Top
Heal the Bay Blog
Category: Take Action
Start Where You Are This Earth Month
This Earth Month, we’re focusing on one simple idea: Start where you are.
Protecting our ocean and waterways can feel overwhelming, but real change doesn’t happen all at once. It starts with small, consistent actions taken by people like you.
From reducing single-use plastics in your home to cleaning up your local beach or river to learning more about endangered species, every step forward helps build a healthier, more resilient future.
Wherever you are on your journey, Heal the Bay has a place for you.
Start small. Start local. Start where you are.
Heal the Bay Earth Month 2026 Calendar of Events
Check back for updates, events, news, and more! Click here to view the calendar.
April New Volunteer Orientation – Free
Thursday, April 9, 6:30 pm – 8 pm, Heal the Bay HQ – 1444 9th St, Santa Monica, CA
Not sure where to start? Join us for our Volunteer Orientation and discover all the different ways you can make a real impact on our oceans, coastal waters, and watersheds. From helping at the Aquarium to advocating for marine protected areas on the sand and supporting work to help save a species, there are so many ways to protect what you love.
Whether you’re just getting started or looking to deepen your involvement, this is your place to begin. Learn about our volunteer programs, connect with a community of passionate ocean advocates, and be the first to hear about upcoming events and opportunities.
In-Disposable: The Fight Against Plastic Pollution Starts Where You Are – Free
Wednesday, April 15, 6 pm – 7 pm, Virtual
Start with a question: Where does plastic pollution really come from? Join Heal the Bay Marine Scientist and Circular Economy Fellow, Emily Parker, for an eye-opening look at where plastic pollution really begins, its infamous history, and what small, personal choices we can make to stop it.
Protecting the LA River in a Changing Climate · LA Climate Week 2026 – Free
Friday, April 17, 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm, Spoke Bicycle Cafe
Take part in a special community panel during LA Climate Week 2026, a region-wide effort uplifting climate leadership across Los Angeles.
Join Heal the Bay, Friends of the LA River, LA Waterkeeper, Parents Against Santa Susana Field Laboratory, and Wishtoyo Chumash Foundation for an honest and hopeful conversation about the future of the Los Angeles River, from watershed health and water quality to restoration, policy, and community action.
This cross-coalition gathering builds a shared vision for a healthier, more resilient river. After the panel, we’ll take a walk along the river together. We’d love to see you there! Bring a friend, a colleague, or anyone who loves the river and wants to see it thrive.
Earth Month Nothin’ But Sand Beach Clean Up – Free
Saturday, April 18, 10 am – 12 pm, Santa Monica Beach PIer (Northside), Tower 1550
Start where it all began, at Heal the Bay’s home base in Santa Monica!
Join us this Earth Month for one of our biggest beach cleanups of the year. Help remove harmful debris from this iconic beach, connect with fellow ocean lovers, and learn how you can continue to take action for the environment.
Celebrate Earth Month at Heal the Bay Aquarium
Sunday, April 19, 11 am FREE Admission,
Santa Monica Pier
Start where science meets fun! Dive into an Earth Month Open House at the Aquarium under the Santa Monica Pier and explore the wonder of our coastline through hands-on experiences. Touch a shark, meet over 100 local species, including the critically endangered sunflower sea star, and discover how your everyday choices can create waves of impact. Enjoy fun planet-friendly activations like arts and crafts, nature journaling, and enjoy a surprise performance by award-winning artist and activist Madame Gandhi!!
Thank you, Sunny Within, for supporting this event!
Sunny Within is matching all gifts up to $2,500 given on or before April 19, 2026, to help you start where you are. Give what you can, make twice the impact.
Earth Day 2026
Wednesday, April 22
Start Where You Are. A new wave begins this Earth Day.
This Earth Day, we’re premiering a powerful new campaign about the small moments that spark big change. Wherever you are in your journey, this is your invitation to begin. Tune in, follow us on social, and don’t miss your chance to start.
The Comeback: Saving the Sunflower Sea Star From Extinction – Free
Tuesday, April 28, 6 pm, Virtual
We’re starting with a single sea star, and she needs your support. Join Heal the Bay for a virtual behind-the-scenes look at our urgent work to save the critically endangered sunflower sea star, why the future of California’s kelp forests depends on it, and how you can help.
