Surfrider – Local Chapter Santa Cruz

Agenda Introductions Who is Surfrider One Planet - One Ocean – Eco System What’s really going on - Pacific Gyre Plastic Reality Call to action

Surfrider CONSERVATION ACTIVISM RESEARCH EDUCATION

The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world’s oceans, waves and beaches. Founded in 1984 by a handful of visionary surfers in Malibu, California, the Surfrider Foundation now maintains over 50,000 members and 80 chapters worldwide.chapters The core activities and campaigns that the Surfrider Foundation uses to protect our oceans, waves and beaches fall into the categories of Clean Water, Beach Access, Beach Preservation and Protecting Special Places. Mission Statement The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit environmental organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world's oceans, waves and beaches for all people, through conservation, activism, research and education

Surfrider Foundation Projects Wipe Out Plastic Take Out Beach Clean Ups Storm Drain Stenciling Water Quality Testing – Where do you surf?

An ecosystem is a natural unit consisting of all plants, animals and micro-organisms in an area functioning together with all of the non-living physical factors of the environment. Ecosystems vary in size. They can be as small as a puddle or as large as the Earth itself. Any group of living and nonliving things interacting with each other can be considered as an ecosystem.

What’s Really going on… Giant garbage patch floating in Pacific Floating toxic plastic garbage island twice the size of Texas

What’s Really going on… Angeles River, photo taken after a recent storm 15-Mile Long Garbage Trail Off Big I Island

What’s Really going on…

Plastic Reality = Problems

Reality of Plastic… The problem: Plastics make-up between 60-80% of the debris in oceans worldwide. The problem? This plastic debris harms marine wildlife through ingestion and entanglement. It also releases harmful chemicals into the environment. Compounding the problem is the fact that plastic persists in the environment. It never completely biodegrades—it only breaks down into smaller and smaller particles. Even these small particles are consumed, as they are similar in size to plankton. The solution: Plastic marine debris is a human-made problem. While this might not be an encouraging statement, it does mean we have control over whether it gets better or worse. By making even minor changes in our behavior, like bringing our own shopping tote, can have dramatic effects on the amount of plastic debris polluting the ocean.

Reality of Plastic…

5 Ways you can reduce and prevent marine debris Be a part of the solution, it's sooooo easy! By taking action as an individual, you can help reduce and prevent plastic marine debris that harm and kill marine wildlife and threaten ecosystems: Bring your own! Reduce your use of single-use plastics. Bring your own reusable shopping tote, beverage mug, and take out containers. Can it! Dispose of your garbage properly. Garbage that is littered on land inevitably ends up on the beach and in the ocean. Rivers, streams, and storm drains carry water to the ocean and often carry trash from land- based sources. Pick it up! Every time you go to the beach, pick up three pieces of thrash, even if it isn't yours. It's an easy way to reduce the litter that's already made it to the coast. Fish responsibly! Retrieve all fishing line. Marine life can get entangled in and die from fishing line that is left around the ocean. Speak up! Talk to the businesses you patronize. Let them know you support efforts that curb their use of single-use plastics and offer more sustainable alternatives. Contact your elected representatives. Communicate your interest in reducing and preventing plastic marine debris and encourage them to take action.

Call to Action Find your passion – Make your connection Take action & Do your part Be accountable & Be responsible

Remember We are all in this together!!