At Save The Waves Coalition, we recognize that we are in an unprecedented moment in history. The budget cuts and threats to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the National Parks System and the California Coastal Act are unacceptable.
Where we stand is clear: we oppose the Trump administration’s actions and intentions on environmental policies that harm, and will continue to harm, our mission of protecting surf ecosystems.
At Save The Waves, we unequivocally stand for:
PROTECTION: We believe in the protection of our unique and irreplaceable surf ecosystems and coastlines. We must retain the right and responsibility to preserve these critical habitats for all communities (and future generations) to enjoy, not for private interests to benefit from.
ACCESS: The ability to access outdoor recreational spaces as public lands and natural sanctuaries. Access is more than a physical space: access to data and information is also a right.
COMMUNITY: People need their connection to the ocean and to each other, especially during these times, and surf ecosystems are the shared arena that foster that connection.
What You Can Do:
1) Call your representative. Let them know of your support for NOAA and the National Park System. Tell them these agencies are important to hundreds of local economies across the US.
2) If you are a business or organization, sign on to this letter protecting NOAA: CLICK HERE.
3) Follow Save The Waves Coalition and other environmental organizations:
- Surfrider Foundation surfrider.org / @surfrider
- The Wilderness Society www.wilderness.org / @wildernesssociety
- National Park Foundation www.nationalparks.org / @nationalparkfoundation
- National Marine Sanctuary Foundation marinesanctuary.org / @marinesanctuaryfdn
- Ocean Conservancy oceanconservancy.org / @oceanconservancy
- Natural Resources Defense Council www.nrdc.org / @nrdc_org
A Message From Our CEO, Nik Strong-Cvetich:
As someone who cares deeply about the surf ecosystems, these particular indiscretions will have a real impact on all of us.
First, in addition to providing all of the surf forecast data for free, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) also administers the National Marine Sanctuaries of which 138 surf ecosystems are found. This includes the iconic breaks of Hawaii’s North Shore like Pipeline, Waimea, and Sunset; SF’s Ocean Beach and our home breaks of Steamer Lane, Pleasure Point and all the epic surf ecosystems of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
Aside from National Parks being America’s “best idea”, over 55 surf ecosystems are contained within the National Park System. This includes waves like Malibu (National Recreation Area), Point Reyes, Outer Banks and the Channel Islands.
Furthermore, holding the state of California hostage with aid for Los Angeles contingent on suspension of the California Coastal Act is another example of the irresponsible thuggery of the current administration.
The California Coastal Act ensures all access to California’s coastal resources for its residents, and all Americans, as well as protecting our iconic surf ecosystems from rampant development like we’ve seen in all other coasts of the US.
If you care about surfing and the places we’ve mentioned above, then that’s a concern to you.
If you care about having data on weather, hurricanes swell forecast as a public good then you should care. If you care about having unfettered access to the coast of California, all these things should concern you.
There’s a lot to be alarmed at. But we at Save The Waves are laser focused on our mission and these 3 items help us stay on track. We’re here to serve our Coalition and we’re not going anywhere. Join us.
