Follow & Learn about the Oceans & Wetlands

We have a stake in the environmental health of our community.

We have a stake in the environmental health of our community.

phytoplankton photo

FLOW is a community-based water quality research program designed to better understand, identify, and respond to sources of pollution.

 
In partnership with:

  • The Amigos de Bolsa Chica is one of about 40 groups along California’s coast that contribute to the Marine Biotoxin Monitoring Program. Through the FLOW program, our weekly water sample is sent to the CA Dept. of Public Health, along with any important observations. To see the recent data collected along the whole coast, click here. 

  • The Amigos de Bolsa Chica is permitted through the CA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife to collect samples from the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve. We currently do this during our FLOW Field Trips, and we will be adding a second sample site in another area of the ecological reserve to our regular collection schedule. 

  • The FLOW program takes place at the Bolsa Chica State Beach Visitor Center, and we collect our sample where the state beach meets the ecological reserve. We also contribute to a number of the beach’s interpretative programs, including Junior Rangers, Parks After Dark, and Christmas at the Beach. 

 
 
 

A Community Laboratory for Microscopy & Water Chemistry Analysis

By equipping members of our local community with the tools and know-how needed to measure, document, and analyze variation in water quality, we are cultivating a research-driven space for grassroots innovation to combat the climate crisis.

 
 
 
 

50% of Earth’s Oxygen

Phytoplankton form the basis of virtually all aquatic food webs on Earth; cycle elements between species in the ocean; assist in regulating the climate system by accounting for half of all photosynthetic activity; and produce 50% of Earth's oxygen.

 
 

Over 250 weeks’ worth of in-situ data on water pollution and phytoplankton health gathered and analyzed.

 
 
 
 

Identifying and responding to sources of pollution

Measuring the amount of toxic contaminants such as oil and plastic informs long-term efforts aimed at reducing pollution in the watershed.

Refining restoration strategies for sea level rise

Improving and understanding the flow of water around the Reserve is crucial in mitigating the local impacts of the climate emergency.

 

Engaging restorative efforts to bring biodiversity back

With Phytoplankton forming the basis of marine food webs, understanding the balance of nutrients that feed into their blooms is critical to maintaining ocean health.

Monitoring nitrate levels, ammonia, phosphates

Data collection points include prominent plankton species, nitrate levels, ammonia, phosphates, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, debris, and plastic.

 

FLOW Fridays

Watch what happens on a typical Friday when FLOW Community Scientists collect a water sample and analyze the water chemistry and the phtyoplankton in the sample. Thank you to California State Parks Foundation for the video and their support.

Interested?

FLOW Citizen Scientists meet weekly at Bosla Chica State Beach to collect water samples from across the Ecological Reserve and assess and document variations in water quality. No prior experience required. Only an interest in preserving and restoring our wetlands and oceans.