Alamitos Bay has always been more than a beautiful place to spend an afternoon — it’s the heart of our community, the meeting point of neighborhoods, wildlife, history, and memory. For decades, Algalita has traveled the world studying plastic pollution, but no matter how far our work took us, we always came home to this bay. It’s where our students learn, where our programs grow, and where many of us first fell in love with the ocean.
In recent years, we started noticing something: conversations about what was happening in the bay were becoming more frequent — and more urgent. People were asking why certain areas collected debris, why the water looked different after storms, what would happen if water flow changed, how local development might affect the ecosystem, and why some spots felt different year after year.
Neighbors were concerned. Students were curious. Long-time locals had stories and questions. And everyone felt the same thing:
We want to understand what’s going on in our bay, and we want to take care of it.
Because while Algalita has always focused on plastic pollution globally, this moment called us to look closer — right here at home, in a place where the community was ready to learn, care, and take action together.
So we began imagining something new: a local project shaped not just by science, but by connection, curiosity, and neighborhood voices. A way for people to learn about the bay’s health, share what they’re seeing, and take meaningful action rooted in place.
That’s how the Clean Bay Collective was born.
It’s not a traditional program. It’s not a campaign.
It’s a growing effort made for, and with, the people who love Alamitos Bay.
The Collective exists because we believe:
- Science should be accessible.
- Action should be simple and meaningful.
- People deserve to understand the waters they depend on.
- And community knowledge is powerful.
Through water sampling, cleanups, hotspot walks, storytelling, and updates about what’s changing in the bay, the Collective brings together everyone who cares about this place — regardless of age, background, or experience.
The Clean Bay Collective is our commitment to this home water.
And we’re grateful you’re here at the beginning of it.
Welcome to the Collective. Let’s take care of our bay, together.