Initiatives

Water Quality
Water quality is a core value for Surfrider Foundation members in Oregon. As ocean-users (surfers, divers, kayakers, swimmers, sport fishermen) we recognize that clean ocean water is essential to our health, and that pollutants such us untreated sewage, heavy metals, and toxins threaten our ability to safely enjoy the marine environment. Water quality is also crucial for healthy ecosystems. Many fish and invertebrate species in Oregon waters spend some portion of their life-cycle close to shore (estuaries, nearshore, etc.) where they are particularly vulnerable to land-based pollution. Surfrider is committed to protecting and improving water quality in Oregon through water quality monitoring, grassroots advocacy, and partnerships with coastal communities to create pollution solutions. For more information, please Click Here to see what we are doing in Oregon, Click here to find the volunteer opportunities for water quality in your area, or see the Surfrider National Blue Water Campaign.

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
The Surfrider Foundation recognizes that effective protection of the marine environment requires an integrated approach to management, including protection of coastal watersheds, estuaries, beaches, nearshore waters, and the open ocean. The Special Places Campaign is designed to identify and protect special coastal and ocean places through the establishment of Marine Protected Areas, including fully-protected Marine Reserves. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are a proven management tool that can provide permanent protection for ocean habitats and marine biodiversity. Surfrider Foundation is committed to supporting MPA designation efforts that: a) are based on clearly defined goals b) incorporate the best available science; c) address socioeconomic considerations; d) incorporate local input in the design and implementation; e) balance preservation with public access for ocean users. For more information, please Click Here to see what we're doing in Oregon, or see the Surfrider National Special Places Campaign

Shoreline Preservation
Coastal erosion may result from a variety of factors including sea level rise; geologic movement; and man-made development. Actions such as the construction of seawalls, rip-rap, jetties and groins all interrupt natural shoreline processes and restrict the supply and movement of sand. While armoring of the shoreline may protect coastal property, it also can promote erosion of sediment seaward of the structure, resulting in a permanent loss of sandy beach environment. Surfrider is committed to protecting Oregon ’s natural shoreline through both education and grassroots activism. To read Surfrider’s policy on beach preservation, click here. To read Oregon ’s administrative rules on beach construction and alteration, click here. If you know of threats to Oregon ’s shoreline and/or would like to get involved in shoreline protection efforts, please contact us!

Beach Access
Surfrider believes that all people should have the right to use and enjoy the beach. Fortunately, Oregon has some of the strongest policies in the country to protect beach access. In 1967, the historic Beach Bill was passed by the Oregon Legislature which protects the public’s right to use and enjoy ocean beaches along Oregon ’s 362 mile-long coastline. The Beach Bill also directs that the ocean shore be administered as a state recreation area by Oregon State Parks Department. Nevertheless, experience in Oregon and elsewhere has shown that access rights can easily be infringed upon (or lost altogether!) if citizens are not engaged in understanding and protecting their rights. If you know of threats to beach access in Oregon and/or would like to get involved, please contact us! Llearn more about the Oregon Beach Bill of 1967.

Wave Energy Development
Wave energy refers to the generation of electrical power through harnessing the energy of ocean waves. Wave energy development is moving quickly in Oregon – seven projects have already been proposed– and public engagement is critical to ensuring that concerns related to environmental impacts, public safety, ocean recreation, and aesthetics are substantively addressed. Oregon Chapter has developed a Statement on Wave Energy that communicates the interested role of recreational ocean users in local planning efforts and articulate principles that should be applied when evaluating potential projects. To read this statement, click here. While renewable energy may have tremendous upsides, we need to make sure that projects happen in the right way, and appropriately address potential impacts.

Blue Water Task Force Chapter Efforts
Surfrider Foundation volunteers began testing for coliform levels at six sites in Newport in 1999 As of August 2006 thanks largely to a grant from the Packard Foundation and historic support from Patagonia Portland variety of partnerships with schools and watershed councils, Surfrider Foundation is currently testing 20 sites along the Oregon coast. These include 4 in Port Orford, 2 in Bandon, 4 in Coos Bay, 8 in Newport and 2 in Pacific City. In 2007, The Portland Chapter will begin testing freshwater systems to monitor the watershed. Each of these areas needs more volunteer support. Click here (volunteer page) to determine the need in your area. Click here to see Oregon BWTF results. Know anyone who has gotten sick in the water? Then click here to report it at the Ocean Illness Website.