Plankton Outbreak at Zuma

Local residents noticed a "greenish, yellow froth" formed on the beach Friday afternoon, leaving behind an unpleasant scent once the high tide rolled in.

Captain Ocean Lifeguard Julio Rodriguez commented said that the froth and its smell were caused by an outbreak of pyramimonas phytoplankton, and this occurrence is not uncommon in Malibu, as well as Santa Monica and Venice. 

"It's not unusual to have algael blooms," Rodriguez said. "With the wind and surf, it then becomes frothy."

As far as the stench, Rodriguez said it could be attributed to several factors, one being the fact that stagnant water is now being washed out of storm drains by the rain.

Rodriguez also alerted Malibu residents to a warning from the health department, which advises residents to stay out of the water for 72 hours after it rains.