“I’m honored to work with the LSC to preserve and protect our wonderful coastline and our world-class surf breaks,” Jim says. “The dedication event…or events…will make big news in the surf-world and will gain large amounts of media exposure around the globe. Santa Cruz city and county is an area with many active wave-chargers on the pro level, a community known for its strong environmental ethos, and a long history of surf culture that helps identify the community, so I’m sure the Santa Cruz World Surfing Reserve will be seen as a model for other coastlines as the WSR program expands.”

The LOCAL STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL exists

• To protect, preserve, and bring awareness to the importance of conserving the enshrined WSR;

• To share the break’s mystique, beauty, and value with the local community as well as broader communities;

• To educate local, national, and international audiences on the importance of protecting and preserving the surfing Reserve;

• To help share the sport and culture of surfing locally and with the world in a sustainable fashion

SEA was the key force in gathering support to establish the SCWSR, so we hope to see an excellent dedication event in April.

Learn about World Surfing Reserves at www.worldsurfingreserves.org

Click for original Press Release

2.  Diversify the portfolio of in-state electric generation

3.  Promote energy efficiency and conservation

4.  Benefit from emerging technologies

5.  Achieve a Renewable Portfolio Standard (“RPS”) of 22.5% by 2021

Below is a breakdown of the generation sources in NJ, keeping in mind that approximately 25% of all electricity consumed in NJ is generated out-of-state.

It is important to note that the target RPS was reduced from 30% in the 2008 EMP to 22.5% in the 2011 EMP.  The state claims the 2008 plan was “aspirational” and “had no basis in law or regulation.”

SEA has been reviewing the EMP, with a particular focus on how new generation capacity may impact our waters.  One of the largest initiatives is offshore wind, which has the potential to produce up to 3,000 MW. However, the EMP notes that wind is extremely intermittent, and there is a high likelihood that it will not produce energy when it is needed most, such as those hot summer days in July when there is not a breeze in the air.  Furthermore, this technology has never been installed in the United States.

The EMP also states that NJ has the potential to provide “at least 9,000 MW of electric power in average wave conditions” utilizing wave energy.  This technology would be installed approximately 100 miles offshore.  Wave energy can be more predictable and less visual than offshore wind.   However, this technology needs to be developed further and there is little information about it in the EMP.

Tidal energy is also highlighted in the EMP.  Tidal stream generators produce energy from the movement of tidal water and currents through underwater turbines.  Tidal energy is one of the most consistent forms of renewable energy due to the predictable nature of tides.  A pilot project will be launched in the Manasquan River sometime in early 2012.

Solar is also highlighted in the EMP, primary due to NJ’s prominent position utilizing this technology.  Due to government incentives, NJ now ranks second in the nation for installed photovoltaic solar capacity (second to only CA).

SEA is supportive of renewable generation initiatives, and will continue to monitor the development of various technologies.  SEA goal is to ensure that any development of generation, whether from hydrocarbon or renewable sources, does not have a negative impact on the environment or on surf breaks.

The most effective way to reduce our carbon footprint is simply to reduce our consumption.  This can be done from being more cognizant about turning off lights, using appliances at night, unplugging chargers when not in use, and purchasing energy efficient products.  Conservation is critical.

The full 138 page EMP can be viewed at the following website: http://www.nj.gov/emp/docs/pdf/2011_Final_Energy_Master_Plan.pdf

Once again our waterways are being threatened by new legislation. Both the Senate and The House are attempting to undermine the Clean water Act of 1972 which could negatively affect one-fifth of the nation’s wetlands. SEA firmly believes these attempts to de-regulate our waterways will have negative impacts on our drinking water supply and the environment while allowing development in sensitive areas creating new risk to property, infrastructure and to the eventual occupants.
For more information please read a recent New York Times editorial on the topic.  http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/16/opinion/latest-dirty-water-bill.html?_r=2&ref=todayspaper

Letter – RE: Oppose Barrasso – Heller Dirty Water Rider to Energy and Water Appropriations (H.R. 2354)

As part of efforts to protect waves around the world, Surfrider Foundation Europe (EU), Surfrider Foundation (US/INTERNATIONAL) Dr. Tony Butt (UK), in partnership with Save The Waves Coalition (US) Surfers Against Sewage (UK), Salvem o Surfer (PORT) and other partners, organized the first major international conference on the recognition of the value of the waves and their international protection. In attendance and participating were also Surfers’ Environmental Alliance (SEA) (US), WILDCOAST (MEX), National Surfing Reserves Australia (AUS), New Zealand Surfbreak Protection Society (NZ), Surfrider Japan (JAP), Surfrider Holland (HOL), a South Africa Environmental Educator (S.AF), a French socialist (FR), a Spanish Oceanographic Engineer (SP), and Surfing Federation of the Canary Island (SP),  among others.

