Dana Point Harbor
From a single pilot unit in 2009 to a fleet of 6 skimmers collecting nearly 45,000 lbs of debris annually, Dana Point Harbor is a model for automated waterway cleanup.
The Challenge
Dana Point Harbor, one of Southern California's premier recreational harbors, faced a persistent challenge with floating debris accumulating in its waters. Plastics, organic matter, and oil sheen from recreational boating activity continuously degraded water quality and harbor aesthetics. The harbor needed a solution that could operate around the clock without requiring constant staffing or manual intervention.
Traditional debris removal relied on labor-intensive manual skimming crews with inconsistent schedules. Harbor staff could not effectively address debris during off-hours, weekends, or holidays, allowing floating waste to accumulate between cleanup shifts. The harbor management sought an automated, reliable solution that would keep the waterway clean continuously while reducing labor costs.
The Solution
In 2009, Harbor Manager Brad Gross tested the first Marina Trash Skimmer unit at Dana Point Harbor. The pilot proved so effective that in 2011, the harbor secured a $100,000 Measure M2 Water Quality Improvement grant from the Orange County Transportation Authority to fund the purchase and deployment of 5 additional units.
Today, 6 Marina Trash Skimmers operate throughout Dana Point Harbor, running 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The units continuously collect plastics, organic matter, and oil sheen while utilizing minimal amounts of electricity. The system integrates seamlessly with the harbor's existing maintenance operations, freeing staff to focus on other priorities.
- Pilot unit tested in 2009, proving the concept for long-term harbor deployment
- $100,000 Measure M2 grant funded expansion from 1 to 6 units in 2011
- Continuous 24/7 operation collecting plastics, organic debris, and oil sheen
- Minimal electricity consumption for cost-effective, around-the-clock performance
The Results
The 6 Marina Trash Skimmers at Dana Point Harbor now collect nearly 45,000 pounds of debris annually. The program has transformed the harbor's approach to water quality management, shifting from reactive manual cleanup to proactive automated collection that never stops working.
The success of the Dana Point deployment attracted significant media attention, with coverage from The Log, the Orange County Register, and the Dana Point Times. The program has become a valuable long-term contributor to the harbor's water quality program and a model for other California harbors considering automated debris removal solutions.
The Marina Trash Skimmer is a reliable labor-saving device, operating 24 hours per day gathering marine debris and utilizing minimal amounts of electricity. It has become a valuable long-term contributor to our water quality program.Brad Gross, Harbor Manager, Dana Point Harbor
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