SURF ECOSYSTEM 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.
Latest News & Stories
Understanding changes to surf ecosystems in the era of climate change
Dr. Dan Reineman of California State University Channel Islands teams up with Save The Waves and World Surfing Reserves to understand specific impacts of climate change on world class waves.
New Study: “The surf ecosystem as an emerging framework for managing coastal and marine resources”
We’re excited to announce that the Nature Journal of Ocean Sustainability has just published our new paper, “The Surf Ecosystem as an Emerging Framework for Managing Coastal and Marine Resources.”
World Surfing Reserves: Stewardship Stories – August 2026
In this August report of World Surfing Reserves, we’re looking at the progress of 4 individual WSR locations: Punta de Lobos, Gold Coast, North Devon, and Guarda do Embaú.
From Resistance to Science: Protecting the Waves of Puerto Escondido
How can we understand what’s happening to the wave in Zicatela beyond observed changes by surfers and the community? Conducting the first high-resolution bathymetric and photogrammetric survey of the beaches of Bahía Principal, Marinero, and Zicatela. Article by Almendra Gomezleyva, in English and Spanish.
Summer Update: Santa Cruz World Surfing Reserve
As the season evolves, so does the coastline. Here is the latest on what’s happening along the Santa Cruz coastline and how you can take action to look after this epic surf ecosystem.
“Environmentalist of the Year” – Save The Waves to be honored this week at annual Waterman’s Ball
Save The Waves Coalition is honored to be named ‘Environmentalist of the Year’ by Surf Industry Members Association (SIMA)!!
