SURFRIDER FOUNDATION NEWS
Source: Surfrider Foundation - www.surfrider.org

Surfrider Foundation Challenges Carlsbad Ocean Desalination Permit
The contentious plan to build a massive ocean desalination on the Agua Hedionda Lagoon in Carlsbad, California has been challenged in court. Surfrider Foundation, as lead plaintiff, claims approval by the Coastal Commission to build the largest ocean desalination facility in the western hemisphere violates California law because it was not designed or located to avoid the unnecessary destruction of marine life.

Open water intakes, like that proposed in Carlsbad, have been shown to suck in and kill all stages of marine life, significantly impacting healthy marine ecological systems. The project is also extremely energy demanding: stretching our current electrical supplies and undermining California’s efforts to curb global warming.

According to Joe Geever, Surfrider Foundation’s California Policy Coordinator, “Healthy marine life populations are already threatened by pollution and impacts from climate change. This project would constantly ‘fish’ the water surrounding the intake and require approximately 40% more electricity than pumping water all the way from the Sacramento Delta – our most energy demanding current source of water.”

Surfrider and other environmental organizations have supported ocean desalination research and pilot projects to reduce the enormous energy demand and to test intake systems that avoid marine life mortality. That research has already shown signs of success.

Geever summarizes their support for research with their opposition to this particular project: “Whether or not you support the idea of ocean desalination, it has to be done responsibly and according to the law. Responsible desalination may be right around the corner, but this proposal isn’t even close.”

SURFRIDER FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES 2008 “WAVEMAKERS”
Press release sent on February 2, 2009
Annual Awards Highlight Individuals and Companies Who Help Protect Our Coastlines

This past weekend, the Surfrider Foundation celebrated their 2008 Wavemaker Award recipients. The Surfrider Foundation’s Board of Directors and Staff give out the award annually to individuals and companies for their outstanding volunteer performance and support to help the organization fulfill its mission.

And the Wavmakers are…

Outstanding Contribution
Bob Mignona

Development Award
Harriet Zaretsky and Steve Henry

Distinguished Service
Glenn Suba

Chapter Leadership
Scott Werny

Corporate Partner Award
Barefoot Wine – Jeremy Soine

Special Recognition Awards
L.P.A. & J.J.S., Inc.

Special Recognition Awards
Surfing Magazine, Surfer Magazine, Transworld Surf, Surfline

Special Recognition Award
Vans

Surfrider partners to Body Glove to reduce plastic bottles
The Surfrider Foundation has partnered with Body Glove in support of their new water filtration systems. These unique, environmentally friendly filtration units not only provide safe healthy drinking water from your tap, they help eliminate the need for wasteful bottled water.

Check out Body Glove's new Water Filtration Systems here

About the International Surfing Association (ISA)
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), Mike Gerard (USA) and Karin Sierralta (Peru).

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