WILDCOAST INSTALLS NEW TRASH BOOM TO TACKLE OCEAN DEBRIS AT US – MEXICO BORDER

marinedebris

Photos by Sam Campbell

In a significant step to address the ongoing plastic pollution crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border, on October 30, 2024 WILDCOAST inaugurated its second trash boom in Tijuana River Valley. Supported by Culligan International, this trash boom placed in Matadero Canyon aims to capture over 80,000 pounds of waste annually from entering the Tijuana River and, eventually, the Pacific Ocean.

Photo: Trash in Matadero Canyon

The Tijuana River watershed has suffered from plastic debris and toxic runoff due to unregulated urban sprawl and limited waste management systems, particularly in Tijuana’s steep canyons. Heavy rains transform these canyons into channels of debris that flow downstream, threatening the health of communities and vital ecosystems alike. This tsunami of waste has created an environmental and health disaster for humans and wildlife on both sides of the border.  

Photo: Rosario Norzagaray – WILDCOAST Marine Debris Manager

The new trash boom in Matadero Canyon builds on the success of WILDCOAST’s first trash boom in Los Laureles Canyon, which has already intercepted over 239,000 pounds of waste since its installation in 2021. Together, the two trash booms will prevent approximately 160,000 pounds of trash from reaching the ocean each year, directly benefiting species such as gray and humpback whales, as well as maintaining the integrity of local Marine Protected Areas.

This initiative is more than just waste capture. WILDCOAST has structured a system where local community members are employed to sort and recycle up to 90% of the collected plastics. This circular approach not only reduces landfill waste but also provides essential income for local residents. Additionally, WILDCOAST has established 57 plastic recovery points across 24 neighborhoods in Tijuana, creating a citizen network that intercepts waste at its source.

Tijuana Mayor’s Office Representative

The inauguration of this second boom was celebrated by prominent officials, including the offices of Baja California’s Secretary of Environment, Mónica Vega, and the Mayor of Tijuana. “It is more important than ever to deploy innovative, low-cost solutions to address the toxic pollution crisis on the U.S.-Mexico border,” said WILDCOAST Executive Director and former Mayor of Imperial Beach Dr. Serge Dedina. “We have to move quickly with local communities in Tijuana to stop the tsunami of plastic that is literally filling our state and federal reserves with trash, threatening the health of residents and wildlife such as blue, gray and humpback whales.”

Culligan International, known for its commitment to reducing single-use plastics and improving water quality, sees this partnership as an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Christina Beckman, senior manager at Culligan, remarked, “as experts and leaders, Culligan is well poised to help WILDCOAST in these important efforts as we have common values and shared goals to keep our oceans clean with innovative solutions that make an impact. We look forward to a successful partnership that will leave these waterways clean and safe.”

This ongoing effort by WILDCOAST highlights a comprehensive approach to tackling pollution: waste capture, community engagement, and environmental education. With the trash boom installations and proactive community programs, WILDCOAST is not only addressing the immediate crisis but also paving the way for a cleaner, healthier border region.