The forests, mangroves, and marshes surrounding surf breaks store almost 90 million metric tonnes (Mt) of climate-stabilizing "irrecoverable carbon."
According to a new study from Conservation International researchers, these coastal locations are essential climate allies and ideal locations for creating new protected areas.
Just five countries account for nearly half the carbon stored: surf breaks in the United States are the most carbon-rich, followed by Australia, Indonesia, Brazil, and Panama.
For the study, published today in Conservation Science and Practice, researchers mapped more than 4,800 popular surf spots across 113 countries.
The scientists found that immediately surrounding areas within one kilometer of the waves store just over 88 Mt of irrecoverable carbon.
That's roughly equivalent to the annual emissions from 77 million gas-powered cars.
When the area is expanded to three kilometers, the amount of carbon stored in the ecosystems more than doubles to 191.7 Mt.
The Concept of Irrecoverable Carbon
Irrecoverable carbon refers to the carbon-rich lands humanity must protect to prevent the worst impacts of climate change.
Conservation International researchers coined the term in 2020 and, in 2021, mapped all irrecoverable carbon around the world.
Additional research also found irrecoverable carbon areas overlap with places containing high concentrations of biodiversity.
This overlap proved true for surf breaks, with nearly a quarter (17.2 Mt) of the total 88.3 Mt of irrecoverable carbon found within Key Biodiversity Areas.
These areas contribute significantly to the planet's species richness and overall health.
However, only three percent of this 17.2 Mt - representing areas with high amounts of both carbon and biodiversity - are formally protected.
Altogether, less than a third of all surf ecosystems worldwide are protected.
Surf Protected Area Networks
Establishing more Surf Protected Area Networks (SPAN) would help keep climate-warming carbon from entering the atmosphere and play a role in halting and reversing biodiversity loss - the world's two greatest environmental challenges.
Surf Protected Areas - pioneered by Conservation International and partner on the paper Save The Waves Coalition (creators of the World Surfing Reserves) - work to establish legal protections for surf breaks and their surrounding areas from threats like irresponsible tourism and development, forest and mangrove cutting, coral and sand mining, destructive fishing, and plastic pollution.
"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," said Scott Atkinson, a surfer, senior director of surf conservation at Conservation International, and an author of the study.
"Our study shows where, exactly, we must now focus on legally protecting these areas."
"Surfers across the world are fantastic allies for efforts like this - they love the ocean, know that it is threatened, and are extremely motivated to protect it."
"They've been on board, so to speak, helping to lead the establishment of all the Surf Protected Areas we've partnered to create."
To date, Conservation International has worked with partners to establish 30 SPANs in Indonesia, Costa Rica, and Peru.
Over half of these - 26 Surf Protected Areas - have been established in Indonesia, which was used in the paper as a case study in creating an effective network of community-based protections.
Collectively, the 26 locations form Indonesia's initial SPAN, covering more than 100,000 hectares.
This network can be expanded to hundreds of world-class surf sites across the incredibly biodiverse and carbon-rich country.
Surfing and Environment: A Virtuous Circle
Atkinson also highlighted the positive impacts of the 19 community-based Surf Protected Areas on Morotai Island in Indonesia.
"They are protecting precious marine and coastal ecosystems and strengthening community bonds and cultural heritage."
"Local people on Morotai have surfed on hand-made 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."
Conservation International and its partners plan to establish over 100 SPANs worldwide over the next three years.
The report was produced by a team of scientists from Conservation International and its Surf Conservation program, Oregon State University, Save The Waves Coalition, and California State University at Channel Islands.
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