West Coast Environmental Project Director Jim Littlefield represented SEA at this ground-breaking international event. on October 24-25 in Biarritz, France and San Sebastian, Spain.

Jim reports: “This truly was an inspiring event focused on how to protect surfing coastlines worldwide from the effects of climate change and the impacts of increasing populations on the coast. I’m very pleased that SEA was part of this historic meeting of the minds, and I hope to continue partnerships with some or all of the many wonderful NGOs represented to work jointly on wave and coastal protection issues around the world.”

The following questions were raised, along with the conclusions that were reached, during the conference:

    * How to set the value of a wave?

        In addition to the recreational benefit that waves provide surfers worldwide, surf breaks also provide local economic benefits, such as food, lodging, and surf equipment.

    * What are the threats on the waves and coastlines?

        Coastal development that results in the modification of existing surf breaks, such as harbor development, breakwaters, beach fill, and dredging were all key concerns.  Additionally, direct and nonpoint source pollution were addressed.  Delegates from Japan discussed how a local surf break in front of a nuclear power plant was destroyed by the tsunami earlier this year, resulting in the first known wave lost to radiation.

    * What strategies can be implemented to protect them?

        The key theme was that we must be proactive.  We must attempt to protect the existing breaks before they are threatened, such as the establishment of the National Surfing Reserves in Australia and the World Surfing Reserves Program.  Conference attendees also discussed strategies regarding how to best engage the community, government, businesses, and surf-related groups to protect existing surf breaks.

As a direct result, conference attendees realized that we all have issues in common, no matter where we may live: wave destroying “improvement projects”; pollution; governments not respecting surfers as a legitimate concerned group and thus weakening our political voice, for example. Serious discussion is  ensuing regarding forming an international “steering committee or council” to work together, speaking with one global voice, on projects to save waves and protect natural coastal resources.  SEA hopes to be a part of this forming international group, and to jointly fight for waves and public access wherever the problem exists.

Further information, as well as videos of the actual presentations, is available at the conference website:http://www.globalwaveconference.com/

This conference was a huge step for global waves protection, and SEA looks forward to working closely with fellow organizations and activists to conserve the surfing coastline for generations to come.

Jim Littlefield

West Coast Environmental Projects Director, SEA

scseasurfer@gmail.com

Read More at: Yahoo News

Read More at: nydailynews.com
 

Help support the Seapaddlenyc – Presented by O’Neill

The East Coast Party of the Year is coming to Manhattan’s South Street Seaport!  Skip the Hamptons on Friday, August 12 and celebrate this year’s O’Neill SEA Paddle NYC, all of our dedicated paddle participants, and SEA’s amazing charity beneficiaries at The White Water Evening! The party starts at 6:00 p.m. with a fabulous cocktail hour on the third-floor viewing decks of the South Street Seaport.  Catered by the famous Harbour Lights restaurant, guests will revel in awe-inspiring views of the Brooklyn Bridge, lower Manhattan and the East River as they commemorate an action-packed day dedicated to autism awareness and SEA’s environmental projects. This year’s White Water Evening will include an awards ceremony, silent auction –  featuring some truly unique, one-of-a-kind items – live music, great food and an OPEN BAR. Be sure to purchase your tickets early, as this event will surely sell out!  Guests are encouraged to wear all white to this charitable evening. See you at the Seaport!

We are the people in the water, so we are keenly aware of water pollution and fully realize oil drilling operations are a well-known and thoroughly-documented source of marine pollution. SEA reminds everyone that American residents have seen over-and-over again the huge damage to both the environment and our coastal economy caused by careless oil spills. We ask that you note we’re not talking only about the frustrating job of cleaning-up oil-fouled beaches or trying to save oil-smothered wildlife, but we are also talking about the tremendous economic hit suffered by any tourist-based businesses or local economies and by any marine-oriented activities whatsoever. Many coastal communities depend directly on healthy marine environments and need clean and safe ocean waters for their economic well-being.

Our American coasts are priceless assets that attract businesses, researchers and visitors seeking both employment, active recreation of countless types, and relaxation in a natural setting throughout the year. Our country’s healthy ocean waters, clean beaches, plentiful wildlife, and inspiring natural vistas are well-known and celebrated around the world, and we should allow nothing to damage such irreplaceable assets of the United States.

Any renewed or ongoing efforts to grant new oil exploration and development leases on the Outer Continental Shelf or to otherwise expand drilling operations only invites the coast to suffer new environmental disasters due to failures or oversights in the construction or daily operations of oil exploration or drilling.

Under current regulations, fully-laden oil tankers regularly sail the East and West Coast waters and many facilities currently exist to off-load and store oil from said vessels. These circumstances already constantly risk operational accidents which have documented potential to result in tremendous oil-related damage to the coastal and marine environment. We have witnessed such events over and over again in the years the oil industry has operated off our coasts and therefore must reasonably expect to see such environmental disasters due to oil-industry related operations again in the future. If history shows us that such “accidents” are inevitable at such a huge environmental, economic and social cost, we should not passively allow such operations to increase.

