A recent article by the Union Tribune (featured online at SignOnSanDiego.com) highlights the ecological and socio-economic controversy surrounding beach grooming—a practice under study by marine ecologist Jenny Dugan of the Santa Barbara Coastal (SBC) LTER and other scientists.
According to Dugan, who specializes in the ecology of exposed sandy beaches, beach grooming disturbs the natural ecosystem and harms many species that feed, live, or breed on the beaches. To read the full article please see http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20070204-9999-1m4beach.html.