This session will discuss on how surfers and surfing communities are becoming a significant force for marine conservation, especially in the conservation of critically important marine areas around the world. Detailed assessments have shown that there are thousands of locations where high quality surfing waves overlap with marine ecosystems that are priorities for marine conservation. Communities where local people surf are deeply connected to the ocean and are motivated to protect their waves and the surrounding environment. There are new efforts to create networks of protected areas and national policies to better conserve surf areas and surrounding ecosystems in countries such as Indonesia, Costa Rica, Peru, and many others. This session will provide presentations and discussion on these innovative ways to greatly expand marine conservation including the conservation science, policy, and development of blue economies that are making surfing a meaningful tool for conservation.
