Edward A. Atkin, Dan R. Reineman, Jesse Reiblich, and David L. Revell, 2020. “Applicability of management guidelines for surfing resources in California”, Shore & Beach, 88(3), 53-64.
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http://doi.org/10.34237/1008835
Applicability of management guidelines for surfing resources in California
Edward A. Atkin(1), Dan R. Reineman(2), Jesse Reiblich(3) and David L. Revell(4)
1) eCoast Marine Consulting and Research, 18 Calvert Road, Raglan, Aotearoa New Zealand. University of Waikato,
Knighton Road, Hamilton 3240, Aotearoa New Zealand; e.atkin@ecoast.co.nz, +64 2108 200 821
2) Environmental Science and Resource Management Program, California State University Channel Islands,
1 University Drive, Camarillo, California 93012, USA
3) Virginia Coastal Policy Center, William & Mary Law School, Williamsburg, Virginia, 23187 USA
4) 200 Washington Street, Suite 201, Santa Cruz, California 95060 USA
Surf breaks are finite, valuable, and vulnerable natural resources, that not only influence community and cultural identities, but are a source of revenue and provide a range of health benefits. Despite these values, surf breaks largely lack recognition as coastal resources and therefore the associated management measures required to maintain them. Some countries, especially those endowed with high-quality surf breaks and where the sport of surfing is accepted as mainstream, have recognized the value of surfing resources and have specific policies for their conservation. In Aotearoa New Zealand surf breaks are included within national environmental policy. Aotearoa New Zealand has recently produced Management Guidelines for Surfing Resources (MGSR), which were developed in conjunction with universities, regional authorities, not-for-profit entities, and government agencies. The MGSR provide recommendations for both consenting authorities and those wishing to undertake activities in the coastal marine area, as well as tools and techniques to aid in the management of surfing resources. While the MGSR are firmly aligned with Aotearoa New Zealand’s cultural and legal frameworks, much of their content is applicable to surf breaks worldwide. In the United States, there are several national-level and state-level statutes that are generally relevant to various aspects of surfing resources, but there is no law or policy that directly addresses them. This paper describes the MGSR, considers California’s existing governance frameworks, and examines the potential benefits of adapting and expanding the MGSR in this state.