Environmental News -

How Safeguarding Australia’s Surf Breaks Boosts the Economy and Culture.

Surfing in Australia is not just a sport, it has become a defining part of the country’s cultural identity and a significant economic driver. Since its introduction to Australian shores more than a century ago, surfing has grown into a lifestyle practiced by millions, bringing locals, tourists and enthusiasts together over a shared love of the ocean. Recent research by the Australian National University (ANU) highlights not only the cultural importance of surfing but also its significant economic impact, with the sport contributing more than A$3 billion annually to the Australian economy. However, this fast-growing sector faces threats from coastal erosion, climate change and competing interests for coastal locations. Protecting Australia’s iconic surf breaks is vital not only to preserve a beloved pastime but also to maintain an economic engine that supports thousands of jobs and businesses across the country. The economic impact of surfing in Australia Surfing in Australia is more than just a hobby; it’s a significant contributor to the economy. According to research by the ANU, the sport contributes at least A$3 billion to the national economy each year. This figure, while significant, may also be conservative as it focuses primarily on adult surfers and does not fully include the expenditures of children, overseas tourists or professional surfing revenues. From surf schools to cafes, restaurants and surf shops, the entire local economy depends on activities associated with surfing. “It’s like a surf economy; cafes, restaurants, surf shops, accommodation. Yeah, it’s good. Love it,” says Matt Grainger, who has been running the Manly Surf School in Sydney for 30 years.

The direct spending of more than 720,000 active adult surfers, averaging A$3,700 a year, contributes significantly to the vibrancy and financial stability of coastal communities. This figure includes expenditure on surfing equipment, apparel, travel, accommodation, food and other related services. Additionally, the surfing lifestyle promotes sustainable tourism, attracting visitors from around the world who come not only to ride the waves but also to experience the natural beauty of Australia’s coasts.

Surf breaks: a natural resource under threat
Despite their economic and cultural importance, the natural resources that make surfing possible are increasingly under threat. Surf breaks, the areas where ocean waves begin to break and create surfable waves, are a delicate balance of natural forces. Factors such as seafloor contours, ocean currents, wind conditions and water quality play a key role in shaping these breaks. However, climate change, coastal development and other human activities are threatening these important natural assets.

Dr Ana Manero, a specialist in water economics and governance at ANU’s Crawford School of Public Policy, highlights that the value of these surf breaks is well recognised by surfers and local communities, but they often fall into a “blind spot” for policymakers. “Unfortunately, due to climate change, coastal erosion and competition for coastal locations, the elements that make these high-quality waves possible are under threat on many occasions,” explains Dr Manero.

The risks are not hypothetical. Previous experiences have shown how easily surf breaks can be damaged or destroyed. In northern Spain, waves near the town of Mundaka disappeared due to changes in the sandbar following dredging in a nearby river. Similarly, in Perth, the expansion of a marina caused three surf breaks to disappear in 2022, prompting the proposal for artificial reefs to restore them.

Legal protection of surf breaks needed
The ANU study shows that more comprehensive legal protection is necessary to protect these natural assets. Currently, only a limited number of surf breaks in Australia, such as Bells Beach in New South Wales and Victoria, have formal protection. The researchers argue that this is insufficient given the threats these sites face. They propose drawing lessons from other countries where more robust measures are in place.

For example, Peru has enacted “La Ley de Rompientes” or “the Law of the Surf Breaks” specifically to protect these natural resources from development and environmental damage. New Zealand offers another model with its existing parliamentary act and complementary policy, which recognizes the importance of surf spots at national, regional and local levels. The protection they receive is commensurate with their importance to the surfing community.

Adopting a similar framework in Australia could ensure that surf breaks, particularly those that do not attract global attention but are still valuable to local communities, are protected for future generations. As Dr. Manero explains, “I am more concerned about the waves that do not appear on a world-class map, but they provide value for people like you and me.”

