Marine Protected Area-themed swim accessory available to first 50 volunteers
WHAT
Nothing says World Oceans Day like swimming in one of San Diego’s underwater state parks—and picking up trash to protect it. That’s why, on June 11, at its La Jolla Shores beach cleanup, San Diego Coastkeeper will give the first 50 volunteers a free Marine Protected Area (MPA) rash guard to wear with pride for doing good and having fun.
WHY
Like Earth Day but for our oceans, World Oceans Day (which is officially celebrated on June 8) is a global designation by the United Nations General Assembly.
To celebrate, San Diego Coastkeeper will giveaway blue, short- or long-sleeved rash guards featuring an “I Heart MPAs” logo on the front and an artist-drawn MPA map on the back. Coastkeeper hopes recipients will wear them with pride as they enjoy their favorite MPA activity, even if that includes taking in the view from the shore.
Often referred to as “underwater state parks,” MPAs are small areas where laws restrict or prohibit extractive use (such as fishing or kelp harvest). MPAs increase fish populations by providing a safe haven where fish can live and grow larger, increasing the likelihood of successful reproduction.
San Diego’s MPAs, which range from the Batiquitos Lagoon No-Take State Marine Conservation Area in the north to the Tijuana River Mouth State/Federal Marine Conservation area in the south, provide important protection to wildlife along the coast of Southern California, and they also preserve our heritage as surfers, swimmers, kayakers, and beachgoers.
WHO
Beach Cleanup Volunteers
San Diego Coastkeeper
MPA expert
WHEN
Saturday, June 11, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
WHERE
Estimated address is 8302 Camino Del Oro, La Jolla, CA 92037
From I-5, take W La Jolla Shores Parkway, turn right on La Jolla Shores Drive, left on Calle Frescota, and follow Calle Frescota to its terminus, which is the entrance to the La Jolla Shores parking lot. Look for the blue Coastkeeper tent in Kellogg Park.
CONTACT
Jamie Hampton, 858-337-7466
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SAN DIEGO COASTKEEPER: Founded in 1995, San Diego Coastkeeper protects and restores fishable, swimmable and drinkable waters in San Diego County. We rely on your volunteer time and generous donations to continue our work. Please donate to clean water by visiting us at https://www.sdcoastkeeper.org.
