California Sea Grant College Program

Kelp and phytoplankton washed ashore by tides and waves support a rich diversity of shore life. On many of the most popular sandy beaches in California, however, local municipalities regularly rake up litter and kelp in a process called beach grooming. The ecological consequences of this process on plants and animals that live and forage in regularly raked areas are evaluated. The information gathered may help guide and improve the state's beach maintenance practices.