Advancing Effective Coastal Litter Solutions through California’s Ocean Litter Strategy

PROJECT HIGHLIGHT

Since 2023, California Sea Grant, University of Southern California Sea Grant, and the California Ocean Protection Council, with support from the the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, have been advancing more widespread and effective ocean litter prevention by identifying gaps in participation in the statewide Ocean Litter Strategy, assessing needs of densely urban, litter-impacted regions through a Los Angeles case study, and exploring opportunities to guide more coordinated investments in community-based litter pollution solutions across California

PROJECT SUMMARY

Background. Litter and plastic pollution remain persistent challenges in California, with the heaviest impacts in urban areas like Los Angeles where population density, waterways, and infrastructure issues intersect. California pioneered an Ocean Litter Strategy in 2008, updated in 2018 by over 50 organizations. A 2022 review found that pollution-affected groups and regions were underrepresented in implementation, with barriers including financial constraints, limited staffing, and lack of social capacity.

Goal and Objectives. This project aimed to strengthen ocean litter prevention by:

• Identifying geographic and social gaps in participation in the statewide Ocean Litter Strategy (OLS)
• Assessing needs in Los Angeles as a case study
• Exploring ways to guide more coordinated investments in community-based solutions

Project Outcomes by Objective.

Objective 1. Participation in the OLS was strongest from government, industry, and environmental non-profits, while tribal, socio-environmental, and community-based groups were underrepresented. Most implementation was led by environmental non-profits, with webinars the most accessible format.

Objective 2. A Los Angeles needs assessment, guided by a Community Advisory Group, gathered input from local organizations and revealed concerns, initiatives, and ways the OLS could better support impacted communities. In particular, the assessment revealed:

• Local Perspectives. Residents cited single-use packaging, cigarette butts, and bulky items as top issues, concentrated in beaches, waterways, and underserved areas. Litter was tied to health risks, costs, and frustration, with language shaping perceptions of responsibility and solutions.
• Priority Issues. Litter was seen as reflecting deeper inequities, policy failures, and uneven infrastructure investment. Cultural and educational gaps also shaped responses and expectations around responsibility.
• Current Initiatives. LA hosts policy and cleanup programs, but residents perceived government priorities as misaligned, emphasizing cleanup over prevention. Stronger coordination, prevention, and co-production were seen as needed.
• OLS Challenges and Opportunities. Barriers to participation included lack of time, funding, and alignment with local priorities. Suggested improvements included early outreach, partnerships with under-engaged groups, consistent events, financial support, recognition, education, and stronger community–agency connections.

Objective 3. Funding was identified as a major barrier, with city budgets stretched and philanthropic funds limited. Tools such as a funding repository and best practices guide were created to improve access. Sustained investment is essential to support long-term community action.

Conclusion. Strengthening California’s litter efforts requires broader engagement, better coordination, and lasting investment. Best practices include expanding connections, ongoing participation, addressing funding barriers, revisiting goals, and supporting community-led work.

PARTNERS & COLLABORATORS

Kaitlyn Kalua, Ocean Protection Council

Kyla Kelly, Ocean Protection Council

Christy Kehoe, NOAA Marine Debris Program