Heal the Bay Earth Month BioBlitz – Free
Saturday, April 25, Manhattan Beach Dunes, 10 AM–12 PM and Saturday, April 26, Temescal Canyon Park, 9 AM–12 PM
Start in the canyon or start in the south bay. Just start where you are!
Join Heal the Bay and partners for two BioBlitz events that turn exploration into action. From the sandy dunes of Manhattan Beach to the trails of Temescal Canyon, you’ll help document local wildlife, learn from experts, and support hands-on restoration efforts across LA.
Saturday, April 25 | Manhattan Beach Dunes (10 AM–12 PM)
Explore a rare coastal ecosystem, snap photos of native species, and see how your observations contribute to the ongoing restoration work of LA’s coast with Heal the Bay and the Bay Foundation.
Saturday, April 26 | Temescal Canyon Park (9 AM–12 PM)
Be part of a day of biodiversity tracking and restoration, in partnership with Resilient Palisades and TreePeople, honoring the lives impacted by the Palisades Fire and supporting the land’s recovery.
Shop. Support. Protect.
This Earth Month, rep Heal the Bay and shop reusable essentials that support a healthier coastline and sustainable future.
Heal the Bay Earth Month 2026 Tabling Calendar
Check out our list of Earth Month events hosted by some of our favorite social and environmental organizations across Los Angeles. Stop by Heal the Bay’s Outreach table while you’re enjoying Earth Month fun around Los Angeles County this April.
April 12, 9 am – 12 pm: Beaches and Harbors 2026 Kids Beach Cleanup
April 18, 10 am – 2 pm: South Bay Parkland Conservancy Earth Day 2026
April 19: Resilient Palisades, Palisades Village Green
April 21, 9 am – 3 pm: CSUDH Sustainability 19th Annual Earth Day
April 23, 11:15 am – 12:45 pm: Eco Action Club at SMC Earth Week
April 25, 6 pm – 10 pm: Ayana Johnson What If We Get It Right? Book Release at The La Brea Tar Pits
May 1 – 3, 10 am – 8 pm: Beachlife Festival, Redondo Beach
May 2, 8 am – 1 pm: Culver City Envirofest
Heal the Bay was founded on a simple truth: one person can make a difference. Dorothy Green proved that 40 years ago when she took a stand for our ocean and sparked a movement that continues today.
This Earth Month, you can double YOUR impact! Sunny Within is matching all gifts up to $2,500 given on or before April 19, 2026, to help you start where you are.
Give what you can. Make TWICE the impact for lasting change.
Thank you to our sponsors for supporting Heal the Bay this Earth Month!
Thank you to our Earth Month Clean Up media partner.
Decades of toxic DDT and “forever chemicals” still linger in Santa Monica Bay, putting subsistence and recreational anglers at risk. Heal the Bay is urging the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment to call for new testing and update safety standards to protect our local anglers.
California has a responsibility to protect its residents from toxic pollution. Sign the petition to urge OEHHA to take the necessary steps to keep our angler community safe.
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! 👇👇👇
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.
Changing Tides: Fires, Blooms & A Warming Coast (Panel)
Wednesday, April 23, 5 PM – Virtual
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!
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!
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.
You’ve heard us say it time and time again: plastic pollution is a HUGE problem for both people and the planet. This one fact says it all: By 2050, there may well be more plastic in the sea by mass than fish if we don’t curb our addiction to single-use plastics. Heal the Bay is dedicated to combatting plastics and their associated impacts to our health and the environment. As the year comes to a close, we’re excited to share some significant wins in the fight against plastic pollution from 2024. We will also outline our vision for continuing the fight next year and invite you to support our work and get involved.
2024: A Year of Action
Heal the Bay Sues Big Plastic
In case you missed the major news – we sued ExxonMobil this year. In a historic move, Heal the Bay joined a coalition of environmental groups in filing a lawsuit against the world’s largest producer of single-use plastic polymers for their role in fueling the plastic pollution crisis.
