As 2018 comes to a close (in just a matter of hours), we find ourselves reflecting on all of the successes, challenges, and fun we had this year! This year wouldn't have been such a success if it weren't for our dedicated volunteers and partners. Thank you for contributing countless hours to protect our ocean, waves, and beaches! The highlights below follow Surfrider's five focus areas, but a fun place to start might be the staff blogs we wrote this year to give you a peek into the inner workings of Surfrider Oregon. Check out the Policy Manager and Field Manager posts.
Plastic Pollution
Oregon Chapters worked hard to fight plastic pollution in 2018! Several ordinances addressing single-use plastics were passed, two new campaigns were launched, and several new programs were established.
Spotlight on the Numbers:
- 3 plastic ordinances passed reducing or banning single-use plastics
- 3 new programs launched addressing plastic pollution
- 1,800+ items removed from beaches by Oregon Beach Ambassadors in 6 months (often there were too many plastic fragments to count)
- 13 new Ocean Friendly Restaurants registered
- 2 active Ban the Bag campaigns in Newport and Coos Bay
Story Highlights:
- Victory! The Portland Chapter Helps the City Pass a Unique Plastic Reduction Policy
- Oregon Beach Ambassadors Tackle Marine Debris One Piece at a Time
- Newport Businesses Make it Easier to Hold on to Your Butt
Clean Water
Surfrider Oregon fought for to two clean water victories this year while continuing to collect and publish water quality data along the coast.
Spotlight on the Numbers:
- 2 campaign victories (details in the story highlights)
- 565 water samples processed at 7 labs covering 53 beaches
- 1 new Ocean Friendly Garden installed in Coos Bay
Story Highlights:
- North Coast BWTF works with City & local partners to solve water quality problems in Cannon Beach, OR
- Surfrider fights newly constructed mega home with illicit septic system that puts the health of beachgoers and the environment at risk
Ocean Protection
This year, Oregonians spoke out against Offshore Oil Drilling with organizing support from Surfrider. The Coos Bay Chapter launched their opposition Jordan Cove LNG and will be continuing the fight into 2019. We also worked with partners and volunteers to support Marine Reserves implementation and outreach.
Spotlight on the Numbers:
- 1 rally at the Capitol against Offshore Oil Drilling
- 4 comment writing workshops to oppose Offshore Oil Drilling
- 125+ Oregon businesses against drilling
- 10 local resolutions passed against drilling
Story Highlights:
- Better Together - Cape Perpetua Collaborative Officially Launches
- Hundreds of Oregonians Protest Offshore Oil Drilling
- Ports and Coastal Cities Pass Resolutions Opposing Oil
- Coos Bay Chapter Joins Opposition to Jordan Cove LNG
Coastal Preservation
Surfrider Oregon worked to preserve Oregon's coast through monitoring for ocean acidification, engaging in coastal planning efforts, and providing education about Sea Level Rise. Our volunteers continue to keep an eye on the coast so we can fight developments that harm our coastline.
Spotlight on the Numbers:
- 1 active campaign to fight a beachfront development in Newport
- 1 ocean acidification monitoring device deployed at Otter Rock Marine Reserve
Story Highlights:
- Will Oregon Advance on Ocean Acidification Priorities?
- Tidepoolin’ the Territorial Sea
- Aerial Photos of Oregon’s King Tides
Beach Access
We're grateful that Oregon has public beaches because of the Beach Bill passed in 1967; unfortunately, that doesn't mean we can let our guard down. Wrapped up in some of the victories highlighted in the other focus areas are stories of protecting beach access. For example, our Clean Water victory in Tillamook County also resulted the removal of a fence blocking beach access. The Coastal Protection campaign in Newport successfully contributed to protecting a historical beach access.
On the fun side of beach access, events such as Stand Up for the Bay and free youth surf camps with our partner Warm Current support beach access for those who might not otherwise have it.
Surfrider 2018 National Year in Review
Surfrider's national network experienced 81 victories in 2018, smashing the previous record of 61 victories in one year. Read the full rundown of our national impact!