“Klamath River Unblocked: What Comes After the Largest Dam Removal in U.S. History”

The Klamath River, a vital lifeline for the Yurok Tribe of Northern California, has experienced a profound transformation. For the first time in nearly a century, the river is flowing freely without the obstruction of four major dams, marking the completion of the largest dam removal project in U.S. history. While the removal of these dams is a major victory, the real work for the Yurok Tribe has just begun.

Brooke Thompson, a member of the Karuk and Yurok tribes, has spent her life fishing on the Klamath River. For her and many others in her community, the river is not just a source of water; it is a central part of their cultural and physical sustenance. “The river was our grocery store,” Thompson recalls. But in 2002, a catastrophic fish kill changed everything. “I saw thousands of salmon carcasses piled up on the shoreline. It was catastrophic,” she says.

The Klamath River’s plight was directly linked to four dams—J.C. Boyle, Copco 1, Copco 2, and Iron Gate—owned by PacifiCorp, an electric utility company. These structures blocked the river’s natural flow and disrupted the migration of salmon, causing a massive decline in populations. The Yurok tribe, known as the “salmon people,” saw their once abundant fisheries disappear. The dams’ effects weren’t limited to fish; they also affected water quality and temperature, leading to health warnings and a decline in cultural practices.

A Long Road to Dam Removal

The struggle to remove the dams began in the 1990s, with the Yurok tribe taking the lead. Their fight was not only about restoring the river’s ecological balance, but also about reclaiming their cultural heritage and way of life. Removing the dams was considered a life-or-death issue for the tribe, as the health of the river was tied to their survival.

After decades of activism and negotiations, the final dam was removed in August 2024, completing a project that took more than 30 years to realize. “We were told it would never happen,” Thompson says. “We were asking for four dams, and people said it was impossible.”

The Klamath River Basin, spanning 12,000 square miles, was once a critical habitat for salmon. Removing the dams opened up more than 400 miles of the river, allowing the fish to reach their historic breeding grounds for the first time in a century. This important milestone is the result of a complex and costly process, estimated to cost $450 million, involving federal, state, tribal, and local stakeholders.

A New Beginning for the River

With the removal of the dams, a remarkable transformation has begun in the Klamath River. The river’s flow has returned to its natural state, and the once-constrained water is now carrying away debris accumulated over decades. “The river is starting to do its own thing,” says Oscar Gensaw, a Yurok Tribe member and fisherman. “It’s letting the river repair itself, and that’s the best thing for us.”

Removing the dams, however, is just the beginning of a long restoration process. The areas previously occupied by the reservoirs, now exposed for the first time in more than a century, require extensive ecological restoration. “Restoring the land is another challenge,” says Thompson. The restoration effort includes replanting native vegetation, managing invasive species, and ensuring the long-term health of the river’s ecosystem.

Seeds of Recovery

The Yurok Tribe has launched an ambitious restoration project involving the planting of 18 billion native seeds. This massive effort began with the collection of seeds from 98 species, which were propagated and stored until they were ready for planting. Seeds including wheat grass, yarrow and oak trees are vital for stabilizing soils, supporting native vegetation and providing a food source for wildlife.

Joshua Chenoweth, the tribe’s senior riparian ecologist, explains the complexity of the restoration process. “Anything we introduced had to be genetically suitable and derived from nearby watersheds,” he says. The team faced several challenges, including adverse weather conditions and the need for high seed diversity. Despite these obstacles, early results are promising. Areas where seeds were planted are already showing signs of improvement with flourishing plants and increased wildlife activity.

The road ahead is not without challenges. Restoration efforts will continue for several more years with continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure the project’s success. Success criteria include species richness, vegetation cover and a lack of invasive species.

For the Yurok Tribe, this project represents a significant step in reclaiming their ancestral lands and cultural practices. Thompson reflects on the trip with both a sense of accomplishment and cautious optimism. “Growing up, dams felt like these huge, immovable objects. But watching them fall has been a powerful experience,” she says.