of dinoflagellate, blooming and producing saxitoxin, a different and yet equally dangerous neurotoxin that causes Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning. Marine life has been severely impacted, with reports indicating that hundreds of sea lions, dolphins, whales, and seabirds have been affected. These toxins accumulate in shellfish and small finfish such as sardines and anchovies, which are common prey for these marine animals, leading to neurological symptoms such as disorientation, seizures, and death.
Are these types of algae blooms natural or unnatural?
While harmful algal blooms are natural occurrences in California’s marine ecosystems, their frequency and intensity are exacerbated by climate change and pollution. Warmer waters, increased nutrient runoff, and increased winds leading to increased upwelling (a natural occurrence that brings nutrient-rich water up to the surface from deeper water) create an ideal environment for algae to bloom. This is the fourth consecutive year that Southern California has experienced a severe, harmful algal bloom.
Did the January 2025 Wildfires cause this event?
We cannot definitively link this bloom to the wildfires, considering that high algal levels were detected before the fires began, and impacts from domoic acid have been observed for the last four years. However, it is possible that the post-fire conditions contributed to the algal bloom’s intensity this year.
The same high winds that intensified the firestorm also may have increased nutrient upwelling. After the fire, heavy rains washed nutrients such as sulfates, nitrates, and phosphorus found in ash and fire retardants onto the coastline. This influx of nutrients into coastal waters can stimulate the growth of algae, including harmful species. Additionally, wildfire ash can introduce iron into marine ecosystems, further promoting algal proliferation, but we do not yet have sufficient scientific evidence to see a definitive correlation between this year’s megafires and this year’s harmful algal bloom.
Wildlife Encounters & Seafood Warnings
What do I do if I encounter sick or injured marine life on the beach?
While we have experienced serious, harmful algal blooms and domoic acid outbreaks for the past few years, this particular bloom affects even more animals than we have seen recently, including sea lions, seals, and dolphins. If you are visiting the beach, you may come across wildlife that is affected by domoic acid poisoning. The public is urged to exercise caution when encountering marine animals that appear sick, injured, or deceased. DO NOT APPROACH ANY ANIMALS.
Domoic acid poisoning can cause marine mammals to exhibit unusual or aggressive behavior, posing potential risks to human safety. As many Angelenos have probably heard, there have been recent incidents of sea lions exhibiting aggressive behavior towards humans, likely due to domoic acid exposure. These animals are also very sick and need space to avoid harming them further. While it is always illegal to approach a marine mammal due to the Marine Mammal Protection Act, it is critical to exercise caution now. If you come across such animals:
Do Not Approach: Maintain a safe distance to avoid potential injury to you or the animal. Do NOT touch the animal.
Contact Authorities: Report the sighting to local marine mammal rescue organizations or wildlife authorities. In the Los Angeles area, you can contact the Marine Mammal Care Center at (310) 548-5677.
Follow Instructions: Provide accurate information about the animal’s location and condition, and follow any guidance provided by authorities.
Is it safe to swim in the algae-abundant waters?
When the “red tide” comes in, some surfers won’t hesitate to risk the pungent waters for the perfect break. But is it safe to be in the water during a visible algae bloom? While domoic acid and saxitoxin are generally only dangerous to humans when consumed in affected seafood like shellfish, they don’t pose a significant risk to swimmers. That said, the marine life impacted by this outbreak may behave erratically, which can pose a risk to recreators. Risk is a personal choice, however we at Heal the Bay don’t recommend swimming in affected waters out of an abundance of caution.
Can I eat locally caught shellfish?
Humans can get very sick from eating shellfish that have been contaminated with domoic acid and/or saxitoxin. In response to the elevated levels of these toxins in samples, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued multiple shellfish advisories in the past month.
The advisories warn against the consumption of recreationally harvested mussels, clams, oysters, and scallops from San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties due to the risk of Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP) and Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP).
