The Homer City Council passed a resolution Monday supporting Alaska’s Administrative Code that prohibits the collection of marine invertebrates from Alaska beaches, except for subsistence and scientific uses. The city also will provide additional educational material to visitors and schools regarding the state code.

During public comment Monday Marilyn Sigman, Executive Director of the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies, said tidepooling in Kachemak Bay has become a big draw for tourists and residents alike.

But last year, a large group of people landed on a beach and removed garbage bags full of seaweed, she said. There also was a report of a bucket of sea stars dumped into a Dumpster.

Lee Mahan asked the city to take the lead to discourage this practice, saying it takes years to repair a beach once it has been damaged like the people did with the garbage bags full of seaweed.

“Tidepools are living laboratories,” she said. “We want to invite visitors to our beaches but please be a good guest.”

The resolution passed without opposition.