Algalita Marine Research and Education

Protecting Long Beach Waters and Empowering Long Beach Youth

This year, we’re raising funds to support our hands-on environmental education experiences right here in Alamitos Bay, one of Long Beach’s most treasured natural spaces. Your donation will directly fund programs that immerse local youth in the study and protection of this vital ecosystem, including kayak-based fieldwork, student-led microplastics research, and real-time water quality monitoring. Funds raised through Long Beach Gives will help us purchase plankton nets, microscopes, and other critical supplies so we can expand access to our programs and serve more students from Long Beach and across Southern California at our new Lab and Learning Center.

Algalita’s history began in Long Beach in 1997 when we discovered the swirling soup of plastic in the Pacific Ocean, now widely known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. That moment launched a global movement. Since then, we've revolutionized the plastic pollution conversation by building bridges between scientists, educators, youth leaders, and advocates. Our team was the first to create ocean plastic monitoring protocols, the first to host international youth summits on plastic pollution, and among the first to spark state and national legislation addressing the crisis. Our work has been featured in The Story of Plastic and cited in over 20 peer-reviewed studies.

While our impact spans the globe, our heart is in Long Beach. Through our local programs, we bring the power of environmental science directly to our community:

Alamitos Bay Programs – Our Kayak Explorers and Ocean Action Leadership Camp introduce youth to environmental science through hands-on exploration of the bay. Students collect plankton and microplastic samples, conduct scientific investigations, and build a lifelong connection to their local ecosystem.

Alamitos Clean Bay Collective – This collaborative initiative brings together citizens, students, and scientists to monitor and protect the health of the bay. From water testing to restoration, we’re building community-driven solutions for our coastal environment.

Algalita's Learning Center – Located in Long Beach, our one-of-a-kind facility includes the state-accredited Moore Institute microplastics lab, training space for teachers, and a classroom for student field trips, internships, and research.

Algalita's Wayfinder Society for Environmental Education Program – Launched in 2023, this free online program equips educators and students around the world with engaging, standards-aligned resources focused on plastic pollution and ocean health. Although it serves a global audience, many Long Beach educators and students use Wayfinder materials in their classrooms and clubs, bringing our local insights to a broader community of environmental stewards.

BYO at Algalita – Our zero-waste refill shop and community hub empowers locals to reduce single-use plastics and build sustainable habits. A collaboration with BYO Long Beach, this space invites residents to be part of the solution.

Community Events – We host beach cleanups, film screenings, hands-on workshops, FixIt Clinics, and city-wide activations like BYO Month, which celebrates reuse and connects neighbors working to protect our environment. These events are designed to foster intergenerational learning, practical solutions, and a deeper sense of belonging.

When you give to Algalita, you’re investing in Long Beach youth, Long Beach water, and Long Beach’s future.