AUSTRALIA
Surfrider Foundation Australia's National adopted a "Hold On To Your Butts" campaign at their national meeting in Newcastle in March. It is modeled on the San Diego Chapter concept and they are engaged in a national campaign on this issue.
    They have also established a new branch (we call them chapters) in the Mornington Peninsula which is south-east of Melbourne. Two major issues involve unrestrained development and the Gunnamatta outfall which is a major outfall for the city of Melbourne. Problems are primary treatment only for feces and outputs of heavy metals and industrial toxins.
    The Gold Coast Branch (Surfers' Paradise South) has the Currumbin Blue Water Task Force up and running. They are researching water quality and conducting a litter survey. Gold Coast is also completing the Cylinder Head Erosion Control and Walkways Project on North Stradebroke Island. They planted more than 2,000 indigenous plants for erosion control and built a single loop walking track with viewing platforms.
    The Coff's Harbor branch continues to fight a proposed sewage outfall in the Solitary Islands Marine Park near Coff's Harbor. The Surf Coast branch (Bells Beach area south of Melbourne on the Southern Ocean Road) lost the battle against the town council allowing the building of a McDonalds in Torquay (major concern was litter ending up at the beach). They have, however, continued to host Indigenous Coastal Workshops and have continued to work with the aboriginal people in the area.
   In addition, Surfrider Foundation Australia National recently elected Greg Howell as their new Executive Director.

BRAZIL

Surfrider Foundation Brazil held a protest at Ipanema Beach. One of the birth places of surfing in Brazil and one of its most famous postcard photos is facing all sorts of beach problems, from beach erosion to heavily polluted waters. An eroding ocean outfall was recently pumping 6 tons per second of raw sewage close to shore. Surfrider Brazil has been attending meetings with municipal and state authorities trying to resolve this serious problem and hopefully getting the sewage of Rio treated. Currently, 80% of the sewage in Brazil is not treated.
   Brazil has also been invited to participate in a water pollution monitoring program with the Brazilian Foundation for Sustainable Development, the Public Ministry of Rio de Janeiro, Gama Filho University and the Roberto Marinho Foundation.

JAPAN
This past year Surfrider Foundation Japan's action plan included emphasis on the organizational structure, development of new programs, enhancing communication with members and expanding the Surfrider Foundation message to a wider audience through publicity and the internet. They also held their second annual gathering, "Surfrider Night" in Osaka. This event brings both members and non-members together to discuss methods to protect surf spots in western Japan.

FRANCE/EUROPE
"Initiative Ocean 2000" has been organized to celebrate the Surfrider Foundation Europe's 10 year anniversary. This 3-day gathering will take place June 2, 3, and 4 in Biarritz, France. Activities will include:

• An environmental and surf Trade-show (more than 30 participating organizations)
• Presentations and speakers on coastal environment.
• A surfing-event for kids.
• A special "education day".
• An international meeting of all Surfrider Foundation International Affiliate Executive Directors.