VERMILION SEA INSTITUTE

Our marine debris prevention programs are driven by the leadership and participation of young people and community members. We are committed to improving our community and reducing waste in Baha de Los ngeles through the following projects. 1. We empower young people to take charge and lead efforts to reduce plastic waste and marine debris through public education, beach cleanups, data collection, and community-powered campaigns. These youth collect valuable data following NOAA protocols and contribute to global understanding of marine debris. Further, through hands-on collaboration with visitors, they empower others to do the same. 2.We improve our community and reduce waste through the creation, operation, and continuous development of a specialized community recycling center. Our newly acquired, specialized, machines efficiently process post-consumer plastics, providing a more sustainable solution to plastic waste management. We prioritize community engagement and a circular economy, striving to maximize the impact of our recycling efforts and reduce the amount of waste that ends up in our local desert and oceans.

The organization facilitated inquiry-based field studies in desert and marine ecosystems for educational groups at two field stations in Baja California. In 2024, 214 students and science researchers participated in the programs. The organization developed, conducted, coordinated, and facilitated programs to provide hands-on learning experiences for universities, schools, and other educational groups. The programs aimed to enhance understanding and appreciation of the ecosystems, promote scientific inquiry, and inspire creation of other change initiatives in visitors own communities.