Wednesday, December 26, 2007

End of the Year Surfrider Party

This Saturday is the big S.F. shindig...
This is definitely -not- just for surfers.S.F. is working for clean water, access to the beach, beach preservation and protecting special places.
Sat,. Dec. 292 p.m. - ???
Cocoa Beach Pavilion(5000 Tom Warriner Blvd. - go west on Minuteman Causeway and turn north at the golf course, then go to the east end of the parking lot)
*** Music by The Haoles with Ricky Carroll (at 2) and the Beachnuts (around 4:30), and possibly others
Free games and contests for the little tykes Paddleboard contest by Sean O'Hare from the Cocoa Beach Surf Museum Surf movie (after dark) Surf products fundraiser sale
Requested donation is $15 - includes beer / wine / barbecue Kids under 17 free with their family
...but this is also a membership recruitment event so we're not likely to turn anyone away. You know we'll take smaller donations on a beer-by-beer basis, but to be eligible for all of the raffles you wanna spring for the wristband.
Margarita bar too (donation "cash bar"),,,
The poster is at http://grrr.net/sfparty.jpg
More info is at http://www.surfrider.org/sebastianinlet/ Rick HayesChapter ChairmanSurfrider FoundationSebastian Inlet Chaptersurfridersi@yahoo.com321.779.0279 h321.652.2024 c

Humpbacks Spared from Japanese Harpoons

Japan Suspends Humpback Hunts
December 19, 2007
At the end of the year we bring some good news from the Antarctic and some vitally important information from around the world.

JAPAN TO SUSPEND HUMPBACK HUNTReports from Tokyo indicate the Japanese have told the American Ambassador they will not hunt humpbacks this season. Photo by David MartinAustralia has indicated she will send an armed vessel and aircraft to monitor the Japanese fleet and bring back evidence to support Australia's legal action against Japan in the World Court.
BV PROTESTS BARRAGE JAPANESE EMBASSIES
Your phone calls and faxes protesting Japan's dolphin hunt sent a strong message to Japanese embassies around the world. Faxes and phone calls force them to pay attention. Thanks for the reports you sent us of your interactions with embassy officials. Your voices were heard.

MARINE MAMMAL TOXICS
At the end of November Deborah Cutting and I traveled to Cape Town, South Africa for a meeting of marine mammal scientists from around the world. Reports of dangerously toxic levels in a wide range of marine mammals were highly alarming. The good news is that this subject is taking center stage at such meetings now. And implications for human health have become part of the discussion.
During 2008 BlueVoice will publish results of our collaboration with Dr. Brian Durie of the International Myeloma Foundation establishing correlations between high toxic levels in the marine environment and human cancer clusters. This document and a corresponding film will lead a massive educational effort on our part to alert public, press, legislative and regulatory agencies to this clear and present catastrophe.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT IN 2007 AND BEST WISHES FOR THE HOLIDAYS. WE ASK FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT IN 2008. IT WILL BE A CRUCIAL YEAR.


For the dolphins and whales,
Hardy Jones


TESTING FOR TOXICS IN JAPAN
During 2008 we will expand our testing of marine products from Japan. Data already reveals that dolphins contain far too much mercury in their meat to be consumed by humans and that dolphin hunting should end immediately. We will also test Japanese fish exports for mercury levels in an effort to leverage the Japan Fisheries Agency into ending its support for dolphin hunting.
Our tests of fish caught in the Taiji area and sold in local markets showed all species to be safe for human consumption. This means the people of this village can eat fish but should not eat dolphin meat. One supermarket in Taiji has stopped selling dolphin meat due to its mercury content. And the schools have stopped accepting dolphin meat.
Support BlueVoice with your donations
Watch "Humpback Whales Mating" filmed in Tahiti
Link between ocean toxins and human blood cancers
Toxic Contamination in the Arctic
Watch "A Friendly Humpback Whale"
BlueVoice.org Home Page
Join our mailing list!

