There are many reasons farmers turn to plastics as a tool for more efficient growing. Plastic hoop houses, drip irrigation tape, fumigation film and polyethylene mulch films are workhorses when it comes to preventing weed growth, retaining moisture, lowering pesticide use and extending growing seasons, all with the ultimate goal of increasing growers’ yields. But the range of benefits provided by this type of “plasticulture” also comes with a downside — too much of it is finding its way into nearby oceans and streams.

Over the last 15 years, California’s Ocean Litter Prevention Strategy (OLS) has made significant strides in addressing the problem of marine debris in the state. California is home to nearly 300 state and local laws restricting the sale or use of plastic bags, plastic straws and polystyrene food packaging. We’re also home to California Coastal Cleanup Day, the largest cleanup event in the nation.

A new California Sea Grant program, Pathways to Inclusive Research Training, will provide research opportunities in marine and coastal science to California undergraduate students from underrepresented groups. 

For the 2023 grant cycle, eight projects were selected and will collectively receive up to $600,000 in Sea Grant funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 

It is hoped that the program will increase retention in STEM of diverse groups and cultivate potential future leaders in coastal science. 

This is part of a special series celebrating California Sea Grant's 50th Anniversary.

All eyes were on California in December when the subject of marine protected areas came up at COP15, the United Nations biodiversity conference.

The San Diego Estuaries Research Symposium, held on Feb. 7, helped connect the dots between science and management in the region.

As shoreline erosion worsens with rising sea levels, California Sea Grant-funded researchers are trying to find the best approaches to fight the erosion and restore land along California’s coast.

One tactic: create living shorelines for protection.