Closing the Loopholes in CA’s Plastic Bag Ban
Are you sick of those thicker “reusable” plastic bags at the checkout counter? We are, too. That’s why we are celebrating a monumental win for state-level plastics regulation with the passage of Senate Bill 1053 (Blakespear), signed into law by Gov. Newsom in September. This new legislation closes critical loopholes in California’s historic 2016 bag ban by removing ALL plastic film bags from checkout counters at grocery and convenience stores statewide by 2026, finally doing away with those thicker bags. Additionally, the law increases the minimum recycled content in paper bags to 50%, ensuring a more sustainable alternative. For Angelenos, where the bag ban extends to all retail facilities, the phrase “paper or plastic?” will finally become a relic of the past. Goodbye plastic bags!
For a deep dive into the history of the bag ban and our work, check out our No Bag November campaign.
LA’s Comprehensive Plastics Reduction Program Advances
Los Angeles is taking bold strides toward a plastic-free future with the Comprehensive Plastics Reduction Program, and Heal the Bay is proud to play a pivotal role in advancing this City program. In October, the LA City Council unanimously approved the Programmatic Environmental Impact Report (PEIR). This crucial step lays the foundation for sweeping plastics legislation in the city. This forward-thinking program will bring transformative measures in the coming years that promise to make LA a leader in reducing plastic pollution at its source and become a model for other cities to follow.
2025: A Year of Promise
New Local Laws: Leading the Way for Reuse
Thanks to the Programmatic Environmental Impact Report (PEIR ) passed by the City Council this year, Los Angeles is poised to pass new plastic reduction laws. Heal the Bay, in partnership with the Reusable LA coalition, will advocate for regulations requiring reusable foodware at eateries and refill systems for to-go food. These laws, potentially in effect by 2026, will reduce single-use plastics and help prevent waste at major events like the Super Bowl, FIFA World Cup, and 2028 Olympics.
SB 54 Implementation
SB 54, the California Plastic Pollution Producer Responsibility Act, requires producers to reduce single-use plastic packaging and products by 25% by 2032 and transition to recyclable or compostable alternatives. The law also establishes a framework for extended producer responsibility (EPR), where companies must fund recycling programs, meet waste reduction targets, and comply with regulations enforced by the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle), with the goal of reducing plastic pollution and increasing recycling rates. The regulations will kick in January 1, 2025 and Heal will be keeping a close eye on implementation and advocating for reuse!
Beyond the Bay
State, Nation, and Beyond! Finalizing the Global Plastics Treaty
While Heal the Bay drives local change, we also stay engaged with global efforts like the UN’s Global Plastics Treaty, which aims to reduce plastic pollution worldwide. Despite progress being slow and political roadblocks, over 100 countries support limiting plastic production to address the crisis. This treaty offers hope for a global solution that can ease local pollution and protect ecosystems, including those in our own communities.
You can help us combat plastic pollution
Tell your local restaurants to “Hold the Plastic, Please!”
Plastic reduction laws are crucial, but their effectiveness depends on enforcement, and that’s where you come in. Heal the Bay, a founding member of the Reusable LA Coalition, is proud to support the “Hold the Plastic, Please” campaign, which empowers customers to educate businesses on complying with local plastic laws. By downloading or picking up free tip cards, you can help create a culture of reuse by observing violations, sharing a tip card, and starting conversations to reduce plastic pollution.
Support Heal the Bay
There are many challenges that lie ahead for our coastal waters: climate change is intensifying, Big Oil is making plans to ramp up production of single-use plastics, and our incoming federal administration has a history of taking steps backward on environmental protection.
No matter what happens in D.C. or at the UN, we’re going to use science and policy to drive meaningful change in our backyard. You can count on it!
Nearly 40-years ago, Heal the Bay’s founding president, Dorothy Green, began this organization built on hope for a healthier Santa Monica Bay and a brighter future for Angelenos. We invite you to take action with us by volunteering or making a Year-End tax-deductible gift. Whatever your interests or talents, there’s a place for you at Heal the Bay.
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!
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.
Angler Outreach ProgramBeach Report CardCaliforniaCalifornia Bag BanCalifornia DroughtClimate ChangeHeal the Bay AquariumNewsRiver Report CardTake ActionWater 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.
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.
- 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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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
Heal the Bay’s policy team recently joined hundreds of advocates from across the state in Sacramento for California Ocean Day. Come along with us to learn more about how our team shapes legislation and how supporters like you can help Heal the Bay protect shorelines up and down the coast.
What is California Ocean Day?