Save Sharks, Stop Squalane


With the holidays right around the corner, many shoppers are rushing to buy last-minute gifts. But if you plan on shopping online this holiday season, we ask you to think twice before shopping at the Vermont Country Store, purveyors of a product that is deadly to sharks.
>>Take Action: Tell the Vermont Country Store to stop peddling shark squalane!

Take Action
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Earlier this year Oceana staffers were shocked to discover a company with a very familiar name, "Oceana," has been manufacturing 100 percent pure shark squalane as a skin enhancer. The irony was not lost on us that a company with our name has been promoting the death of the very species we are working to protect. But even worse, the Vermont Country Store sells the stuff.Squalane is obtained from the livers of deep sea sharks, which are some of the most vulnerable sharks in the world. Deep sea sharks typically grow slowly, mature late in life and have only a few young during their long lives. As a result, deep sea shark populations are at extreme risk and only recover very slowly. It's simply wrong to let sharks disappear for the sake of personal beauty, especially when squalane can be made from alternatives such as olives. The health of our oceans depends on the survival of sharks, and yet sharks continue to suffer at the hand of humans.'Tis the season to extend your goodwill and protect deep sea sharks. Please contact the Vermont Country Store today and ask them to stop selling this deadly product.
For the oceans ,Elizabeth Griffin Marine Wildlife ScientistOceana
PROTECT Sharks
Tell the Vermont Country Store to stop peddling shark squalane!

Take Action


FLOWERS FOR THE OCEANS
Still looking for a last-minute holiday gift? Your pals at Oceana have got you covered! Check out this beautiful flowering tea gift set from the good folks at Organic Bouquet, featuring nine varieties of tea and flowers. A portion of the proceeds go back to ocean research and advocacy.LEARN MORE >>



Adopt a Penguin!


There's plenty of time to do some holiday shopping! Or so you told yourself two weeks agoĆ¢€¦ Don't beat yourself up for waiting until the last minute. You still have a chance to give a gift that's unique and meaningful, all from the comfort of your home or office. Symbolically adopt a penguin through Oceana and show your friend or loved one that you care about them and the oceans.
>> Adopt a penguin now!

They can survive on the frozen plains of Antarctica or along the rocky shores of Argentina, and soon their sugar cookie counterparts will survive your 350-degree oven. With all adoptions, you'll receive:
A cookie cutter in the shape of your symbolically adopted creature
An adoption certificate
A signature sugar cookie recipe, created exclusively for the Oceana adoption program by Warren Brown, star of Food Network's hit show, "Sugar Rush." And for just a bit more, you can choose to adopt some of the penguin's icy friends and also receive an original Oceana oven mitt. Order now and shipping and handling is on me!
ADOPT A PENGUIN
Symbolically adopt a penguin this holiday season for you or a loved one and receive a special penguin cookie cutter.

Adopt a Penguin!
SIXTEEN CREATURES TO CHOOSE FROM!
You can adopt any or all of your favorite creatures this holiday season:penguin, polar bear, seal, snowflake, starfish, seagull, salmon, ranger, turtle, shark, dolphin, whale, octopus, crab, seahorse and seashell.
You can even adopt all 16!




Skip the sweater and show you care by adopting an ocean creature this holiday season.
Happy Holidays,Maureen McGregor E-Activism Manager, Oceana

Rescue ocean policy and receive an Ocean Conservancy tote bag


Our government’s management of the ocean is harming ecosystems and may result in the extinction of some of our most precious marine mammals.
That’s why Ocean Conservancy is launching our Ocean Policy Rescue Campaign. We have to win the battle for the ocean and all marine wildlife where ocean policy is decided, right here in Washington, DC.Ocean policy needs help and we need you to help fight for coordinated, stronger ocean policy. Rescue ocean policy today and receive an Ocean Conservancy tote bag.
Ocean policy is important if you:
Care about the ocean
Dream of dolphins, thrill to watch whales, love sea turtles
Swim in the ocean or just enjoy the beach
Ocean Conservancy is the most effective organization dedicated to changing ocean policy, but we need your help.
I’m so convinced that improving ocean policy is the best way for us to achieve the ocean we all want, I’m making a special offer. If you’ve ever thought about making a substantial gift to Ocean Conservancy, a first time gift of $1,000 or more, now is the time because I will match your gift dollar for dollar, up to $50,000. Please send your most generous contribution, in any amount you can afford, as an investment in improved ocean policy and receive a cool Ocean Conservancy tote bag with our thanks.
Sincerely,
Chris KueblerMember, Board of Directors Ocean Conservancy

