Surfers have a vested interest in ensuring the ocean and beach environments are protected and preserved.

Our waterways and oceans are wonderful but precious resources that we rely on to fully enjoy our sport.

As one of the major groups that using the ocean, we have a role as ambassadors to protect these fragile environments and to educate the public about the importance of the ocean and surrounding dunes.

A Surfer's role in protecting the environment

We have a chance as surfers to help protect the very important environment in which we play. One way to help reduce pollution and erosion is to take individual positive steps to protect the ocean.

Here are some examples:

• Start at your local beach, if it needs a clean up or has a pollution problem, contact your local government and organise a clean up. Everyone can help the environment but it must start in our own back yard first.
• Find your local landcare or coast care government representative and apply for a grant to do a beach revegetation project.
• Encourage people who smoke to use ashtrays.
• Take rubbish home from the beach or find a rubbish bin that birds cannot get into.
• Always use beach walkways and don't set up camp on the dunes which could destroy vegetation.
• Pick up plastic bags for they are killers of marine and coastal creatures.