A groundbreaking study has identified surf breaks worldwide as key allies in the fight against climate change, discovering they store nearly 90 million metric tonnes of carbon. The research, published in Conservation Science and Practice, highlights the immense potential of protecting these coastal areas.
Surf breaks around the globe are not just playgrounds for surfers but also vital assets in the fight against climate change. A pioneering study, published in Conservation Science and Practice, reveals that the forests, mangroves and marshes surrounding these surf spots store nearly 90 million metric tonnes (Mt) of climate-stabilizing carbon, making them essential places for conservation efforts.
The research, performed by scientists at Conservation International, Oregon State University, Save The Waves Coalition and California State University Channel Islands, analyzed more than 4,800 popular surf spots across 113 countries.
They found that areas within 1 kilometer of these waves store over 88 Mt of “irrecoverable carbon” — a term coined by Conservation International scientists in 2020 to describe carbon-rich lands crucial for preventing severe climate impacts. Expanding the studied surrounding areas to 3 kilometers more than doubles this carbon storage to 191.7 Mt.
“This research demonstrates the enormous role that protection of surf breaks and surrounding coastal areas can have in our global fight to reverse biodiversity loss and combat climate change,” Scott Atkinson, a surfer, senior director of surf conservation at Conservation International and an author of the study, said in a news release.
Just five countries — the United States, Australia, Indonesia, Brazil and Panama — account for nearly half the carbon stored at these surf breaks, with U.S. spots being the richest in carbon.
In addition to carbon storage, almost a quarter of the total irrecoverable carbon is located within Key Biodiversity Areas, signifying regions critical to global species richness. However, only 3% of these biodiversity-rich areas are formally protected, underscoring the urgent need for expanded conservation efforts.
“Despite their high and multifaceted value, surf breaks and their surrounding environments face all kinds of threats, including coastal development, degradation of habitats and impacts from climate change like rising sea levels,” Jacob Bukoski, assistant professor at Oregon State University’s College of Forestry and the lead author of the study, said in this news release. “When carbon-dense ecosystems are converted to other uses, they pump out large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Expanded conservation of surf ecosystems – both their marine and onshore components – could provide a range of benefits in addition to biodiversity conservation and climate mitigation.”
Surf Protected Areas, pioneered by Conservation International and Save The Waves Coalition, aim to establish legal protections around these crucial coastal zones. These areas are threatened by irresponsible tourism, development, deforestation, coral and sand mining, destructive fishing practices and plastic pollution. Efforts so far include establishing 30 Surf Protected Areas in Indonesia, Costa Rica and Peru.
In Indonesia, for example, 23 Surf Protected Areas have been created across Morotai Island, covering more than 60,000 hectares. This initiative has led to the protection of carbon-rich and biodiverse areas, while also fostering sustainable tourism and fishing practices.
“They are protecting precious marine and coastal ecosystems and strengthening community bonds and cultural heritage,” added Atkinson. “Local people on Morotai have surfed on handmade wooden boards since at least World War II and have a strong surf culture. Additionally, local surf and conservation-related livelihoods are starting to flourish, with eco-friendly tourism and sustainable fishing practices becoming the norm. The community’s involvement in conservation efforts has fostered a sense of pride and ownership, showcasing the power of grassroots initiatives in achieving lasting environmental and social benefits.”
The study underscores the importance of these coastal zones, not just for their recreational value but as vital components in global environmental health. As climate change and biodiversity loss emerge as the two greatest environmental challenges of our time, protecting the world’s surf breaks offers a promising strategy to manage carbon emissions and preserve ecosystems.