Surfrider Foundation
Source: Surfrider Foundation - www.surfrider.org

Endangered Species Act Under Attack
The Bush Administration announced late Monday plans to strip away key components of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Specifically, the administration wants to grant federal agencies the power to decide for themselves whether or not highways, dams, mines and other construction projects may harm endangered animals and plants. New regulations, which don't require the approval of Congress, would reduce the mandatory, independent reviews government scientists have been performing for 35 years, according to a draft first obtained by The Associated Press.

Unlike previous efforts to limit or remove sections of the ESA, which were voted down by the United States Senate in 2005, this latest attack is being carried out through the Interior Department and requires no congressional approval. The administration plans on rushing these regulations through by leaving them open for only a 30-day public comment period, after which it would finalize the changes and implement them—right before the November election.

Surfrider Foundation Loses Diesel Battle
On August 6, the California Coastal Commission gave their final approval for a proposed 50 million gallons per day (MGD) seawater desalination plant in Carlsbad, California. Surfrider Foundation activists have opposed this facility for a variety of reasons, including its use of a 300 MGD marine life killing open ocean intake. We also believe that conservation and recycling are more economical and environmentally friendly ways of providing a sustainable local water supply.

Celebrities Hit The Waves In Malibu
Come on down to Surfrider Beach in Malibu on September 6 to catch Sal Masekela, Jason Mraz, Chad Lowe, Flea, Richard Burgi, Pete DiStefano, Brandon Cruz and David Chokachi riding the waves during the Surfrider Foundation Celebrity Expression Session. An event like no other, the Expression Session allows celebrities to show off their surfing skills and moves in a free surf format. In addition to surfing with their peers, celebrities can win prizes for every wave they catch and ride courtesy of Project Blue.

Raw Sewage Spill in San Francisco Bay
The San Francisco Bay was hit late Sunday August 10th evening with an onslaught of raw sewage from a blocked sewage pipe in Sausalito. The leak that pumped sewage into the bay at a rate of 40 gallons per minute is the third major spill of the year. Environmental officials are still trying to determine the total volume of sewage spilled and the effects on water quality and local wildlife.

About International Surfing Association
The International Surfing Association (ISA) is recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the World Governing Authority for surfing, bodyboarding and surfriding. It was originally founded as the International Surfing Federation in 1964 and has been running world championships since 1964 and the Junior World Championships since 1980. 

ISA membership includes the surfing National Governing Bodies (NGBs) of over 50 countries on six continents. Its headquarters are located in San Diego, California. It is presided by Fernando Aguerre, first elected in 1994 in Rio, and re-elected six times since.  The ISA's four Vice Presidents are Alan Atkins (Australia), Robin de Kock (South Africa), Maile Aguerre (Hawaii) and Mike Gerard (USA).

BACK TO HOME