Our Northeast chapters had an amazing 2024, embracing collaboration and innovation to protect our ocean, waves, and beaches across the region. They focused on network growth and added a new Cape & Islands chapter and four new student clubs. Read on for some notable highlights and check out the full recap report here.
Beach Cleanups
In 2024, our Northeast chapters hosted a total of 106 cleanups, sweeping five states, and cleaning a whopping 15,744 total pounds of trash.
Ocean Friendly Restaurants
Our Northeast chapters expanded their reach with Ocean Friendly Restaurants (OFRs). Currently, there are 27 OFRs in the Northeast Region, with 10 recruited in 2024.
Blue Water Task Force
Three out of six of our Northeast chapters have successful BWTF networks that test the water quality of our beaches in the months that their state’s testing departments are not. Together, they sampled over 25 sites and shared the results with their community through social media.
Climate Action Program
Surfrider launched the CAP this year and our Northeast chapters dove right in. They attended a webinar about the program in July, and two chapters hosted events. Our Maine chapter completed a Christmas tree dune restoration project, and our New Hampshire chapter helped plant dune grass.
In 2024, Northeast chapters maintained 14 active campaigns and had 2 campaign victories including strengthening the Northeast Canyons & Seamounts Marine Monument and ensuring accurate recyclability labeling in Maine.
They also hosted a variety of fun and innovative events this year. Always looking to push the boundaries, our Northeast chapters collaborated with community organizations like Colorful Lineup, Beyond the Bounds, WHOI, MITA, More Women Surf, Norwalk River Watershed, and Elevate Youth and launched new partnerships at various events. The region also hosted a region-wide spring cleanup competition series, where each chapter hosted a cleanup during Earth Week and encouraged their network to participate in DIY cleanups. They also participated in region-wide webinars on policy and technology, tabled at various conferences hosted by partner organizations, and hosted events for International Surfing Day, International Coastal Cleanup Day, and July 5th (the dirtiest beach day of the year). Lastly, our Northeast chapters participated in the 2024 Coastal Recreation Hill Day and advocated for national Surfrider priorities regarding plastics, clean water, and offshore wind.
As we move into 2025, many big things are on the horizon for our Northeast chapters. Some major goals include:
- Continue to grow the network by adding more chapters, clubs, and core volunteers
- Expand the Climate Action Program to add more projects throughout the region
- Increase community partnerships and work more closely with environmental justice communities
- Achieve more campaign victories; specifically targeting the local level
- Continue to foster region-wide collaboration amongst chapters and clubs
- Recruit more members and friends of the ocean
Overall, our chapters are closing out 2024 with so many major achievements under their belts and with a clear vision for how to keep the momentum rolling in 2025. A major thanks to all who were involved in making this year such a success. Cheers to protecting our ocean, waves, and beaches across the Northeast region and beyond.