Symptoms of ASP can range from gastrointestinal distress to severe neurological issues, including memory loss. Symptoms of PSP begin with tingling around the mouth and fingertips, followed by loss of balance, lack of muscular coordination, slurred speech, and difficulty swallowing. In severe poisonings from either ASP or PSP, death can occur.
What does this mean for seafood lovers? Stay away from locally caught shellfish for now to stay safe until this bloom dissipates – cooking does NOT eliminate these toxins from food.
Should I stay away from commercial shellfish products?
Commercial shellfish products remain safe for consumption, as they are subject to rigorous testing before reaching the market.
Heal the Bay’s Initiatives and Resources
Heal the Bay remains deeply committed to safeguarding the health of our coastal waters and marine life and the public health of all Angelenos. In light of recent wildfires and their potential impact on ocean health, we have launched the “Ash to Action” initiative, focusing on monitoring and mitigating wildfire-related pollutants in our waterways. Our dedicated water quality scientists have worked around the clock to collect, test, and analyze water samples from in and around the burn zone and we recently published those results to keep the public informed. We will continue to work with local County and City officials and other scientists to gather and disseminate information about post-fire water quality. To stay up to date, follow us on social media @healthebay, subscribe to our newsletters, and bookmark the Ash to Action splash page.
For more information, watch our recent webinar with the Marine Mammal Care Center where we answer questions about this harmful algal bloom. Click here to watch. Password: WELOVE0URBAY! (the “O” in “OUR” is a Zero)
Note: This information is based on the latest available data as of April 24, 2025. For real-time updates and advisories, please refer to official sources such as the California Department of Public Health, SCCOOS HAB Bulletin, and local wildlife authorities.
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
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 great news for the bay, there may be a risk to human health within 250 yards of debris removal activity. 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. Out of an abundance of caution, Heal the Bay would like to highlight that recreating within 250 yards of debris removal may also 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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
State Water Resources Control Board: Investigate Health Impacts of Southern California Offshore DDT Dumpsite
We, the undersigned, urge the State Water Resources Control Board to take immediate action to protect the health of California’s communities by studying the impacts of the Southern California offshore DDT dumpsite as new standards are developed for waters that support subsistence fishing beneficial uses.
Decades ago, thousands of barrels worth of the toxic forever-chemical DDT were dumped off the coast of Southern California, creating an environmental and public health hazard that persists to this day. Recent studies have confirmed the presence of DDT contamination in marine sediments and marine life, raising serious concerns about exposure risks, particularly for communities that rely on subsistence fishing. To date, the extent to which the contamination has spread and the impact on marine food webs remains largely unknown, and further research is urgently required.
Many subsistence anglers come from vulnerable communities that face food inequity and other systemic challenges. According to a 2020 study using data from Heal the Bay’s Angler Outreach Program, the top five zip codes of anglers on the piers include Hawthorne, Rosewood, North Long Beach, South Gate, and South El Monte. Many of these communities are classified as environmental justice communities, with populations disproportionately affected by pollution burdens. Fishing on piers itself is an environmental justice concern as it is the most accessible location to fish because it does not require a fishing license, which can present a barrier both through language and finances. As the State Board works to develop water quality standards that account for the needs of subsistence fishers, the long-term health impacts of the DDT dumpsite must be thoroughly studied and addressed. Without this research, policies may fail to protect those most vulnerable to contamination adequately.
We call on the State Water Resources Control Board to:
Commit to studying the human health impacts of DDT contamination considering the full context of the Palos Verdes Peninsula superfund site and the offshore DDT dumpsite.
Ensure that new water quality standards for subsistence fishing consider these health risks, including findings on which fish species are being caught and consumed by at-risk communities. Consider the demographics and practices of anglers from Santa Monica to Seal Beach and re-assess the structure, reach, and efficacy of existing intervention programs.
Prioritize public engagement with impacted communities, including multilingual angler surveys and focus groups with Indigenous community members, ensuring their voices are heard in the policymaking process.
Engage in government-to-government collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Fish Contamination Education Collaborative, as well as with local Public Health offices, to address public health in the context of superfund site remediation and update and enhance seafood consumption advisories to better protect vulnerable populations.