We have taken part in the recent “Hands Across the Sands” event that occurred on many coasts around the world, and offered individuals a chance to join hands across the beach as a visible public statement against oil drilling operations, and we have posted letters and emails on the subject, as appropriate. We have also stated our views on TV and in print media.

We must not allow industrial interests to destroy the irreplaceable natural gems of our nation and to severely damage the livelihoods of the countless people who depend upon non-polluted coastal waters and clean beaches to make a living and raise their families, and who subsequently understand the overwhelming necessity to preserve and protect the natural environment.

Therefore, Surfers’ Environmental Alliance (SEA) contends that it is irresponsible to place the narrow-focused and profit-seeking interests of the oil industry above the economic survival of untold numbers of coastal residents and workers who absolutely depend on healthy ocean systems, plentiful fisheries, clean ocean waters, and safe and attractive beaches.

We believe it essential to our children’s heritage that we preserve the natural wonders of our coastal and marine environment for their use and enjoyment.

We are the people in the water, so we are keenly aware of water pollution and fully realize oil drilling operations are a well-known and thoroughly-documented source of marine pollution. SEA reminds everyone that American residents have seen over-and-over again the huge damage to both the environment and our coastal economy caused by careless oil spills. We ask that you note we’re not talking only about the frustrating job of cleaning-up oil-fouled beaches or trying to save oil-smothered wildlife, but we are also talking about the tremendous economic hit suffered by any tourist-based businesses or local economies and by any marine-oriented activities whatsoever. Many coastal communities depend directly on healthy marine environments and need clean and safe ocean waters for their economic well-being.

Our American coasts are priceless assets that attract businesses, researchers and visitors seeking both employment, active recreation of countless types, and relaxation in a natural setting throughout the year. Our country’s healthy ocean waters, clean beaches, plentiful wildlife, and inspiring natural vistas are well-known and celebrated around the world, and we should allow nothing to damage such irreplaceable assets of the United States.

Any renewed or ongoing efforts to grant new oil exploration and development leases on the Outer Continental Shelf or to otherwise expand drilling operations only invites the coast to suffer new environmental disasters due to failures or oversights in the construction or daily operations of oil exploration or drilling.

Under current regulations, fully-laden oil tankers regularly sail the East and West Coast waters and many facilities currently exist to off-load and store oil from said vessels. These circumstances already constantly risk operational accidents which have documented potential to result in tremendous oil-related damage to the coastal and marine environment. We have witnessed such events over and over again in the years the oil industry has operated off our coasts and therefore must reasonably expect to see such environmental disasters due to oil-industry related operations again in the future. If history shows us that such “accidents” are inevitable at such a huge environmental, economic and social cost, we should not passively allow such operations to increase.

We have taken part in the recent “Hands Across the Sands” event that occurred on many coasts around the world, and offered individuals a chance to join hands across the beach as a visible public statement against oil drilling operations, and we have posted letters and emails on the subject, as appropriate. We have also stated our views on TV and in print media.

We must not allow industrial interests to destroy the irreplaceable natural gems of our nation and to severely damage the livelihoods of the countless people who depend upon non-polluted coastal waters and clean beaches to make a living and raise their families, and who subsequently understand the overwhelming necessity to preserve and protect the natural environment.

Therefore, Surfers’ Environmental Alliance (SEA) contends that it is irresponsible to place the narrow-focused and profit-seeking interests of the oil industry above the economic survival of untold numbers of coastal residents and workers who absolutely depend on healthy ocean systems, plentiful fisheries, clean ocean waters, and safe and attractive beaches.

We believe it essential to our children’s heritage that we preserve the natural wonders of our coastal and marine environment for their use and enjoyment.

Photo from: www.state.nj.us/governor/

Governor Christie is proposing that each NJ Municipality make its own beach access rules. Current rules require public access points, restrooms, parking, etc at 1/4 mile intervals, especially if a town wants beach replenishment funding.  Before the state mandated uniform access rules, towns severely limited public access and surfers were sometimes arrested just for walking to / from the ocean.  NJs pricey oceanfront is extremely overdeveloped and many of the ocean front home owners expect an exclusive private beach without masses of beachgoers and cars in front of their estates.  Giving control back to Municipalities will negatively impact our right to get to the ocean as these property owners will and are currently lobbying politicians to “keep the public off our beach”.  SEA is working with other environmental groups to provide an access plan that will be accepted by the NJ DEP and allows us continued access to the ocean. Contact your local Congressman and demand that any town getting tax funded beach replenishment be required to provide free unobstructed access to the beach. At the very least, please do not litter and be respectful when parking to go surfing. Pick up trash instead of leaving it.  Any negative acts will be used as a reason to keep us from accessing the water.