Coastal Protection Policy Committee

Join Surfrider Santa Cruz Chapter's Policy Committee to help protect and shape the future of our coastlines through policy action and community engagement.

Take Action: Advocate for our coastlines

Our coastlines are the heart of Santa Cruz County. Join the Costal Protection Policy Committee and help advocate for the protection of our beaches, ocean, and local environment!

As a Policy Committee member, you’ll stay informed about local environmental policies, attend meetings, engage in advocacy efforts, and collaborate with others to push for positive change. It's an impactful way to shape policies that protect what we all love—our beautiful coastlines.

Let’s make a lasting difference, together!

What to expect as a Policy Committee volunteer:

Monitor Local Policies – Stay informed on city, county, and state policies affecting the ocean and environment.

Collaborate with Stakeholders – Partner with officials, environmental groups, and the public to advance Surfrider’s mission.

Attend & Speak at Meetings – Represent Surfrider by attending hearings and providing public comments.

Write Advocacy Letters – Advocate for ocean-friendly policies through letters to officials and legislators.

Work with Leadership – Provide policy recommendations to the Executive Committee and collaborate with teams.

Educate the Community – Raise awareness through social media, blog posts, and newsletters.

What we focus on:

While our priorities may shift, here are some key policy issues we focus on:

Plastic Pollution Reduction – Support policies that ban or limit single-use plastics, encourage reusable alternatives, and promote waste reduction.

Coastal Access & Protection – Advocate for public beach access and fight against development that threatens our coastlines.

Water Quality & Ocean Health – Work with our Blue Water Task Force to address water pollution issues.

Sea Level Rise & Climate Resilience – Track local policies on climate adaptation, sea level rise planning, and shoreline management.

Offshore Drilling & Industrial Threats – Oppose projects that threaten marine ecosystems.

Coastal Protection Policy Committee

Take Action: Advocate for our coastlines

Upcoming Santa Cruz Policy Meetings

Quick links to stay informed:

When you become a policy committee volunteer, you are protecting our precious Santa Cruz beaches, waves, and coastlines.

What to expect as a Policy Committee volunteer:

What we focus on:

Frequently Asked Questions

Get Involved Today! Sign Up For An Upcoming Volunteer Opportunity: