Water around Santa Monica Pier turns pink

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (CBS, KYMA) - The waves crashing around the iconic pier in Santa Monica are being turned neon pink several times this month as part of an effort to track ocean currents.

UCLA scientists overseeing the so-called "Barbie Beach" experiment say fluorescent pink dye they put in the Pacific Ocean is temporary and non-toxic.

Researchers are tracking where the dye travels to review how the man-made breakwater affects water quality in the area.

It was originally constructed in 1934 to protect the beach, but over the years storms have taken their toll.

"The beach is really wide here so it's like pretty obviously having an impact on how water moves here. It's still reducing how the waves crash here, but we want to understand that a little bit better. That could have impacts on why the water quality is so bad here," said Gabriella Carr, a researcher at UCLA.

Organizers invited the public to join in the fun at the Santa Monica Pier, with pink-themed decorations and tasty treats.

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