Ocean Ecosystem
Surfrider Foundation's ocean protection program
The Ocean Ecosystem Program protects and restores ocean ecosystems through a proactive approach to conservation. Our core areas of work include: Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), Offshore Drilling, Renewable Ocean Energy, and Marine Spatial Planning. Please see below for more information.
Marine Protected Areas
Marine protected areas (MPAs), including fully protected marine reserves, are an effective management tool for protecting ocean ecosystems. MPAs function as a safe haven for marine life and provide places where the ocean can rebuild. Scientific research shows that marine protected areas can boost the abundance, diversity, and size of marine species living within their borders.
Marine Protected Areas can also enhance the resilience of ocean ecosystems to withstand the cumulative impacts of human and natural stressors (e.g., pollution, coastal development, fishing pressure, climate change, etc.). They also serve as important reference areas to improve scientific understanding of our ocean environment.
As a grassroots organization, the Surfrider Foundation is engaged in both the planning and implementation of MPAs around the country. Experience from around the world shows that the success of MPAs depends in part on local understanding and support for the designation. By providing outreach to ocean users and engaging citizens in planning and stewardship efforts, Surfrider chapters play an important role in ensuring the long-term success of these designations.
The Surfrider Foundation is committed to supporting MPA designations that are based on the best available science and balance conservation with access. To read Surfrider Foundation’s Position Statement on Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) please click here.
Offshore Drilling
The Surfrider Foundation is opposed to offshore oil drilling in new areas. Our nation’s oceans, waves and beaches are vital recreational, economic and ecological treasures that will be polluted by an increase in offshore oil drilling. Instead of advocating for transient and environmentally harmful ways to meet America’s oil needs, Surfrider believes we should seek a comprehensive and environmentally sustainable energy plan that includes energy conservation
Surfrider's Not the Answer campaign is focused on protecting our coasts from the risky practice of new offshore drilling through grassroots advocacy at the federal and state levels. Our chapter efforts included participation in Hands Across the Sand, an annual event where citizens join hands at beaches around the world to say no to offshore drilling and yes to clean energy. The primary goal of our Not the Answer campaign is to reinstate the federal moratorium on new drilling that was in place for decades until President Bush lifted it in 2008 and Congress subsequently allowed a federal ban on drilling to expire. For more information on Surfrider's Not the Answer campaign, please visit: http://www.nottheanswer.org/
Renewable Ocean Energy
Renewable Ocean Energy refers to sustainable means of generating electrical power that do not involve burning fossil fuels. Potential sources of energy in the ocean include solar, wind, waves, tides and geothermal energy.
In recent years, there has been a surge of interest in the development of these industries. Numerous projects have been proposed – and in some cases implemented - throughout the U.S. and world, encompassing a broad range of designs and locations.
The Surfrider Foundation recognizes that technologies that utilize ocean waves, tides, currents and wind may offer important benefits as renewable sources of energy that will reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. These alternative energy sources may also provide economic development through a cutting-edge industry for coastal communities.
Surfrider also recognizes that there are many questions and concerns about ocean energy, including potential impacts to ocean recreation, nearshore ecology, coastal processes, public safety, aesthetics, and fishing access.
The Surfrider Foundation has developed a Policy on Renewable Ocean Energy that articulates as set of ‘best practices’ for evaluating or planning for potential projects.
Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) is a public process that brings together different ocean stakeholders - including fishing, energy, government, conservation, and recreation – to make informed decisions about how to use the ocean sustainably. MSP uses maps to create a comprehensive picture of where and how an ocean area is being used, and what natural resources and habitats exist. Potential benefits of MSP include: reduced conflict among different uses, protection of the natural environment, and greater certainty for private industry and developers.- Participation of recreational ocean users
- Public outreach and education
- Mapping and data collection of non-consumptive uses
- Dialogue with other stakeholder groups
Marine Protected Areas:
Policy and longer Position Statement on Marine Protected Areas
Ocean Energy Issues:
Policy on Offshore Oil Drilling
Policy on Renewable Ocean Energy
Beachapedia Article: Offshore Oil Drilling
Beachapedia Article: Renewable Ocean Energy
Marine Spatial Planning:
Beachapedia Article: Marine Spatial Planning
Oregon Non-consumptive Recreational Ocean Use Study
Regional Ocean Conservation Programs:
April 29 2013
Say No to Atlantic Seismic: Sign the White House Petition!
Actor and ocean advocate Ted Danson has launched a White House Petition asking President Obama to cancel planned seismic airgun testing for oil and gas in the Atlantic Ocean. The goal: to collect 100,000 signatures by May 15 to compel the President to provide an official response on the issue.
April 28 2013
Congress Gets Poor Marks on Offshore Drilling Safety
A new report by Oil Spill Commission Action gives Congress a "D+" for its failure to improve the safety and environmental oversight of offshore drilling.
April 27 2013
Blue Vision Summit: May 13-15
Registration is open for the Blue Vision Summit in Washington DC on May 13-15. Join ocean activists from around the country as we make our voice heard in the nation's capitol!
April 16 2013
White House Releases Final Ocean Plan
The Obama Administration has released its final National Ocean Policy action plan, outlining more than 50 actions the U.S. will take to protect our nation’s oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes.
April 08 2013
California’s Landmark Law Under Attack
Beach Access Blue Water Task Force Coastal Preservation Know Your H20 Ocean Ecosystems Water Quality
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is one of California’s most important laws—not only because it helps protect our environment and “quality of life”, but CEQA also promotes democratic participation in the decision-making process—giving citizens a say in what happens in their local communities. Unfortunately over the past few years, developers and polluting industries have been attempting to weaken CEQA through legislation. If special interests succeed in weakening CEQA, California’s natural resources could suffer from unchecked development, and the public will lose its ability to require developers to address environmental impacts.