California has a duty to protect its residents from toxic pollution. By committing to this research and incorporating its findings into new standards, the State Water Board can help safeguard public health and ensure environmental justice for affected communities.
Heal the Bay is committed to rebuilding greater L.A. to be more resilient to climate extremes after the devastating 2025 wildfires. As a valued environmental partner for nearly 40 years, Heal the Bay will have a key seat at the table as decision-makers formulate plans on how to rebuild the areas impacted by the Palisades and Eaton fires.
L.A. County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath recently appointed Heal the Bay CEO Tracy Quinn as one of the leaders on the Los Angeles County Blue Ribbon Commission on Climate Action and Fire Safe Recovery.
“Los Angeles County cannot afford to simply rebuild what was lost—we must build for the future,” said Supervisor Horvath. “This is our opportunity to rethink how we design communities, fortify infrastructure, and protect lives from the growing threats of the climate crisis. The Blue Ribbon Commission will ensure that we lead the way in creating fire-safe, climate-resilient communities that will stand for generations. Our communities are invited into this process led by Los Angeles’ leading experts across academia, urban design and sustainability, environmental justice, housing, and finance.”
Quinn’s appointment ensures that Heal the Bay can provide guidance on how to rebuild devastated communities in a way that balances the needs of residents, ecosystems and coastal waters. She is one of only two people on the commission representing ocean, coastline and watershed interests. You can see the full list of commission members here.
The Commission will provide expert-driven recommendations focused on:
• Fire-safe reconstruction: Implementing fire-resistant materials, defensible space strategies, and climate-smart building standards. • Resilient infrastructure: Undergrounding utilities, expanding water storage and conveyance, and hardening power grids. • Faster rebuilding: Identifying resilient home designs and systems that could be pre-approved to expedite reconstruction and financial incentives to support rebuilding. • Equitable recovery: Reducing the risk of displacement, ensuring affordable insurance, and prioritizing support for vulnerable communities.
The Commission will hold its kick-off meetings Friday, February 28, 2025, and Saturday, March 1, 2025, and release its first set of recommendations within three months, outlining proposed steps for fire-safe reconstruction and long-term climate adaptation strategies. The Commission meetings will engage community voices to help shape the resilient rebuilding and recovery recommendations.
“By working together with local decision-makers, environmental leaders, and the communities of Los Angeles, I believe we can recover from this terrible climate event and begin to heal L.A., coming back even stronger,” said Quinn. Heal the Bay is committed to working tirelessly to renew the region with resilience.”
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: 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?
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.
Polluters are being held accountable in the Upper LA River Watershed!
A recent legal victory for the Regional Water Board is a major win for the environment, helping to protect the Los Angeles River headwaters and the broader watershed from further pollution.
As a result of advocacy by groups like Heal the Bay, LA Water Keeper, and Parents Against SSFL, the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board (Regional Board) approved updated regulations for runoff from the Boeing Santa Susana Field Laboratory (SSFL) site in 2023. The new permit included strict water quality limits and additional monitoring requirements for contaminants like PFAS and PCBs, permit elements that are necessary to understand and control polluted runoff from this site. Boeing immediately filed a petition against the Regional Board opposing the permit.
Over this past year, Heal the Bay, LA Water Keeper, and Parents Against SSFL supported the Regional Board as interested parties, filing an amicus briefing, or “friend-of-the-court” briefing, to provide useful information to the court as they weighed their decision. The Los Angeles Superior Court recently ruled in favor of the Regional Water Board, rejecting most of Boeing’s arguments, and upholding the new permit terms.
This significant legal victory for the Regional Water Board is a major win for the environment, helping to protect the Los Angeles River headwaters and the broader watershed from further pollution.
Small amounts of rain may be headed to greater Los Angeles this weekend, according to the latest weather forecasts. If precipitation comes it will be welcome relief for firefighters still battling low humidity and lingering hot spots. But the rain poses another challenge – erosion. Washing away the top layer of soil can move pollutants into the ocean, threaten water supplies and harm local ecosystems.
