SANTA MONICA, Calif. (KABC) -- If you're out near the Santa Monica Pier, you may notice parts of the ocean looking a little pink. Don't worry, it's all in the name of science.

It's a chemical called rhodamine. Ten gallons of the non-toxic dye were dumped in the ocean by scientists to help study water quality.

"The dye is absolutely nontoxic. It's safe for human exposure, as well as wildlife," said Tom Ford, CEO of the Bay Foundation.

The UCLA Coastal Flood Lab and the Bay Foundation are studying water circulation, currents and the breakwater.

"It's very hard to see some of those currents. You put the dye in it, we can see that visually," Ford said.

Some beachgoers who came to check out the pink were slightly disappointed by the view.

"I thought it could be maybe a little psychedelic

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