The Malibu Pier is one of the most polluted beaches in California, according to Heal the Bay researchers, who ranked the beach no. 5 on the 2012-2013 “Beach Bummer List” as part of the organization’s 23rd Annual Beach Report Card.
Malibu Pier was the only Malibu beach to appear on the bummer list this year, after last year’s losers included four Malibu beaches: Marie Canyon, Solstice Canyon, Escondido State Beach and Surfrider Beach.Â
The Pier’s “F” grade during dry summer weather, “D” during dry winter weather and “C” during wet weather was the culmination of monitoring conducted during from April-October 2012 (summer dry), and the winter dry season (November 2012-March 2013).
Researchers seem at a loss to explain the high levels of pollution at the pier.Â
“After several site visits by Heal the Bay, no obvious pollution sources were identified on or near the pier. Bacterial exceedances at this  location appear to be seasonal. Heal the Bay plans to work with local agencies to monitor and implement source tracking at this location if the high bacteria levels return this summer,” the study stated.
The Pier received an “F” last year during the summer from researchers, but was not on the bummer list.
On a positive note, Leo Carillo State Beach in Malibu made the “Honor Roll” of the report card, pulling out an “A+” year-round grade from Heal the Bay.
To view the report card in its entirety, visit here.Â
