It may look like something out of the future, but the Jellyfishbot has a simple mission: help keep our waterways clean. Tools like the Jellyfishbot support DBH’s daily work to maintain clean, safe and accessible coastal spaces across the Marina.
This small, electric robot moves across the surface of marina waters, collecting floating debris from hard-to-reach areas, such as beneath docks and boathouses. With the ability to gather up to 100 pounds of trash in a single run, it offers an efficient way to address pollution at its source.
Guided by remote control and supported by onboard sensors, the Jellyfishbot can safely navigate busy marina environments. The unit is also equipped with an onboard HD camera, giving staff a real-time view beneath the water’s surface and helping monitor conditions in areas that are otherwise difficult to access.
For staff, the device is more than just new technology—it’s a practical tool that expands what’s possible in daily operations. “It gives our staff the ability to maintain areas that are inaccessible by foot or vessels,” said Edward Martinez, Beach Maintenance District Manager. “I like to refer to it as a water drone.”
The excitement extends beyond staff. During last year’s “Bring Your Kids to Work Day,” Martinez said his daughters were eager to try it themselves. “They were so excited to hear that we had a water drone to clean the marina and couldn’t wait to try it.”
Together with daily cleanup efforts, innovations like the Jellyfishbot help keep Marina del Rey a clean, welcoming space for everyone who lives, works and visits.
LA County Beaches & Harbors