Coastal Connection Newsletter


Ocean Conservancy would like to extend a sincere “THANK YOU” to all the dedicated volunteers and coordinators who participated in the 2007 International Coastal Cleanup on Saturday, September 15. We hope that you will continue to be part of this movement and participate in local cleanups in your communities all year round.
White House Unveils Plan to Address Marine DebrisOn November 2, Ocean Conservancy’s President and CEO Vikki Spruill joined First Lady Laura Bush in Biloxi, Mississippi to unveil the White House plan to address marine debris. Vikki participated on a panel discussion about marine debris in which she was given the opportunity to showcase the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC). As outlined in the First Lady’s speech, the White House will work to promote the ICC in 100 countries around the world as part of its Marine Debris Initiative.
Ocean Conservancy Releases Five-Year Debris StudyOcean Conservancy has released key findings from the National Marine Debris Monitoring Program, a five-year national study of trash in the ocean. The study, funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, was conducted under the direction of marine debris consultant Seba Sheavly, and involved 600 volunteers who monitored debris in 21 coastal states, islands and territories. The study is the first significant evaluation of the marine debris problem in the United States and will help federal and state agencies—and local communities—better understand where trash in the ocean is coming from and assist in developing solutions for prevention of this serious problem.
To view the National Marine Debris Monitoring Program study, go to http://www.oceanconservancy.org/site/R?i=gVDVGHAUH-cTLEDsW0AYrg...
Korea Hosts ICC Campaign and Marine Litter WorkshopOcean Conservancy staff participated in the 2007 Northwest Pacific Action Plan (NOWPAP) ICC Campaign and Marine Litter Workshop in Busan, Republic of Korea. The workshop provided a venue for NGOs from NOWPAP countries, including China, Japan, Korea and Russia, to highlight ICC activities and share experiences. The goal of the workshop was to promote cooperation among the governments and civic societies in the NOWPAP region to solve the marine litter problem and conserve the marine environment. The NOWPAP workshop was organized by the Korea Marine Rescue Center, Japan Environmental Action Network and the Pusan University of Foreign Studies. Ocean Conservancy helped sponsor the event.
Boaters Boost ICC
Boaters from Turtle Cove Marina in Tarpon Springs, FL participate in the ICC.Ocean Conservancy extends a special thank-you to boaters who participated in this year's Coastal Cleanup! Boaters are a crucial part of Cleanup efforts as they can target islands, mangroves, and other areas that cannot be reached by volunteers on foot. Often these islands and mangroves serve as bird rookeries and nurseries for fish and other water life. Sadly, many Cleanup volunteers noted that the islands had much more trash than the beaches. This could be a result of marine debris floating downstream in rivers and intercoastal areas and accumulating in mangrove branches and on islands. Small islands are also popular areas for boats to anchor and picnic in the summer and often lack proper garbage disposal facilities.
If you're a boater and you'd like more information on getting involved in the Coastal Cleanup or promoting environmentally responsible boating, please visit http://www.oceanconservancy.org/site/R?i=UMWZCsHl_hAHEWUm2rp79A..
It’s a Small World: Disney Joins Cleanup
Walt Disney World Ambassador Lowell Doringo, Mickey Mouse, Laura Capps, Jackie OgdenOver 360 "cast members" from Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line volunteered to clean up the beaches in Brevard County, Florida, collecting over 2500 pounds of trash and litter. Ocean Conservancy Senior Vice President Laura Capps joined the Disney volunteers at their annual Cleanup event, which included Disney’s most famous employee, Mickey Mouse. Capps joined Jackie Ogden, vice president for animal programs at Walt Disney World, to thank the volunteers at a breakfast pep rally before the Cleanup. Both reminded the audience that the beach along Florida's east coast that they were about to clean is an important nesting habitat for sea turtles. Ogden recounted a story about "Little Crush," a juvenile green sea turtle with a stomach full of plastic and other garbage, recently rescued and nursed back to health by Disney Animal Program staff. Ocean Conservancy thanks Walt Disney World for their commitment to conservation and their continued support of the International Coastal Cleanup in Florida!
Sincerely,
Sonya BesteiroInternational Coastal Cleanup Manager




