2016 was a banner year for the Surfrider Foundation. We not only broke our record of 43 campaign victories in a single year, we shattered it by racking up 61 campaign wins over the past twelve months! These government decisions to protect our ocean, waves, and beaches are a testament to the passion and effectiveness of Surfrider’s volunteers and staff.
But these coastal victories tell only part of the story. Surfrider’s grassroots network of 80 chapters and 60 youth clubs continued to find new ways to advance coastal and ocean stewardship. From water quality testing to community partnerships to cleanups and restoration events, Surfrider continued to push the boundaries of what a grassroots coastal conservation group can achieve.
Below is summary of some our achievements across each of our focus areas. We extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our chapters, volunteers, supporters, and partners who contributed to this success!
CLEAN WATER
Surfrider secured 12 victories to protect water quality at the local, state, and federal levels. Notable wins included defeating the Cherry Point coal export terminal in Washington, passing a voter initiative for a $300 million cleanup plan for Indian River Lagoon in Florida, and ensuring Hawaii public health by requiring the state to post water quality advisories. These advocacy efforts were complemented by Surfrider’s volunteer monitoring of hundreds of beaches, installation of Ocean Friendly Gardens, and numerous community partnerships to solve local pollution problems.
Clean Water Outcomes
PLASTIC POLLUTION
Surfrider secured 22 victories to reduce and prevent the harms of plastic pollution on our coastal environment. Notable wins included passing the New York City plastic bag ban and defending California’s statewide plastic bag policy through our Yes on 67 campaign. Surfrider’s network also tackled plastic pollution through community outreach, organizing local cleanups, and successful launch of our Ocean Friendly Restaurants program.
Plastic Pollution Outcomes
OCEAN PROTECTION
Surfrider secured 7 victories to protect and restore ocean ecosystems in U.S. waters. Notable wins included our victory to Protect the Atlantic from new offshore oil drilling and federal approval of Regional Ocean Plans in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast that will protect the marine ecosystem and coastal recreation for decades to come. Surfrider also played an integral role in supporting the success of marine protected areas (MPAs) through education, advocacy, and stewardship.
Ocean Protection Outcomes
BEACH ACCESS
Surfrider secured 8 Victories to protect and improve coastal access in Florida, Texas, California, North Carolina, and Puerto Rico. Notable wins included our Strands Beach Access victory in Dana Point, CA after six years of litigation and our successful defense of beach access in North Carolina through a state Supreme Court ruling. In addition, Surfrider partnered with dozens of local partners across the U.S. to help bring underserved youth to the coast.
Beach Access Outcomes
COASTAL PRESERVATION
Surfrider secured 12 victories to protect shorelines in Rhode Island, California, Oregon, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico from coastal development and climate change. Notable wins included our victory to save Trestles through a settlement agreement that will permantly protect this world class surfing break, San Onofre State Park, and adjacent open space. In addition, Surfrider’s Maui Chapter joined the Protect Pe'ahi Coalition to preserve 267 acres along Hamakua Coast on North Maui. Finally, Surfrider helped advance coastal adaptation to sea level rise through participation in local and regional planning efforts across the U.S.
Coastal Preservation Outcomes