April 07 2013
Hands Across the Sand: May 18th!
Do you want to see our coasts protected from offshore drilling? Then sign up to participate in Hands Across the Sand on May 18, 2013!
March 10 2013
Senator Vitter Wants To Drill Off Your Coast
Senator David Vitter has introduced legislation to expand oil and gas drilling off every U.S. coastline.
February 12 2013
Surfing & MPAs: Putting the Stoke in Conservation
Ocean Ecosystems Marine Protected Areas Surf Protection Surfing Reserves
Millions of Americans go surfing in marine protected areas (MPAs) every year. MPAs help protect some of the best surfing spots in the country and often enjoy a reciprocal relationship with the surfing community.
January 31 2013
Federal Leaders Voice Opposition to Seismic Testing in the Atlantic Ocean
Eight Senators and twenty-seven House members have sent letters to President Obama asking him to cancel plans for seismic testing in the Atlantic Ocean. Seismic airgun testing would cause devastating impacts to wildlife and bring the Atlantic coast closer to the risky practice of offshore oil drilling.
January 24 2013
Oregon’s Territorial Sea Plan Approved
Ocean Ecosystems Ocean Energy Surf Protection
After five years of stakeholder engagement, Oregon's Land Conservation and Development Commission adopted amendments for Oregon's Territorial Sea Plan that provides suitable locations for siting renewable ocean energy, and protects important habitats and existing uses like ocean recreation.
January 18 2013
Can California’s Marine Protected Areas protect surfing?
Ocean Ecosystems Marine Protected Areas Surf Protection
California recently established the largest network of marine protection in the continental United States. One of the outstanding questions during the MPA designation process was, will these marine protected areas benefit surfing in any way? Answers are starting to come in...
December 23 2012
Expansion Proposed for Marine Sanctuaries off Northern California
Ocean Ecosystems Marine Protected Areas
The Obama Administration is planning to expand the Gulf of Farollones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries to protect the northern California coast from offshore drilling. Public comments on the proposal will be accepted by NOAA until March 1, 2013
December 20 2012
California’s Marine Protected Areas in Full Swing
Ocean Ecosystems Marine Protected Areas
Have you ever heard the saying, “so goes California so goes the Nation”? Well, ocean advocates across the nation are hoping these words ring true when it comes to protecting important ocean resources. The State of California now officially owns a complete network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). These MPAs encompass rich, coastal ecosystems from Oregon to Mexico—creating sanctuaries for marine life to thrive.
December 06 2012
Tell the Feds to Cancel Seismic Surveys in the Atlantic!
The Department of Interior is deciding whether to conduct seismic surveys in the Mid- and South Atlantic to map oil and gas resources. These surveys would cause devastating impacts to marine life and set the stage for new offshore drilling. Please sign the petition to ask the Department to cancel these proposed surveys!
November 08 2012
National Ocean Policy in the Ocean & Coastal Law Journal
The National Ocean Policy strives to be the one unifying law to govern the resources of our oceans and Great Lakes in the United States. Enacted by an Executive Order of President Barack Obama in 2010, the implementation plan for the NOP is expected to be out any day now. The Ocean and Coastal Law Journal out of Maine Law School has now published online an article by Surfrider Foundation's Legal Director, entitled "The U.S. National Ocean Policy: One Small Step for National Waters, but Will It Be the Giant Leap Needed for Our Blue Planet?"
October 29 2012
Surfrider Dives into Ocean Planning on the East Coast
Ocean Ecosystems Marine Spatial Planning
The Surfrider Foundation is hiring staff in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions to support our participation in regional ocean planning. Surfrider's goal in ocean planning is to protect special places and ensure that future development minimizes impacts to the environment and recreational uses.
September 07 2012
Offshore Drilling: Obama Vs. Romney
With the Presidential election just around the corner, let’s take a look at the respective positions of President Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney on offshore drilling. What would each candidate’s Presidency mean for oil and gas development off our nation’s coasts?
August 17 2012
Surfrider Joins Congressman Waxman to Release Report on Congress’s Coastal Voting Record
Know Your H20 Wastewater Ocean Ecosystems Water Quality
Congressman Waxman is one of the most influential members of congress and has rightly earned his reputation as being a mover and shaker. He likes to investigate and uncover issues (just Google his name). So when Surfrider was invited to participate in a press conference with the Congressman to release a report highlighting Congress’s poor coastal voting record, we jumped at the opportunity.
August 17 2012
The Ocean Health Index
Can the health of our global ocean be summed up in one number? How can we begin to prioritize both the threats our oceans face and the necessary remedial measures? Founded by Conservation International, the National Geographic Society, and The New England Aquarium, the Ocean Health Index is an innovative approach to measure the health of our oceans annually, or whenever new data is available.
August 06 2012
Surfrider Activists Join Hands to Say No to Offshore Drilling
Thousands of participants, including hundreds of Surfrider Foundation activists, turned out on August 4th for over 200 Hands Across the Sand events held across the country and around the world.
Take Action
Say No to Atlantic Seismic
Sign the White House Petition! We need 100,000 signatures to get Obama's response
Tell Congress to Protect Beachgoers From Polluted Water
Don't let the EPA cut funding for water testing that protects surfers and swimmers!