Our plan for help clean the bay

A recent study revealed that plastic debris is present in approximately 88% of the intertidal zones of San Diego Bay. Debris was detected in more than 70% of the surveyed area. The study examined over 20.4 million (±7.4 million) pieces of plastic in San Diego Bay, underscoring the urgent need for effective environmental cleaning initiatives. Notably, plastic debris was concentrated at a few locations; 16 of the 71 surveyed sites accounted for the top 75th percentile of total plastic debris abundance. This highlights the critical importance of adopting sustainable cleaning practices to tackle this pressing environmental issue.

Polystyrene foam and persistent plastics were the most common types of plastic found in San Diego Bay. Products made from polystyrene foam were found in intertidal area samples (47% of samples) and marina skimmer samples (32% of samples). Fragmented plastics, including hard and soft plastic pieces, were also among the most common plastic debris types in all habitats. Many studies show that the most common debris float and collect in certain areas before they start breaking down, highlighting the need for effective environmental cleaning and sustainable cleaning practices to address this issue.

• A large percent of the trash floats, which means we can efficiently skim it off the water after rains, tides, and daily in areas where it collects before it breaks down further and becomes harder to retrieve. 
• The trash tends to accumulate in spots influenced by tides and tributaries, making on-water skimming a vital environmental cleaning tool to address this issue.
•  Frequent surface skimming is a proven method to prevent the most common types of debris found in the San Diego ecosystem. 

We must collect it before it deteriorates! Many cities are already implementing this sustainable cleaning practice. As boaters and conservationists, we aim to connect with others who love the bay to help clean the bay.