Surf Conservation
Launched in 2003, we are the only organization solely dedicated to protecting surf ecosystems on an international scale.
Why do we focus on surfing?
We protect surf ecosystems.
A surf ecosystem is more than a wave: it’s the geophysical components, the plants and animals, and the human interactions that make a place special. Protecting surf ecosystems in turn protects marine habitats, maintains the integrity of the wave, and safeguards local livelihoods.
We focus on places around the world where iconic surfing waves overlap with biodiversity hotspots that are critically important for marine conservation. For us, surfing is a vehicle for larger coastal conservation efforts, i.e. ‘surf conservation’.
Put simply, a surf ecosystem is more than a wave: it’s the geophysical components, the plants and animals, and the human interactions that make a place special. Protecting surf ecosystems in turn protects marine habitats, maintains the integrity of the wave, and safeguards local livelihoods.
We focus on places around the world where iconic surfing waves overlap with biodiversity hotspots that are critically important for marine conservation. For us, surfing is a vehicle for larger coastal conservation efforts, i.e. ‘surf conservation’.
ATTRIBUTES OF A SURF ECOSYSTEM
We define surf ecosystems as “the land to sea interface that create the conditions for breaking, rideable waves, and the flora and fauna and human communities that are dependent upon it.”
Mobilizing A Passionate Global Community
Save The Waves believes that the surfing community holds immense knowledge, passion and responsibility for the coastlines and surf breaks we visit. We motivate and empower this international community for good.
Using Surf Conservation for Biodiversity Protection
Across the globe, there are thousands of areas where world class surfing waves and globally important marine biological diversity overlap.
Save The Waves recently conducted a study showing that ~85% of the world’s top surf sites are located in global biodiversity hotspots for marine conservation and are ripe for new protected areas. The map here shows 50 globally important surfing areas overlaid with biodiversity hotspots.
Click on map to enlarge.
Using Surf Conservation for Biodiversity Protection
Across the globe, there are thousands of areas where world class surfing waves and globally important marine biological diversity overlap.
Save The Waves recently conducted a study showing that ~90% of the world’s top surf sites are located in global biodiversity hotspots for marine conservation and are ripe for new protected areas. The map here shows 50 globally important surfing areas overlaid with biodiversity hotspots.
Click on map to enlarge.