Our group is assisting The Bay Foundation in the initial planning stages of the Santa Monica breakwater renovation by researching case studies of previously constructed living breakwaters, making recommendations on the breakwater’s design and materials, conducting research on biodiversity in the area, organizing public outreach events, and creating a visual history of how the breakwater has changed over time.
What is a Breakwater?
A breakwater is an artificial offshore structure protecting a harbor, anchorage, or marina basin from water waves. They intercept longshore currents and tend to prevent beach erosion. The Santa Monica Breakwater was originally created using thousands of tons of stones from Catalina Island, and has been rebuilt several times to protect newly endangered areas surrounding the Santa Monica Pier.
The renovated breakwater is intended to:
- Provide protection to the coastal infrastructure in the Santa Monica Bay
- Help support the rocky intertidal ecosystem
- Prevent damage from future natural disasters or storms
- Increase ability to sequester carbon, cycle nutrients, and more effectively support life
- Help local communities by creating economic opportunities and driving local food webs
Final Presentation
Our final presentation for the 2023 Environmental Science Practicum Presentation Day, detailing all our acomplished deliverables.
Project Proposal
A detailed review of what our year-long project entails, and our intended deliverables for our work with The Bay Foundation.
The Bay Foundation Rocky Intertidal UCLA Senior Practicum Project 