California Ocean Day is an annual event where ocean advocates convene in Sacramento to lobby state leaders in support of legislation that safeguards our coast, ocean, and communities. It’s also a great chance to connect with fellow ocean lovers, activists, and decision makers. This year marked the 19th annual California Ocean Day. The event is open to all and is organized by Surfrider Foundation, Environment California, CALPIRG Students, Azul, and CSU Council on Ocean Affairs, Science & Technology.
What are the top issues we raised with policymakers in the Capitol? What is our goal?
The Heal the Bay lobby team at the state capitol.
We lobbied for bills that would fight plastic pollution, protect coastal access, improve water quality, protect threatened species, and build ocean resilience in the face of climate change. We also spoke to legislators and their staff about supporting California’s network of 124 marine protected areas (MPAs), restoring the state’s coastal resilience budget, and supporting an equitable climate bond on the ballot this November.
When we visit with elected officials, our goals are to ask for support or opposition on specific state bills, to answer questions, to educate on state bills and ocean issues, to develop relationships, and to let decision makers know what issues are important to Heal the Bay.
What are some bills we have on our radar?
We are now over halfway through the 2024 legislative season, and the bills below are still making their way through the lengthy process to become law. We advocated for these bills at Ocean Day and they have now passed their house of origin (the house where they were first introduced i.e. Senate or Assembly), They are now moving through the opposite house, and are still in need of support.
Assembly Bill 2236 (Bauer-Kahn) and Senate Bill 1053 (Blakespear): Fix the California Bag Ban
A decade ago, California passed the nation’s first plastic bag ban, helping to reduce pollution from single-use plastic bags at grocery stores. But, due to a loophole in the bill, stores are still distributing thicker plastic bags, claiming them to be reusable. This pair of bills would close this major loophole to ensure consumers are given actual reusable bags or single-use paper bags. The legislation tightens standards for reusable bags and requires stores to provide paper bags made from a required minimum of recycled content.
Assembly Bill 2761 (Hart & Lowenthal): Reducing Toxics in Packaging Act
Amid growing concerns over toxic chemicals found in everyday products, AB 2761 is a crucial measure to protect both the environment and public health by targeting hazardous substances in plastic packaging. This bill would ban poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) from all plastic packaging. These substances, often found in packaging, are known to pose serious health risks, including cancer, hormone disruption, and liver damage.
Assembly Bill 2214 (Bauer-Kahan): Implementing the Statewide Microplastics Strategy
Growing concerns over microplastics, which account for at least 85% of marine waste and can cause health issues like reproductive difficulties and endocrine disruption, prompted the introduction of this measure. This bill mandates the California Ocean Protection Council to establish an interagency coordination group to tackle microplastics pollution by implementing the already existing Statewide Microplastics Strategy. This legislation is crucial for protecting both ocean and public health and tackling microplastic pollution from the source.
The Heal the Bay lobby team with Assemblymember Gregg Hart (center).
With so much competition from other pressing issues, what is our strategy for raising our issues on lawmakers’ agendas?
When we meet with decision-makers, we prioritize speaking to what is important to that lawmaker. For example, some representatives are really focused on a healthy economy, so we focus on laws that help to build a blue economy, while also conserving our ocean and coast. For others, bills that focus on environmental justice goals, such as climate bills and coastal access bills, truly resonate. Effective advocacy is all about connecting with our audience. By learning as much as we can about the legislators we are speaking with, we can drive our message home and get the focus these issues need to implement real change.
How do we work with other allies to get things done?
When we go to Sacramento, we join other organizations interested in the same collective goal. We split into inter-organizational teams and attend scheduled meetings with elected officials or their staff. Typically, Heal the Bay is part of three or four teams, so our message regarding the health and safety of Los Angeles’ watersheds and coastal region is heard by a wider audience of legislative offices.
During California Ocean Day, Heal the Bay joined numerous other organizations including Surfrider, Black Surfers Collective, California Coast Keeper Alliance, AZUL, Sacred Places Institute for Indigenous Peoples, CAL PIRG, 5 Gyres, Environment California, and many others. Our voices are most powerful when we come together, which makes lobby days like Ocean Day so effective.
How do we remain optimistic when bureaucracy moves slowly and bills sometimes die before coming to a vote?
