January 19, 2010 - The state of California's leading coastal environmental planning agency and a world leader in effective coastal management, the California Coastal Commission, last Friday voted unanimously to recognize and support the designation of World Surfing Reserves in California and worldwide.
In approving this historic resolution the California Coastal Commission once again exhibits its role as a progressive world leader on critical coastal issues that face government, citizens and the environment. Save The Waves Coalition and coastal commissioner Ross Mirkarimi argued successfully before the commission's board to win unanimous approval to support the program. This resolution comes at a crucial moment in the World Surfing Reserves program because 2010 will see the dedication of two World Surfing Reserves sites.
California is remarkably significant in the World Surfing Reserves program because 6 out of the United States' 9 nominated World Surfing Reserves are located on the California coast and within the commission's regulatory jurisdiction. While addressing the commission to encourage a vote in full support of the resolution, commissioner Ross Mirkarimi said, "In the past, California has lost precious wave-riding breaks under poorly-regulated coastal construction, and this resolution sends a strong message that we must preserve natural surfing breaks. This resolution is another great example of how surfing and ocean enthusiasts can unite with maritime and environmental sciences to lead in protecting our coasts and oceans."
The California Coastal Commission was established by voter initiative in 1972 (Proposition 20) and later made permanent by the Legislature through adoption of the California Coastal Act of 1976. The Coastal Act asserts that the people of California must have unhindered public access to their shoreline, and that low cost recreational opportunities not available at inland destinations - such as surfing - must be protected in perpetuity for present and future generations.
Save The Waves Coalition hopes this resolution will further encourage Californians to actively support World Surfing Reserves; the resolution also provides a leading example of how government can be engaged to protect our surfing resources and the coastal environment.
The complete language of this resolution to support World Surfing Reserves can be read and downloaded as a PDF from our Save The Waves Library.
Click here for more information & FAQs about World Surfing Reserves.
Will Henry photo: Mavericks in Half Moon Bay, California, a nominated World Surfing Reserve.
