Surfing and Sustainability: Protecting Surf Breaks and Their Ecosystems

Photo credit: Surfer Mag

A SeaTrees blog in response to a recent Bloomberg article: Surf Breaks Are a Hidden Weapon in the Fight Against Climate Change.

A new study from the University of Oregon, in partnership with Conservation International, highlights the critical role that surf breaks and their surrounding ecosystems play in the fight against climate change. The research reveals that coastal ecosystems adjacent to popular surf spots store an astonishing 88.3 million metric tons of carbon dioxide—carbon that, if released, would be impossible to re-sequester by 2050.

This study is a powerful reminder of what we've always known at SeaTrees: the ecosystems around surf breaks are not just beautiful—they're essential. The findings reinforce why we choose to focus our projects in places that are not only significant for surfing and tourism but also rich in biodiversity and carbon storage.

Surf Breaks: More Than Just Waves

Surfing has always been about more than just riding waves; it’s about a deep connection to the ocean and the ecosystems that sustain it. The study found that nearly a quarter of the world’s surf breaks are within three miles of biodiversity hotspots. These are areas where the protection and restoration of coastal ecosystems like mangrove forests and coral reefs are not just important—they’re urgent (as we like to say at SeaTrees, No Reef = No Wave). 

At SeaTrees, we’ve always understood the importance of these areas, which is why many of our projects are located near iconic surf spots. We’re not just saying these ecosystems could be important—we’re taking action. We work hand-in-hand with local communities to protect and restore these vital environments, going beyond mere conservation to bring back the ecosystems that have been lost.

Action on the Ground

In places like Indonesia, where Conservation International has helped establish 23 surf-protected areas across four islands, the connection between local communities, surfers, and the ocean is profound. These efforts are not just about keeping these surf spots pristine; they’re about ensuring that the surrounding ecosystems continue to store carbon and support biodiversity for years to come.

We’re doing more than just designating these areas as important. We’re investing in them. SeaTrees brings resources and funding to these communities, working to restore and protect what remains, and to rebuild what has been lost.

Why Surf Spots Matter

So, why do we choose to focus on surf spots for our projects? It’s simple: these are places where people already have a deep, emotional connection to the ocean. By protecting these areas, we’re not only preserving the natural beauty and biodiversity that make them special; we’re also safeguarding critical carbon stores that play a crucial role in mitigating climate change.

But it’s not just about protection. It’s about restoration. We’re working to bring these ecosystems back to life, ensuring that they continue to provide the environmental benefits that are so desperately needed in the fight against climate change.

Celebrating Community Action

The efforts of local communities are at the heart of everything we do. From the surfers who cherish these spots to the local community members who understand the importance of their natural resources, the actions taken by people in these communities are vital. By supporting these initiatives, we’re helping to ensure that these ecosystems—and the carbon they store—are preserved for future generations.

The new study from the University of Oregon and Conservation International is a wake-up call. It’s time to take what we know and put it into action. At SeaTrees, we’re committed to doing just that. We’re not just talking about the importance of these ecosystems—we’re working to protect and restore them, one surf break at a time.