Following the lead of the state of Oregon, California organized its first Coastal Cleanup Day in 1985. Since then, the idea for the event has spread throughout the nation and internationally. California is now part of the International Coastal Cleanup, organized by The Ocean Conservancy, with participation by all 50 states and over 100 countries. The 2009 cleanup will be September 19. Mark your calendar!

The Adopt-A-Beach Program offers groups a way to help take care of a favorite stretch of the coast. Volunteers pledge to clean their beach three times over the course of one year. School groups can volunteer for one cleanup. Tens of thousands of California schools, civic groups, businesses, scout troops, families and friends have adopted beaches throughout California.

The WHALE TAIL^SM  Grants Program is aimed at encouraging the development of programs to teach California’s children and the general public to value and take responsibility for the health of the state’s marine and coastal environments. The program distributes funds from sales of the WHALE TAIL^SM  License Plate and focuses on reaching communities that are currently poorly served in terms of marine and coastal education.

The WHALE TAIL^SM  Grants Program funds projects that fall into any one of the following three categories: 1) Adopt-A-Beach programs; 2) School programs; 3) Programs for the general public. Applicants must be either a non-profit organization or a governmental entity. Applications are accepted once a year in the fall.

The goals of the Boating Clean and Green Campaign are to reduce nonpoint source pollution from boats by (1) educating boaters about environmentally sound boating, and (2) helping marine businesses to provide the environmental services that support best clean boating practices.

Since 1994, the Coastal Commission has worked with the Malibu Foundation for Environmental Education and other partners to conduct the  Adopt-A-Beach Kids' Cleanup and School Assembly Program. The assembly shows students the way to cleaner beaches and oceans. By presenting slides and talking about recycling, buying recycled products, the dangers of plastic and debris in the world's oceans litter reduction and the storm drain system, the assembly motivates children to care for the marine environment. The children are then shown ways to help the environment - by participating in recycling and by doing a beach cleanup.

The program takes place each February through May in several locations. In 2005, over 7,000 students from San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles, Fresno, Tulare, and Humboldt County participated in the program. The program is offered through local coordinators to schools in each location. Only underserved, low income or inland areas are eligible to participate.

The Coastal Stewardship Pledge is a way for Californians of all ages to commit to protecting our coast and ocean. You may choose from a wide-ranging list of suggestions on how to protect the coast, and then pledge to follow through and complete your chosen actions. In the process, you become a “Coastal Steward” and are rewarded with a certificate and a free gift.

Coastal Restoration

Amateur Photography Contest

The amateur photography contest is held annually and seeks photographs that depict the coast and its myriad landscapes, resources and uses. Entrants are encouraged to submit photos in the following categories: the scenic coast, ways people use the coast, and coastal wildlife. Photographs that document coastal resources protected by Coastal Commission action, including public beaches or public accessways to beaches, agricultural land, or wetlands are especially encouraged. The prize-winning photographs, along with honorable mentions, are featured on our web site.

A wide variety of resources for educators and the general public are available through our program. Described below are two examples of the resources we offer. A complete list can be found on the For Educators web page.