Your beach-lover will be stoked to receive a one-year membership, a Limited Edition Surfrider Foundation/The Ryde t-shirt, a box of 10 Victory/Campaign note cards, all 6 issues of Making Waves and a sticker to show their support of the Surfrider Foundation.Feel good about giving a gift that gives back. Order today!


Questions, comments or concerns? Email us at http://www.icebase.com/go2.shtml?bDgXxlzDO2zANp5t/dc14761b4f0ae25f/834d8a57776cee53/shantifla@yahoo.com or call us tollfree at 1-800-743-SURF. Photo by Shutterstock. To stop receiving email from the Surfrider Foundation, email http://www.icebase.com/go2.shtml?bDgXxlzDO2zANp5t/dc14761b4f0ae25f/834d8a57776cee53/shantifla@yahoo.com with "unsubscribe" in the subject line. This message is from Surfrider Foundation 120 1/2 South El Camino Real Suite #207 San Clemente, CA 92672. Surfrider Foundation's Privacy Policy

Treat Yourself and Help Protect Sea Turtles



Dear shantil, If you're desperately searching for "THE gift" this holiday season, look no further. Symbolically adopt a sea turtle and show your support for ocean conservation. It's a simple way to show a loved one you care - in a way no George Foreman grill ever could.
>> Adopt a sea turtle this holiday season and receive a special sea turtle cookie cutter!
All six species of sea turtles that swim in U.S. waters are listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Your donation helps us fight for their survival.
With your sea turtle adoption - or any of the other 15 ocean creatures - you'll receive:
A cookie cutter in the shape of your symbolically adopted creature
An adoption certificate
A signature sugar cookie recipe, created exclusively for the Oceana adoption program by Warren Brown, star of Food Network's hit show "Sugar Rush"
Spend a little bit more to adopt some of the sea turtle's pals and a special Oceana oven mitt. For a limited time only, your donation includes all shipping and handling fees. Order now to ensure delivery by December 25.
ADOPT A SEA TURTLE
Symbolically adopt a sea turtle this holiday season for you or a loved one and receive a special sea turtle cookie cutter.

Adopt a Sea Turtle!
SORRY ABOUT THE MIX-UP!
If you received an Oceana e-mail in Spanish over the Thanksgiving holiday, please accept our apologies! It was mistakenly sent from our colleagues in Santiago, Chile and was intended for our Spanish speaking supporters. Sorry for the error, and we'll do our best to make sure it doesn't happen again.



Don't miss out on this thoughtful and inspiring gift - perfect for grandkids, neighbors, co-workers - or any ocean enthusiast in your life.
Happy holidays,Maureen McGregor E-Activism Manager, Oceana

PS - You can choose from 16 of your favorite creatures available for adoption this holiday season:penguin, polar bear, seal, snowflake, starfish, seagull, salmon, ranger, turtle, shark, dolphin, whale, octopus, crab, seahorse and seashell.
You can even adopt all 16!

