Surfers, swimmers, beach lovers, paddle boarders and coastal adventurers all have one thing in common — a deep connection with the ocean and environment.
Not just a surfer’s playground, the oceans are home to a vast array of species that play critical roles in marine ecosystems; provide a vital source of food and income for millions of people around the world and they absorb a significant amount of carbon dioxide which helps to mitigate the effects of climate change and regulate global temperatures. So yes, pretty important all round.
We can all do our bit on a local level but there are also a number of brilliant environmental charities out there working hard to protect our oceans against overfishing, pollution, habitat destruction and climate change. Taking action to reduce these threats to ensure the continued health and productivity of our oceans and the well-being of future generations.
So if you’re looking to donate to or join the cause, here’s a round-up of some of the organisations working hard to protect our oceans.
A UK marine conservation charity, managed by a small team of volunteers who love the UK’s seas, shores and wildlife. Providing grants to UK marine charities and non-profits for conservation and research projects.
sea-changers.org.uk
A nonprofit organisation on a mission to develop and scale technologies to red the oceans of plastic. Working on cleaning up what has already accumulated in the ocean.
theoceancleanup.com
Sea Shepherd
Sea Shepherd UK’s primary mission is to end the destruction of habitats and illegal killing of wildlife around the UK’s coastline and across the world’s oceans in order to conserve and protect marine ecosystems and species.
seashepherd.org.uk
A movement of people who are passionate about defending the natural world from destruction and fighting for a greener, healthier and more peaceful planet. On a mission is to promote radical changes and new solutions to the ways we live.
greenpeace.org.uk
“Protect what you love, take action.”
Surf Action
This Cornish based charity is dedicated to serving the needs of military veterans and their families plus those serving in ‘blue light’ emergency services. Helping those affected by PTSD, physical injuries and those struggling to re-adjust to civilian life.
facebook.com/surfaction.co.uk
SurfAid
The SurfAid mission is to improve the lives of families in isolated corners of the globe connected to us through surfing Giving families the best chance of getting ahead by providing access to healthcare, clean water, sanitation and improved nutrition.
surfaid.org
Dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s ocean waves and beaches, for all people, through a powerful activist network. Fighting for plastic reduction, ocean protection, beach access, clean water and climate issues.
surfrider.org
“The seas are rising and so are we.”
One of the UK’s most active and successful environmental charities. Dedicated to the protection of oceans, waves, beaches and wildlife. Fighting for water quality, safe seas, plastic pollution and protecting marine eco-systems.
sas.org.uk
Founded by a surfing sisterhood, the Changing Tides Foundation community have a passion for solving global challenges, creating change and empowering all to protect the planet. A community of all genders, shapes, colours and sizes who feel connected to the sea.
changingtidesfoundation.org
A global ocean conservation charity working towards the vision of a healthy ocean.
Focused on behaviour change and habitat restoration, connecting people with the ocean through large-scale awareness campaigns and education initiatives, as well as carrying out seagrass restoration.
oceanconservationtrust.org
Oceana
The largest international advocacy organisation focused solely on ocean conservation. Oceana’s mission is to protect and restore our oceans with campaigns based on law, science, grassroots activism, advocacy and strategic communications in order to win policy change around the world.
oceana.org
“Abundant oceans are critical to keeping our planet healthy and regulating the climate. They also have the potential to feed one billion people a healthy seafood meal, every day, forever.”