The first significant rain of the wet season is called the “first flush.” It washes all the pollution that has accumulated on surfaces in urban areas during the dry season into storm drains and waterways, eventually making its way to the ocean. Following the unprecedented wildfires in Los Angeles, the first flush will be amplified – 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. Immediate mitigation strategies must focus on proactive actions to reduce environmental damage and improve water quality. Erosion control measures such as mulch, silt fences, straw wattles, and contour log placement help minimize sediment runoff, while debris removal efforts, coordinated with city and county agencies, prevent further contamination.
Here’s a quick look at how rains affect recently burned areas of the region.
There is a chance of a few showers on Friday, but an increased likelihood on Saturday.
Predicted rainfall totals are only about a quarter-inch. But even that relatively small amount can lead to significant runoff, given that scorched soil has a harder job holding rainfall. February is typically the rainiest month in greater L.A., so volumes then will be heaviest. But these weekend drizzles could be harbinger of the damage to come.
There are multiple causes of erosion after wildfire.
Flames destroy the plant material that support and protect the soil.
Intense heat weakens the soil structure, further harming already susceptible hillsides.
Fire can create conditions that make the soil less likely to absorb water, which increases surface runoff.
Erosion after a wildfire can be very harmful.
Ocean-bound sediment can be filled with PCBs, asbestos, heavy metals and other toxins
Debris flows can choke local rivers and streams, depriving wildlife of oxygen.
Sediment-filled runoff can damage flood control infrastructure, fill reservoirs and threaten neighborhoods.
Growing Erosion Risks After Wildfires in Los Angeles.
Wildfire-affected areas in Los Angeles will face intensified erosion, as the fires have destroyed vegetation that normally prevents erosion by stabilizing soil and slowing water runoff, and left hazardous materials behind. Scientists last year documented a tenfold increase in post-fire hillside erosion in parts of California from the late 1980s to the 2010s. However, wildfires are not the only factor, and the effects are amplified by other impacts of a changing climate. Prolonged droughts delay soil recovery, while intense rainfall increases runoff, creating a high risk of erosion. This see-saw effect will dramatically increase the amount of harmful runoff, debris and sediments that reach our oceans, shorelines, and local habitats.
Immediate Actions and Long-Term Strategies for Recovering and Stabilizing Fire-Scarred Hillsides
Erosion is usually worse one to two years after a fire, but there are steps we can take now to help minimize impacts. Immediate actions include assessing burn severity and stabilizing soil through methods such as mulching, silt fences, straw wattles, and straw-bale dams that can help reduce erosion and prevent further damage.
Monitoring watershed and coastal health will be crucial to understand immediate impacts, to address emerging issues, and to identify appropriate long-term strategies, which should include revegetating the area with native plants to stabilize soil (avoiding non-native grasses that hinder native growth and increase fire risks) and rebuilding with climate resilience in mind to reduce future wildfire risks. Partnerships between government agencies, environmental organizations, and local communities can help coordinate resources and strategies.
To safeguard Los Angeles’ water resources and combat erosion, it is essential to address the root causes such as climate change and unsustainable land management. This requires reducing fossil fuel emissions, utilizing the Coastal Act to guide rebuilding practices, and re-integrating traditional ecological practices for land and water management. In addition, investment in nature-based stormwater capture solutions can help reduce runoff and pollutants, while prioritizing the health of ecosystems and the sustainable water management.
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
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.
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.
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 theinterview 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.
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!
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 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 volunteerscollected 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 Card 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.
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.
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 co-authored the 
Heal the Bay advocacy supported major wins for state and local plastics regulation this year, including the passage of 
They were also featured as experts in the Los Angeles Times documentary “Out of Plain Sight.”. 
In 2024, Heal the Bay built a blue economy, providing professional training on sustainable aquaculture practices in partnership with Santa Monica College. 
