Superintendent Statement: Report and Do Not Disturb Cotton Bales Washed Up on Local Beaches!
Superintendent Statement
March 15th, 2024
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is asking the public to report and not disturb any cotton bales that have washed up recently on local beaches. The bales are believed to be from a container ship that, according to the U.S. Coast Guard, lost 24 containers on February 6th, 2024, approximately 15 miles west of the sanctuary offshore of Monterey Bay.
On March 4th, cotton bales and empty wine barrels were reported washing up on San Luis Obispo County beaches between Cayucas and San Simeon. These items were confirmed to be from the same freighter on February 6th.
The cotton bales are reported to weigh 500 lbs (dry weight) and are covered in blue plastic. When the cotton is released from a bale, it can cover sensitive flora and fauna in the intertidal and on the shoreline. Contractors have been hired to professionally remove the debris.
Since March 4th, more cotton bales have been reported on the California shoreline from Big Sur Coast to Point Sal, including the Northern Channel Islands. The affected area includes Monterey Bay and Channel Islands national marine sanctuaries and the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary.
The public is advised not to disturb any of the cotton bales. Do not remove any part of the plastic or cotton. It is best that the bales remain covered and banded until cleanup contractors can safely remove them from a beach. Do not remove any loose cotton from the beach or rocky intertidal areas, as that may cause damage to marine organisms.
Please report any sighted cotton bales to RM@gallaghermarine.com
Lisa Wooninck, Ph.D.
Superintendent
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
download the signed Superintendent Statement (223K PDF)