Santa Monica, Calif. – In a significant move to enhance environmental protection efforts, the Santa Monica City Council approved a new ordinance on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, prohibiting the distribution of food to birds and animals at local beaches and the Pier. This decision aligns with the city's ongoing initiatives to improve water quality and address bacterial contamination in Santa Monica Bay.
The ordinance is a part of a comprehensive strategy to combat the rising concerns over water pollution, particularly around the Pier area. It builds upon data from the Heal the Bay Beach Report Card, which highlighted the need for stringent measures to reduce bacterial levels in the bay.
In addition to this ordinance, the city has implemented several infrastructural changes to support its environmental goals. Earlier this year, netting was installed under the pier to discourage pigeon roosting and nesting, a move aimed at reducing bird-related pollution.
The city's efforts to safeguard water quality extend beyond these recent measures. Significant projects like the 2018 Clean Beaches Project have been instrumental in capturing urban runoff and rainwater from the downtown area, diverting it to a large cistern near the Pier. Moreover, the Sustainable Water Infrastructure Project, completed last year, plays a crucial role in capturing stormwater and redirecting urban runoff and stormwater pollution away from Santa Monica Bay, further demonstrating the city's commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices.