Some of the finest surfing destinations are in areas with unique landscapes, high levels of biodiversity and are generally maintained by the local community to protect the natural beauty of the ecosystem.
Unfortunately, many of these surf spots are facing stress from human activity, such as ocean acidification and seabed dredging, which could compromise the health of ecosystems and their tourism characteristics.
To address this problem, researchers from the University of Portsmouth propose that conserving these pristine places could lead to significant environmental benefits that go well beyond aesthetic appeal.
A study published by the scientists indicates that “wave reserves” could become a popular tool for coastal conservation, especially in countries known for their surf conditions, such as Costa Rica, Chile, Maldives, Fiji and Indonesia.
The study indicates that 90% of world-class wave locations are in marine biodiversity hotspots and that wave reserves can preserve recreational activities while preserving the environment. Surfing was featured in the Olympics for the first time in 2020 and researchers say the growing market could generate “significant revenue for conservation”.
Malibu Surfrider Beach, California, USA was designated the world’s first surfing reserve in 2010. (trekandshoot/iStock/Getty Images Plus)
“The potential impact of wave reserves on the future of sustainable ocean management is enormous. Wave reserves can become the foundation of an environmental approach to sport tourism,” said Pierre Failler, a professor at the University. of Portsmouth, in the study’s press release.
“When large enough, wave reserves will allow low- and middle-income countries to scale up their relatively weak area-based conservation systems at lower cost, and thus make progress in meeting their international commitments such as the Goals. United Nations Sustainable Development Program.”
The first wave reserve was established in 1973 at Bells Beach, Australia, where the annual Rip Curl Pro surfing event takes place, and is said to have benefited from its reserve status. The Tres Palmas Wave Preserve in Puerto Rico has prevented real estate development that would have damaged the coast and encouraged debris removal and coral reef grafting.
A beach at Tres Palmas in Rincón, Puerto Rico. (Shawn Harrison/USGS)
Other notable sites include the One World Surfing Reserve in Mexico which spans 16,000 hectares and the One Marine Protected Area in Indonesia which is yet to be established but aims to be 50,000 hectares.
The study indicates that the number of wave reserves will increase in the coming years due to their many benefits. Save The Waves and Conservation International are two international NGOs currently working together to protect 1,000 sites in over 20 countries.
“It is achievable and accessible initiatives like these that will help improve the governance of the world’s oceans,” Failler said.
Thumbnail credit: Yew! Images/ Image Source/ Getty Images
