My Clean Ocean's Citizen Science program places professional-grade marine research tools directly into the hands of underserved youth. Operating along the Southern California coastline — from Crystal Cove to Laguna Beach — our student researchers collect real data that contributes to global marine science databases.
This isn't a field trip. It's a full scientific expedition. Our teams conduct the same ocean health surveys used by professional marine biologists — documenting microplastic pollution, water temperature, fish species diversity, and kelp forest health in real time.
Southern California's marine ecosystems — including kelp forests, rocky reefs, and coastal wetlands — face increasing pressure from climate change, microplastic pollution, and habitat destruction. Professional marine biologists cannot monitor every stretch of coastline. That's where citizen science comes in.
By training young people from underserved communities to collect and submit real scientific data, My Clean Ocean ensures that the next generation of ocean advocates are not just witnesses to the crisis — they are active participants in solving it.
Our student researchers have documented microplastic concentrations, tracked seasonal changes in local fish populations, and contributed visual data that supports ongoing kelp forest restoration efforts along the California coast. Every expedition generates data that matters.