What to know
- The Microbiology Unit tests ocean water daily along Santa Monica Bay, Marina del Rey, Ballona Creek, LA Harbor, and Cabrillo Beach.
- Our scientific crews operate two ocean monitoring vessels—the Marine Surveyor and the La Mer—to evaluate marine health.
- We catch and test local fish tissue to evaluate bioaccumulation and ensure local seafood safety.
- Test data is delivered daily to County Health officials, supporting rapid beach advisories and Heal the Bay's Beach Report Card.
Program Overview
Protecting our ocean beaches and marine coastal waters is a top priority for LA Sanitation & Environment (LASAN). Our Coastal and Ocean Monitoring Program conducts daily scientific surveys across Santa Monica Bay, Marina del Rey Harbor, Ballona Creek, Los Angeles Harbor, and Cabrillo Beach.
Through shoreline bacterial sampling, offshore boat surveys, sediment chemistry, and fish bioaccumulation studies, our marine scientists protect public health for millions of beachgoers while safeguarding local Pacific marine ecosystems.
Shoreline Testing & Beach Safety
Our Microbiology Unit tests shoreline water daily for fecal indicator bacteria. Test results are transmitted immediately to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
If bacterial levels exceed state or US EPA recreational water contact standards, LASAN accelerates sampling until water quality returns to safe levels. Public Health officials coordinate with County lifeguards to post warning signs at affected beaches, and test data is integrated into Heal the Bay’s weekly Beach Report Card.
Offshore Ocean Research
Farther off the coast, LASAN operates two dedicated environmental research vessels: the Marine Surveyor and the La Mer. Our marine crews conduct comprehensive scientific surveys:
- Water Column Profiling: Measures ocean temperature, dissolved oxygen, salinity, pH, chlorophyll-a, and ammonia at multiple ocean depths.
- Benthic Sediment Surveys: Collects seafloor mud samples to evaluate ocean floor health and chemical quality.
- Trawl & Seine Surveys: Monitors marine fish and invertebrate populations to track overall ocean ecosystem health.
- Local Seafood Safety: Tests fish tissue for bioaccumulation of heavy metals (arsenic, mercury, selenium), lipids, DDTs, and PCBs.
Regional Research Collaborations
LASAN scientists participate actively in the Southern California Bight Program organized by the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project (SCCWRP). By pooling data with regional marine institutions, we help guide large-scale coastal conservation strategies across Southern California.
Contact Us
Have questions about ocean monitoring or beach water quality testing? Contact our Customer Care Center at 1-800-773-2489 or submit an inquiry through MyLA311.