Jersey Shore Chapter/ SurfRider Foundation dramatized plight of coasts, oceans with third annual “Paddle for Clean Water”

Surfers from around the Garden State participated in the nationwide Paddle-Out for Clean Water on Saturday, September 9th at 11:00 a.m. in Loch Arbour to highlight the fact that U.S. coastal areas and ocean waters are in crisis. The Surfrider Foundation event was held locally by the Jersey Shore Chapter.

This year Surfrider Foundation is calling attention to reports on the state of coasts and oceans by two different national, blue-ribbon panels that reached several common conclusions about how to preserve these national treasures: the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy convened in 2003 by President Bush, and the Pew Ocean Commission of The Pew Charitable Trusts.

Life preservers were displayed by some of the participating surfers to dramatize that our waters are in trouble. At stake is the abundant marine life that inhabits the coastal areas as well as the health of humans who use these oceanic natural resources for recreation, food, or their occupation. Surfrider members will be calling for steps by elected officials to make and enforce policy that will:

• Halt the overdevelopment of coastal zones which can, among other things, alter sediment flow to the ocean and add to pollution;
• Curtail littering, e.g. the release of plastic debris that can spell death for birds, turtles and marine mammals

These events are perfect opportunities to engage the public with Surfrider’s mission, their programs and what we all can do to help protect our beaches and waves. If you can spare a few hours, a day or more to help out, please contact Robin Bowden at JerseyShore@surfrider.org.

Many more events to come - stay tuned!