When Dugan Byrnes saw the fishing boat moving slowly into the Pacific sunset, backwards, his natural curiosity was stoked. Recounted the incident to other patrons of Harry's Beach Bar and Night Club, he came to learn of other curious events in the local waters. Gradually the Pismo Eight is formed, a variegated group of young and old seekers committed to the health of the ocean, who combine their talents to find the source of the mysterious events and reveal it to the the general public. At the dramatic climax during the annual Clam Festival in Pismo Beach, the local community and people watching the satellite coverage worldwide, are presented graphic evidence of the environmental impact created by the combined effects of nuclear power, chemical pollution and global warming. Not to mention the combined effects of greed, alcohol, revenge, endemic political stupidity and galloping disorientation.