Making a Difference: Our Santa Cruz Island Cleanup with Tidy Seas

October 2nd, 2024

I had the privilege of joining a remarkable cleanup effort on Santa Cruz Island, located off the coast of Santa Barbara. Partnering with the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation (NMSF) and the passionate crew from the nonprofit Tidy Seas, we spent the day working to clear the rocky beaches of debris, specifically the countless lobster traps that wash ashore and become lodged in the rugged coastline.

Lobster traps recovered from Santa Cruz Island

THE ABANDONED TRAPS

Santa Cruz Island, part of Channel Islands National Park, is a gem of natural beauty. However, it faces a recurring challenge: the accumulation of debris from offshore fishing activities. Lobster traps, in particular, are a common sight on these beaches. These traps are lost or abandoned during storms or when the lines connecting them to buoys snap, causing them to drift ashore. Over time, they become wedged between rocks, their sharp edges threatening both wildlife and visitors alike.

The sheer volume of traps we encountered was staggering. Each one told its own story of how human activities can have lasting impacts on fragile ecosystems, with traps as old as 7 years. Removing these traps isn’t just a matter of aesthetics—it's about protecting marine life. These “ghost traps” continue to catch lobsters and other creatures long after they’ve been abandoned and have sharp metal pieces that can harm the animals and disturb the natural landscape.

WORKING TOGETHER FOR A CLEANER COAST

With gloves on and bags in hand, the team split up to tackle different areas of the beach. NMSF provided critical support, offering insight into the ecological impacts of the debris and ensuring that collected pieces of trash and debris were properly documented for their ongoing research efforts. In addition to the traps, there were fishing bobbers, foam buoys, plastic fishing line and nets, plastic water bottles, and even a Delight coffee creamer bottle. The folks from Tidy Seas were quick to lure out the debris on a raft-pulley system using kayaks to properly dispose of it on the home shore.

That day, Tidy Seas and NMSF collected 1,543 lbs of debris!!

Cleanup events are not only great for making a physical impact but the data collected can help us learn how to better care for our marine environments. NMSF's scientists explained how abandoned fishing gear can affect not only the immediate area but also the broader environment. Tidy Seas has been instrumental in raising awareness about these issues, and they’re encouraging to get the community involved.

PHOTOGRAPHING THE CLEANUP

To capture the day, I paddled out from our boat on a kayak with my camera secured in my Aquatech housing to protect my gear. As a photographer, I was able to freeze moments of our crew working hard, tugging at heavy, rusted traps lodged between boulders. We all had sighed with relief as we managed to free each one. Each shot served as a reminder of the effort and dedication needed to restore these wild places. The images also highlight the stark contrast between the serene beauty of Santa Cruz Island and the harsh reality of human impact. Serving the environment with storytelling is such a fulfilling way to help out these orgs in living their missions.

THE MISSION CONTINUES

By the end of the day, we had removed dozens of traps and other debris, but the job is far from over. The rocky shores of Santa Cruz will likely continue to see more debris wash up as long as fishing practices remain the same. Organizations like Tidy Seas and NMSF are leading the charge in addressing these issues, but they can’t do it alone. Community involvement and sustainable fishing practices are essential if we’re going to protect these beautiful ecosystems.

This cleanup event was more than just a chance to help—it was an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and learn about the incredible work being done to preserve our oceans.

If you’re ever looking for a way to give back to the environment, I highly recommend joining one of the Tidy Seas beach cleanups in the greater Santa Barbara and Ventura County areas. It’s a rewarding experience, and you’ll leave knowing that you’ve played a part in making the world a little cleaner.

See some of the photos below!