MS in Environmental and Ocean Sciences Alumna Investigates Environmental Effects of Fireworks Display in Mission Bay

A recent article in the Voice of San Diego discussed the work of USD alumna Natalie Clagett ‘23 (MS/JD), who is investigating the environmental effects of SeaWorld’s fireworks displays.

SeaWorld routinely discharges plastic caps, wires, trash and other chemical laden debris into Mission Bay in violation of multiple requirements of the regional Fireworks Permit and fails to follow its own post-event cleanup protocols.

Among the waste from SeaWorld’s fireworks are sharp wires, broken ignitors, shell casings, caps, shattered plastic, cardboard and residue from toxic metals, including barium, chromium, cobalt and copper. This hazardous debris is strewn across Mission Bay’s seafloor and along the beaches of Fiesta Island, a popular recreational area. The San Diego Coastkeeper’s recent press release further details this claim.

Clagett earned both her master of science in environmental and ocean sciences and her juris doctor from the School of Law. She currently works as an associate at Coast Law Group, where she practices environmental law.

Clagett also recently started a non-profit called EarthSpotter, a platform addressing the lack of transparency in environmental reporting. State and federal data reporting programs lack user-friendly interfaces and mechanisms for public engagement. EarthSpotter bridges this gap by offering accessible data visualization and a channel for public reporting of environmental pollution. If there is a viable legal solution for any pollution reported, EarthSpotter can identify a lawyer to help with the matter.