Angelenos visiting the Santa Monica Pier today are in for a rare sight. The ocean around the pier will glow pink! The vibrant hue comes from a research project led by the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering, in partnership with The Bay Foundation. Beginning Monday, scientists will release a special non-toxic pink dye into the water about 100 yards north and south of the pier to study coastal currents.
Why are they dyeing the water pink?
Researchers are dyeing the water pink to better understand how the Santa Monica Breakwater affects ocean circulation which is a key factor linked to poor water quality near the pier. By tracking the movement of the non-toxic dye, scientists can see how currents flow and gather new insights into the bay’s coastal dynamics. This experiment builds on a 2024 study by UCLA’s Coastal Flood Lab and The Bay Foundation, and it’s the first time such research has been conducted inside Santa Monica Bay.
“It will help us to better understand pollution,” Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete stated. “As many know, unfortunately, unlike all of our other beaches, [the beach] 100 yards north and south of the pier often ends up on the ‘beach bummer list’ getting a bad grade.”
What chemicals are they using to dye the water?
Scientists are using a fluorescent dye called Rhodamine Water Tracer, a tool long used by researchers to study how water moves. The dye is harmless. It disperses naturally and poses no risk to people, marine life, or vegetation.
How long will the water stay pink?
The Rhodamine Water Tracer will dye the water pink, but observers will likely only be able to see the rosy color for a few hours. However, the research sensors will be able to pick up the dye’s fluorescence for much longer, so researchers can continue to track where the dye travels.
When are they dyeing the water?
The first dye release will be today, Sept. 15. There will be more dye releases next week on Sept. 22-24 and one more on Sept. 30. The dye releases have all been reviewed and approved by the city of Santa Monica, the California Coastal Commission and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
You can find more information about the Santa Monica Pier water project here.