Save the Ocean While You Shop


Here's how you can complete your holiday shopping and support Ocean Conservancy at the same time!
Every gift listed below is ocean-friendly, will generate support for Ocean Conservancy, and will please someone special on your shopping list.
1. Ocean Conservancy Wine Club - Located in the wine country of California's Central Coast just south of beautiful San Luis Obispo and famed Morro Bay, and five miles from the rugged coast, Edna Valley Paragon Vineyard soils are rich with ancient marine deposits. Be one of the first to experience the Ocean Conservancy Wine Club, each delivery includes seasonal food & wine pairing tips and sustainable seafood recipes from celebrity chef Joey Altman. For every quarterly shipment of Edna Valley Vineyard wines, a contribution of $5 will be donated to Ocean Conservancy. To join the wine club call 1-888-391-WINE (9463).2. Endangered Species Chocolate - Savor chocolate this holiday season while saving our planet. Endangered Species Chocolate premium and organic chocolate is 100% ethically traded and their colorful wrappers not only increase awareness of threatened or endangered species, but also inspire proactive conservation. Endangered Species Chocolate donates 10% of net profits to help support species, habitat and humanity to Ocean Conservancy and Chimp Haven. Shop today for holiday gift giving ideas!
3. Greenboatstuff.com - Looking for the perfect gift for the boater on your shopping list? Greenboatstuff.com is dedicated to providing boaters and sailors with high-quality environmentally friendly boating products. Greenboatstuff.com extensively researches every product they carry to assure they are made in a responsible way and have the least impact on the environment. While shopping be sure to indicate Ocean Conservancy as a Friend of the Earth at checkout, and Greenboatstuff.com will donate 5% of the sale to support our ocean conservation efforts. Order online now at Greenboatstuff.com.
4. The Unnatural History of the Sea by Callum Roberts - For those of us who cherish the ocean, it is often difficult to hear stories of its imminent demise and not wonder, "How did it get so bad?" I highly recommend The Unnatural History of the Sea, because Roberts provides answers to that question and much more. In beautiful prose and exhaustively researched detail, he chronicles the steady decline of the ocean over the course of a thousand years of exploitation. Order online now and receive a 35% discount.
5. Motivate others to do their part to save our ocean by being a walking ad for ocean conservation! Wear Ocean Conservancy polo shirts, t-shirts and other cool stuff so that when you're asked, "What is Ocean Conservancy?", you can inspire others to join in the sea change that you are supporting!
6. Ocean Conservancy gift membership. Your gift recipient will receive a year's membership in Ocean Conservancy, a subscription to Ocean Conservancy magazine, a sea turtle plush - as a reminder of the marine creatures that depend on a healthy ocean-a personalized membership card, and notification by e-card or printable certificate. You will get the satisfaction of knowing that you are doing your part to spread the word for ocean conservation. Purchase a gift membership online now.
Every gift you buy from Ocean Conservancy helps to support our work to save whales, sea turtles, dolphins, and every creature that depends on a healthy ocean, including people! Thank you for supporting Ocean Conservancy when you shop this holiday season.
Sincerely,
Vikki N. SpruillPresident and CEOOcean Conservancy

Adopt a Dolphin, Get a Dolphin Cookie Cutter



Dear shantil,

We work year-round to protect dolphins and other marine life, and I'm offering you a unique opportunity to support our efforts just in time for the holidays.

>> Adopt a dolphin this holiday season and receive a special dolphin cookie cutter!

We're kicking off our second annual holiday adopt-a-creature program. With your gift to Oceana, you'll receive:
An adoption certificate
A signature sugar cookie recipe, created exclusively for the Oceana adoption program by Warren Brown, star of Food Network's hit show "Sugar Rush"
And for a little bit more, an original Oceana oven mitt
Adopt yours now and we'll throw in the shipping and handling for free!
ADOPT A DOLPHIN
Symbolically adopt a dolphin this holiday season for you or a loved one and receive a special dolphin cookie cutter.


Adopt a Dolphin!





Please help protect dolphins by symbolically adopting a dolphin for yourself or a loved one.

Happy holidays,
Maureen McGregor
E-Activism Manager, Oceana


PS - You can choose from 16 of your favorite creatures available for adoption this holiday season:
penguin, polar bear, seal, snowflake, starfish, seagull, salmon, ranger, turtle, shark, dolphin, whale, octopus, crab, seahorse and seashell.