This is perhaps the hardest part of our jobs as advocates. Just this year, Heal the Bay began the legislative season co-sponsoring Senate Bill 1167 (Blakespear) which would have required reusable cups for dining in at chain restaurants across the state. While we put a great deal of effort into pushing this bill forward, it sadly did not pass out of its first committee. It can be a gutting moment, but our team has honed the skill of learning from these experiences and going back to the drawing board with an even better law. Good laws don’t pass overnight, and with time, we often end up with an even better piece of legislation than we would have on our first attempt. That is the real silver lining in temporary defeat. We are already excited to focus on passing reuse laws locally here in Los Angeles to help boost our next attempt at a state law.
How can the general public support our policy and legislative work?
Make your voice heard. The best way to get bills passed is for decision-makers to hear from their constituents – that means YOU! It may sound trite, but your voice really does matter. A phone call to your representative can mean the difference between a bill becoming law or not. Head to https://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov/ to find out who your state representatives are. Call them and ask them to vote YES on the bills we listed above.
Use this handy script to make your phone call extra easy:
“Hi, my name is __________ and I am a resident of __________ and a constituent of representative__________. As an active member of my community with concerns about our oceans and public health, I urge you to vote YES on SB 1053, AB 2236, AB 2761, and AB 2214. These bills will protect our oceans and the health of my community by reducing plastic pollution and removing dangerous chemicals from products I use. Thank you for your time.”
The Heal the Bay science team.
Beyond taking action, you can follow along on our work! Through our channels, like social media, newsletters, and blogs like this one, Heal the Bay shares updates on the laws we are working on and action alerts to get the community involved. Attend an advocacy training, follow us on Instagram, become a volunteer, clean up a beach, or donate to our cause – all these actions greatly help support our work and our broader goal of healthy, safe, clean water for all Angelenos.
Heal the Bay thrives because of our amazing volunteers. We are only able to celebrate those achievements because of the time, dedication, and support that our volunteers so graciously donate.
On March 21, 2024, Heal the Bay celebrated the incredible volunteers and supporters at our annual Super Healer Awards and Volunteer Party.
Our dedicated volunteers span a wide age range, from 12 to 87 years old, and hail from various corners of the greater Los Angeles area. From Malibu to Long Beach, South LA to the North East San Fernando Valley, volunteers share a common goal at Heal the Bay: to make coastal waters and watersheds safe, healthy, and clean for everyone. Whether they are participating in beach clean-ups or funding critical work, their collective contributions have made a tangible difference in our ongoing efforts to protect our oceans. Thank you to past, present, and future volunteers for your invaluable support and dedication!
2023 Was A Winning Year for Heal the Bay:
Volunteers who participated in our monthly Nothin’ But Sand Beach Cleanups and annual Coastal Cleanup Day programming contributed over 22,278 hours to protecting and conserving our local waterways and coastal waters.
-
On Coastal Cleanup Day, we had 7,337 volunteers remove more than 16,211 lbs of trash and 430 lbs. of recyclables from our waterways and neighborhoods.
-
Aquarium volunteers contributed 5,751 hours as they interpreted at touch tanks, engaged with visiting students, and assisted in caring for our animals.
-
Our MPA Watch volunteers conducted 572 surveys in 2023 to monitor use in the Palos Verdes and Malibu MPA sites.
Our Super Healer Awardees
Corporate Super Healer
The Many
Aquarist Super Healer
Bailey Cox
Laia Mayne
Maia Flores
Jake Bogart
Public Programs Super Healers
Samantha “Sam” Spero
Carter Yean
Jackson Yean
Gabriel Snyder
Education Super Healer
Sue Liu
Beach Programs Super Healers
Art Salter
Samuel Jones
Sam is always ready to put in whatever work is needed to ensure we have a successful cleanup. He is prompt and very communicative.
Jerica Covell
Makayla Cox
Community Science Super Healer Awards
MPA Watch: Olivia Rose Marie Muñoz
eDNA: Kate Swanson
Outreach Super Healer Award
Outreach: John Marshal High School, Club Heal the Bay
Are you ready to begin your volunteer journey with Heal the Bay? Discover all the ways you can work for a safe, clean coastline and watershed!
Watch the press conference footage before the federal administration begins its review of CA’s coastal management during a public hearing in Santa Monica. Hosted by State and Indigenous leaders, business owners, and coastal advocates, speakers include Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán, and CA Secretary for Natural Resources Wade Crowfoot.
Watch Live August 10 or check out the recap anytime!