Our oceans are typically seen as a hangout spot for teens, and many SoCal residents.

In the movies, they are made to seem as crystal blue, beautiful, and most importantly clean.

Yes, our oceans and beaches are a grandiose sight, most of us don’t see the toxic damage and ecological harm that is happening. The website Beachapedia, states that we are intoxicating our beaches with our sunscreens and viruses. Garbage is constantly being washed out into the ocean, by careless beachgoers. Beachapedia states, “The Surfrider Foundation, along with many county and state health departments has always advised the public never to swim or surf within 72 hours after a rain. During these periods, the coastal waters are polluted with urban runoff and may also contain sewage from leaking sewer pipes or overflowing sewer manholes. In most places, and especially in heavily urbanized areas like Southern California, ocean water quality after a rain typically has high concentrations of bacteria and may also have high concentrations of pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, heavy metals, and petroleum products.” EVery single one of us should be held accountable for the care of our world. Espec ially since our beaches are a prized posession of California and non-California residents.

 

We need to take better care of our oceans, as we have taken them for granted. With our environmental conditions at the moment, the drastic changes will keep taking place unless we make the effort to change. Picking up after ourselves at the beach should not be a hassle and it should be better enforced in California. 

http://www.beachapedia.org/Health_Threats_from_Polluted_Coastal_Waters