May 2026
The Newport Bay Trash Interceptor Update
By Newport Harbor Foundation Staff
The Trash Interceptor Gets “Eyes and a Brain”
In an exciting development, the Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory has installed an AI-powered camera system at the Newport Bay Trash Interceptor. This innovative technology is revolutionizing how we track and understand the trash flowing through San Diego Creek into our bay.
What does this mean? The AI camera can automatically identify and count different types of trash as the interceptor collects it. This gives us unprecedented data about what kinds of pollution are entering our waterways and helps us develop targeted solutions.
How the AI Camera Works
The system uses advanced computer vision technology to:
- Identify specific types of trash (plastic bottles, bottle caps, polystyrene, and more)
- Count each item with high accuracy (for example, identifying a plastic bottle with 0.98 confidence)
- Generate real-time data about pollution patterns
- Help researchers understand seasonal and weather-related trash flow variations
Newport Bay Trash Interceptor: A Proven Success
Operational Since March 2025
The City of Newport Beach completed construction of the innovative Newport Bay Trash Interceptor in March 2025, and it has been actively collecting debris ever since. This West Coast first represents a major milestone in automated water pollution prevention.
How It Protects Our Environment
The trash interceptor serves as a crucial barrier between urban runoff and our precious marine ecosystems:
- Stops 80% of floating trash: The system intercepts the majority of debris before it reaches Newport Bay
- Protects wetlands and wildlife: By capturing trash from creeks and storm drains, we prevent harm to sensitive habitats
- Covers a regional watershed: The interceptor collects debris from San Diego Creek, which drains a large area
- Prevents ocean pollution: Every piece of trash stopped is one less item flowing into the Pacific Ocean
A Model for the Future
The Newport Beach trash wheel provides a practical model for other communities looking to address water pollution. As the West Coast’s first fully automated trash interceptor, it demonstrates how technology and environmental stewardship can work together to create cleaner waterways.
Why This Matters to Our Community
Trash from creeks and storm drains doesn’t just disappear—it harms wetlands, endangers wildlife, and pollutes our ocean. The combination of the trash interceptor and AI monitoring technology gives us powerful tools to:
- Understand the sources of pollution in our watershed
- Develop targeted education and prevention programs
- Track the effectiveness of our environmental initiatives
- Share data with researchers and policymakers
- Inspire other communities to adopt similar solutions
Quick Facts
- 80% Floating trash stopped before reaching Newport Bay
- March 2025 Trash interceptor became operational
- 1st West Coast’s first fully automated trash interceptor
The Newport Harbor Foundation continues to support and promote the trash interceptor initiative.
Get Involved
Want to learn more or support this initiative? The Newport Beach Trash Interceptor is a community effort that benefits from public awareness and engagement.
Visit the City of Newport Beach website for more information about how you can help keep our waterways clean.
May Issue
More of What’s Inside
A Message from Dennis Durgan
President of the Newport Harbor Foundation
We are deeply grateful to each and every one of you—our generous donors, dedicated residents, and passionate supporters—who continue to champion the mission of the Newport Harbor Foundation. Your unwavering commitment to preserving and protecting our beloved Newport Harbor makes all of our work possible.
Why Newport Harbor Must Be Dredged
By Marshall ‘Duffy’ Duffield
On any given day, Newport Harbor tells the story of coastal life in Southern California. Early in the morning, sailors ease quietly out of their slips toward the open ocean. Paddleboarders glide across calm water. Later in the afternoon, families cruise the harbor while waterfront restaurants fill with visitors enjoying the view.
The Newport Bay Trash Interceptor
By NHF Staff
We’re excited to share some groundbreaking updates about the Newport Beach Trash Interceptor and the cutting-edge technology that’s helping us better understand and combat marine pollution. Our community’s commitment to protecting Newport Bay and the Pacific Ocean continues to drive innovation and positive environmental change.
Leveraging Resources Near and Far
By Paul Blank, Harbormaster
The Harbor Department continues to deliver on its mission to keep Newport Harbor clean, safe, and well-enjoyed. A key component of that mission is actively seeking opportunities to collaborate with partner agencies—local, state, and federal—to bring additional resources and capabilities to Newport Harbor.
The Harbor and Invasive Algae
By Devon Kelly
Caulerpa Prolifera is an invasive aquatic species that is not native to California. It grows quickly and spreads aggressively, forming dense mats that smother native vegetation and alter the harbor’s underwater landscape.
Balboa Island Ferry Electrification Update
By NHF Staff
Great news for Newport Beach and ferry lovers everywhere! The beloved Balboa Island Ferry, which has been shuttling passengers and vehicles across the harbor for over 100 years, is embarking on an exciting journey toward a cleaner, greener future. After facing potential closure due to California’s stricter emissions regulations, the ferry has secured crucial funding to electrify its entire fleet.
2026 State of the Bay Luncheon
Join Us for the Third Annual State of the Bay Luncheon on Wednesday, May 13th, at the Newport Harbor Yacht Club. Click on the link for all the details and a sign-up link
