News Summary
Researchers from UCLA and the Bay Foundation are deploying a pink, non-toxic dye in Santa Monica Bay to study ocean circulation and water quality. The initiative aims to gather data on how water movement impacts pollution levels near the Santa Monica Pier, which has faced significant environmental challenges. With multiple dye releases scheduled over two weeks, the study hopes to provide insights that will guide future efforts to improve local water quality and address public health concerns.
Santa Monica, California – Over the next two weeks, surfers and beachgoers in Santa Monica may notice pink, fluorescent waves as researchers launch a temporary, non-toxic dye study to analyze ocean circulation and water quality in Santa Monica Bay. This initiative, led by scientists from UCLA and the Bay Foundation, commenced on Monday with the discharge of the first of four batches of a fluorescent rhodamine water tracer at the Santa Monica Pier.
The purpose of deploying this pink dye is to obtain critical data on how ocean circulation impacts water quality, particularly in an area often recognized for high levels of pollution. Santa Monica Pier has frequently appeared on lists identifying California’s dirtiest beaches, largely due to elevated fecal bacteria concentrations. The data collected from this study aims to enhance understanding of the effects of the manmade breakwater built in the 1930s, which has been deemed ineffective in recent years.
Initially, only little pink water was visible; however, follow-up dye releases are scheduled throughout the month to ensure an extensive data collection process. A specialized boat equipped with fluorescent monitors will remain active in the area for 24 hours, supported by 10 additional trackers attached to buoys along the coast until the end of the month. Researchers are particularly interested in how water circulation contributes to localized pollution concentrations near the pier.
The findings from this study come as part of broader efforts to tackle local water quality issues through advanced treatment and restoration initiatives. The deployment of the pink dye, which has proven to be non-risky in previous studies across various waterways, was carefully planned. Signs have been placed around Santa Monica Pier to inform the public about the dye usage, mitigating any potential concerns.
Future dye deployments are set for September 22-24 for surface application, while the final underwater dye release will occur on September 30. Initial results indicate that the fluorescent dye is dissipating rapidly, but the current deployment is considered successful for data acquisition purposes.
Local responses to the temporary pink waves have varied, with some community members expressing enthusiasm about the vibrant spectacle, while others maintain a cautious outlook on its implications. Mayor Lana Negrete has conveyed optimism regarding the study’s potential to enhance beach water quality and reduce the area’s frequent listings on “beach bummer” compilations.
This study not only seeks to paint a clearer picture of water movement in Santa Monica Bay but also aims to address ongoing environmental concerns that affect both residents and visitors. As the project progresses, its contributions to understanding the hydrodynamics of the bay and surrounding ecosystems will be pivotal in guiding future improvement measures. The hope is that comprehensive insights gleaned from this study will foster lasting changes toward better water quality standards in Santa Monica and preserve its coastal heritage for generations to come.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times
- Wikipedia: Santa Monica Bay
- Hoodline
- Google Search: Santa Monica Pier environmental research
- NBC Los Angeles
- Google Scholar: Santa Monica Bay water quality
- ABC7 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Santa Monica Bay
- KTLA
- Google News: Santa Monica Pier pink waves
Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS WRITER
The Beverly Hills Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREBeverlyHills.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance, the Beverly Hills artSHOW, Concerts on Canon, and holiday celebrations throughout the city. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and Visit Beverly Hills, plus leading businesses in luxury fashion, hospitality, and entertainment that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERECostaMesa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