You can even adopt all 16!

Activists on the front lines of SF oil spill - How you can help


Please donate to our efforts, then forward this to your friends or visit our chapter websites to find out how you can volunteer.




Dear 146856,

Last week tragedy struck California when 58,000 gallons of heavy bunker fuel spilled into the San Francisco Bay. Over the last 10 days, the spill has spread outside the confines of the bay and along the coast, closing at least 16 beaches and fouling environmentally sensitive areas such as the Point Reyes National Seashore.


Over 1000 birds have been found saturated with fuel and hundreds have died. The spill continues to threaten dozens of species of shorebirds, along with fish, harbor seals, porpoises and California sea lions. Governor Schwarzenegger has declared a state of emergency for the area and suspended the opening of crab fishing season and all fishing in the areas affected by the spill.

Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of this catastrophe is how slowly it took for officials to respond. San Francisco residents were shocked that oil was all over the beach and no one was there cleaning it up.

That was until local activists stepped in.

According to a Department of Fish and Game representative, "We're supposed to discourage people who haven't been trained not to clean up the oil, but the surfers have been doing a better job of cleaning it up than anyone else."

The moment our Bay Area activists heard about the spill, they did what they do best- they mobilized and swiftly responded.

Here's a report from Wes Womack, the chair of our San Francisco chapter:

The San Francisco chapter first got word of the oil spill on Wednesday night at our chapter meeting. Our activists hit the phones, email and the streets to immediately respond.


Our chapter was in close communication with fellow activists from Kill The Spill who took it upon themselves to find and rescue wildlife and begin the cleanup process. What started as a couple of people filling the void of the official efforts resulted in an overnight grassroots movement.

They focused initially on Ocean Beach for the weekend. On Saturday there were roughly 100 volunteers and on Sunday there were 1000 people on the beach collecting oil splotches with organic hair mats. By Monday morning, they secured training for volunteers and several specialized cleanup crews were focused on Ocean Beach.

Surfrider Foundation activists also took it upon themselves to place warning signs along Ocean Beach, after authorities failed to inform the public that the beach was potentially hazardous.

You can read more about the spill and the efforts of our Bay Area chapters at www.sfsurfrider.org, www.killthespill.org, and www.surfridersmc.org.

When catastrophes like this strike, the Surfrider Foundation is always on the front lines. And with your support, we'll be more than ready for the next one.

Your donation today not only assists our Bay Area activists as they continue to help clean up the damage caused by this appalling spill, you'll be helping stop these types of tragedies from happening in the first place. In fact, we are currently pushing federal legislation to strengthen and modernize the Oil Spill Prevention Act of 1990 in order to prevent future ecological disasters like this.

Sadly we never know when or where the next coastal disaster will occur. That's why your support is essential. Please make a donation to protect the beaches today and preserve them for tomorrow.

I will keep you posted on our efforts to restore the Bay Area's beaches as well as our work to ensure a tragedy like this won't happen on your beach.

For our oceans, waves and beaches,

Jim Moriarty
CEO, Surfrider Foundation



Please donate to our efforts, then forward this to your friends or visit our chapter websites to find out how you can volunteer.

Protect Kids from High-Mercury Seafood



Rachel, an Oceana supporter in California, used to eat fish like tuna and mahi mahi regularly- she figured it was delicious and healthy. But when she and her husband decided to have kids, her doctor made an alarming discovery: The level of mercury in Rachel's body was dangerous for an unborn child. He ordered her to cut high-mercury fish from her diet and delay pregnancy.

>> Ask your supermarket to post mercury warning signs at its seafood counters!




Take Action Tell a Friend Support Us


Because of the neurological risks of mercury exposure, the Food and Drug Administration issued advice for women of child bearing age and children to avoid or limit certain types of fish, including swordfish and tuna.

