The Californer - City of Long Beach Debuts New Water Debris-Collecting Device

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Long Beach, CA ~ Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach is taking a step towards cleaner and healthier waters with the introduction of their new Jellyfishbot. The Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM) department has announced the launch of this innovative device that will aid in removing debris from surface-level water.

The Jellyfishbot is a remotely controlled robot that can collect up to 100 pounds of debris in a single mission. This new addition to the city's efforts to clean Long Beach marina waters will not only improve the cleanliness of the water but also raise awareness about larger marine pollution issues.

Mayor Rex Richardson expressed his excitement about the Jellyfishbot, stating that it is a valuable resource in their commitment to environmental stewardship and maintaining clean and beautiful waters throughout the year. He also mentioned that he is looking forward to seeing the bot in action, showcasing the winning design from a youth art contest.

The Jellyfishbot boasts many advanced features, including a Global Positioning System (GPS) that allows staff to create designated operating areas and map out water depths. It also has a live camera feed and built-in collision avoidance systems to detect obstacles above and under water. The device has a net system attached to its back, making it capable of collecting up to 100 pounds of debris.

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This versatile and easy-to-use solution for cleaning waste and debris from water will allow Marine Bureau staff to be more efficient in their operations. Typically, removing smaller water debris requires a boat and additional staffing for manual collection. However, with the Jellyfishbot, one staff member can remotely operate the device while simultaneously removing debris. Its compact size also enables it to reach hard-to-access areas. The robot will be used as part of the Marine Bureau's weekly operations as well as after storm events when an influx of debris is expected. Its first mission is scheduled for the week of September 30th, 2024.

To celebrate its debut, the PRM Adopt a Beach Program, in partnership with the Aquarium of the Pacific and supported by sponsors Long Beach Container Terminal and Intex Recreation Corporation, launched a youth art and naming contest for the robot during the recent California Coastal Cleanup Day. Local youth are invited to submit their ideas for a chance to name the Jellyfishbot and have their art displayed on its sides. The chosen artist will receive a $1,500 scholarship package and other prizes donated by sponsors. Submissions can be made through lbparks.org until October 25th.

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The City of Long Beach has been actively working towards improving water quality and mitigating debris on its beaches. As part of their adopted Fiscal Year 2025 Budget, they have approved one-time funding for a barber surf rake to support the Beach Clean-up Crew and increase the frequency of beachfront waterline clean-ups. They have also invested in a new trash interceptor barge to be placed in the Los Angeles River to improve water quality. Additionally, they have been advocating for regional infrastructure improvements to address upstream sewage spills and pushing for more state funding to be allocated towards communities impacted by sewage spills.

For more information on the Jellyfishbot, Youth Art Contest, or other PRM initiatives, visit lbparks.org. The City of Long Beach is committed to creating a cleaner and healthier environment for all its residents and visitors.

Filed Under: Government, City

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