Cabrillo College Oceanography Students survey Santa Cruz Beach - June 2025
Clean Oceans International returned to Main Beach on June 27th for a collaborative field day with Cabrillo College Oceanography 10 students and Professor Lauren Hanneman. This marks the second summer of our ongoing partnership, building momentum for hands-on, community-based ocean science.
We began with a powerful discussion on plastic pollution and COI’s mission to address it through innovation, outreach, and education. Students then conducted a real-world Environmental Plastic Assessment Program (EPAP) survey, identifying and categorizing debris along the beach.
In under an hour, the students found 91 pieces of plastic, a striking reminder of the pervasive nature of plastic pollution—even on a short stretch of local shoreline. Together, we explored the sources of this debris and discussed both systemic and practical solutions. We’re proud to help cultivate the next generation of ocean stewards through experiential learning and citizen science.
We began with a powerful discussion on plastic pollution and COI’s mission to address it through innovation, outreach, and education. Students then conducted a real-world Environmental Plastic Assessment Program (EPAP) survey, identifying and categorizing debris along the beach.
In under an hour, the students found 91 pieces of plastic, a striking reminder of the pervasive nature of plastic pollution—even on a short stretch of local shoreline. Together, we explored the sources of this debris and discussed both systemic and practical solutions. We’re proud to help cultivate the next generation of ocean stewards through experiential learning and citizen science.