The FDA's mercury recommendations, unfortunately, have failed to reach many families, like Rachel and her husband. In fact, an EPA scientist estimates one in six women of child bearing age currently has enough mercury in her body to pose neurological risks to a developing fetus.

To educate customers, a number of grocery stores, including Whole Foods and Trader Joe's, have joined Oceana's Green List by posting signs about the FDA mercury advice at their seafood counters. These signs alert customers to the danger of mercury in seafood and tell them which fish women of child bearing age and children should avoid right at the place where they're deciding what to buy.

But most stores are not yet posting signs about mercury at their seafood counters. So we need your help to convince supermarkets across the country to get on board.

Rachel's story has a happy ending because she found out about mercury in fish and took steps to reduce her mercury level before getting pregnant- she now has a happy, healthy little girl. But without sufficient warnings, many parents aren't as lucky as Rachel and are inadvertently putting their children at risk. For more information and real-life mercury stories, check out our video "Mercury, Seafood and You".

For the oceans,
Beth Kemler
Seafood Campaign Organizer
Oceana Green Your Grocer
Tell YOUR supermarket to educate consumers about the risks of mercury in seafood.

Take Action


Quiz Your Seafood Counter Attendant!
Oceana volunteers around the country are quizzing the seafood counter attendants at their grocery stores to find out how much they know about mercury. Will you help out the next time you go grocery shopping? Their answers may surprise you.

Get the Quiz >>

Flower Power

Purchase Organic Bouquet's three-herb wreath and ring in the holiday cheer this season and beyond. Made of rosemary, thyme and bay leaves, this wreath is not only pretty, it provides a year's worth of culinary herbs. And the best part? A portion of the proceeds go back toward Oceana's conservation efforts.

Shop Now >>

Update on the Dolphin Slaughter
The annual dolphin slaughter is underway in Japan. As many as 20,000 dolphins could be killed this season. We've already generated more than 10,000 letters to the Japanese Embassy, but we need to add your voice to the cause. What are you waiting for?

Take Action Now >>

oceana.org

Kelly Slater Meets FLA Governor



FLORIDA GOVERNOR PRESENTS KELLY SLATER WITH CRUCIAL BEACH PROTECTION BILL




On Tuesday, Florida Governor Charlie Crist presented a signed copy of Senate Bill 1472 to eight-time world surfing champion Kelly Slater. The presentation took place at an event celebrating Slater's appointment to the Governor's Council for Physical Fitness.

Senate Bill 1472 works to preserve the public's right to access the beach and protect beach users and sea turtles from an experimental form of coastal armoring. Thanks in part to a statewide lobbying campaign undertaken by Surfrider Foundation's Florida chapters, the bill recently received unanimous passage through both the Florida House and Senate.

"Here in Florida, Surfrider Foundation has been extending itself beyond the surf community," said Kelly Slater. "They're not only looking out for the concerns of surfers but everyone that enjoys the ocean."

The Surfrider Foundation has over 3000 members and 11 Chapters in Florida. Their combined activism was instrumental not only in passage of Senate Bill 1472 but the inclusion of an ‘Open Beaches Amendment' to the legislation. Surfrider activists throughout Florida communicated with their elected representatives the critical need for beach access protection in the nation's 4th most populous state. A contingent of highly dedicated volunteers even took a day from work to travel hundreds of miles to Florida's Capitol in Tallahassee to meet with legislators the day the bill was voted upon.

"This is a landmark piece of legislation," said Ericka D'Avanzo, Florida Regional Manager for the Surfrider Foundation. "Now recreational beach users can be assured that as growth continues along our coastline, we should not see any future loss of ocean access points."


Click here for the latest news, pictures and video from the event
TEAM EFFORT BRINGS SURFING INTO THE MAINSTREAM

Surfing comes of age through the energy and dedication of those concerned about the state of our oceans and beaches. Further proof that teamwork can do great things. Are you part of the team? Join or renew with Surfrider today!







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Never underestimate that a dedicated few can change the world, surely it is the only thing that ever has.
-Margaret Meade-

Be a part of the team
Join Surfrider!