Martin Preece’s Post

Great read on the intersection of surfing and ocean conservation 🌊! It's inspiring to see how catching waves is not only a sport but also a driving force for environmental stewardship. The article dives into how the surfing community is leveraging its deep connection with the ocean to raise awareness and take action on crucial marine preservation efforts.🏄♂️🌱🌍 #OceanConservation #Sustainability #SurfingForGood"

🌊🏄 Imagine having the waves at your doorstep, even miles from the coast. The Oceanside Planning Committee has given the green light to transform a vacant lot into OceanKAMP, a 92-acre mixed-use project featuring a massive artificial surf pool, a luxury resort, and housing. 🏖️ The plan includes a 3.5-acre surf lagoon promising perfect waves year-round, catering to surf enthusiasts, beginners, and pros looking to refine their skills. With temperature-controlled waters and amenities like hotel units, bungalows, and airstream trailers for "glamping," OceanKAMP aims to be a surf paradise. 🤿 Despite skepticism and concerns over water usage amid drought conditions, developers assure that cutting-edge technology will conserve and reuse water resources efficiently. The project also addresses traffic impacts and affordable housing, aiming to contribute positively to the community. 🚴♂️ Emphasizing walkability and community engagement, OceanKAMP plans to add bike tracks, open spaces, and upgrades to a nearby skatepark, creating a hub for locals and visitors alike. 🌟 The project has garnered a mix of support and opposition, with many excited about the prospect of revitalizing Oceanside's surf culture and creating a destination that caters to diverse interests. What are your thoughts on this ambitious development? https://lnkd.in/gmikPZ-q

It’s great to see Great Grimsby diving into one of the biggest trends to take hold of the nation in recent years, and diving into a planet-positive future… We are of course talking about the plans that have been submitted for open water swimming at Grimsby Docks…👀 Those who live, work and study in Grimasby are well aware of the potential of the town, it’s fantastic to see more investors recognising the opportunities too. Any plans that look to honour Grimsby’s heritage while tapping into its future potential absolutely align with the goals we’re setting out here at PRG. Revitalising the Ice Factory and Fish Dock 2 isn't just about renovating infrastructure - it's about igniting a new era of innovation and sustainability. By creating a hub for modern engineering businesses in offshore wind, renewables, and green maritime sectors, we're paving the way for a brighter, greener future. Read more: https://lnkd.in/epT_ZRtD.

A controversy at my local break! This erosion saga at Sloat Blvd has been ongoing for decades. I’ve been super disappointed in the planning process, the lack of progress, the bureaucratic BS, and the dilapidating infrastructure all the while. Like most situations where the environment and human waste intersect, there is no easy answer. The city wastewater treatment plant is right on the beach, subject to erosion. It was a terrible spot to put it and no amount of beach erosion measures (mostly dumping construction garbage and sand) have stopped nature. The new proposal is massive underwater wall. This could very well waste millions without any hope of a long term solution. As an added bonus, this plan risks changing the world class waves out front. This area used to have an estuary which naturally controlled erosion for millennia. Maybe the long term solution is the one that worked, long term, before we filled it in with concrete? It’s a radical idea but one that I’d like to see some analysis on (yes I have shared this idea with the “50 year master plan” team). And, an estuary mouth would be great for wildlife and make some nice peaks. I’d love to hear from other local activists that have faced similar situations.

UPDATE FROM CLIMBING VICTORIA ADVISORY COUNCIL There have been some big steps forward for CVAC and the climbing community over the last couple of months. CVAC has just submitted an application to Consumers Affairs Victoria for the incorporation of Climbing Victoria, a peak body representing outdoor climbing and climbers. This is the culmination of several years of work by representatives of climbing organisations and individuals to build relationships between the climbing community, Parks Victoria and Traditional Owners. Our recently circulated proposal for the organisation's purposes, values and structure was well supported through a survey process and provided the platform for the formation of the formal incorporated body. Once the incorporation application has been approved we will progress the process of appointing the first board. We‘re expecting this to be sometime in June. We are also pleased to report that the Gariwerd Assessments are now underway with the first of the 50 proposed sites being visited in March. CVAC respects the time and effort that the Traditional Owners have made to get this activity underway; it will be well appreciated by the climbing community. Please continue to respect the use of Designated Climbing Areas in the meantime. In April, CVAC had the privilege to meet with representatives of Barengi Gadjin, Eastern Maar and Gunditj Mirring, the Traditional Owner organisations jointly managing Gariwerd. The meeting, hosted by Parks Victoria, was a chance to introduce our organisation, its objectives and values and to hear Traditional Owner perspectives and values. It was a valuable discussion and a positive introduction. The Gariwerd office of Parks Victoria has approved two major working bees organised by CSV. The first was the clearing of the Mt Rosea access trail, requiring the cutting of significant fallen trees. This was completed May 4 and the trail is back in great condition after many years of decline. The second is the rebuilding of The Watchtower access trail. A solid weekend of work over May 17-19 saw a good group of volunteers contributing to the construction of steps up the steep trail. There is plenty more work to be done, so please lend a hand on a Saturday morning over the next few weeks. Continue reading this update in the comments...

Surf breaks around the world are cherished for recreation, yet we're only beginning to uncover the extensive benefits they provide. A groundbreaking study by Conservation International (Scott Atkinson), Oregon State University, Save The Waves Coalition, and others reveals that ecosystems near surf breaks, including forests, marshes, and mangroves, capture nearly 90 million metric tons of "irrecoverable carbon." This amount of carbon sequestration is equivalent to the emissions from 77 million gasoline cars annually. Expanding on previous findings, Conservation International identified that over a quarter of surf breaks worldwide are near vital biodiversity hotspots that lack formal protection. In response, we have successfully established 23 Surf Protected Areas in Indonesia and are actively enhancing protections in Costa Rica, Peru, and Brazil. This ongoing work is crucial, but more must be done. These recent findings will guide future conservation efforts, aiming to protect these critical natural areas more effectively. https://lnkd.in/engrM8hX

To save the planet, we need to save surf breaks. Surfer Magazine breaks down the connection between surf breaks & irrecoverable carbon, why surf spots need to be saved, and how Conservation International has played a role: “So far, Conservation International has worked with partners to establish 30 Surf Protected Areas in Indonesia, Costa Rica and Peru. These Surf Protected Areas are centered on surf breaks and seek to protect their larger surrounding ecosystems including coastal forests, mangrove, beaches, seagrass, coral reefs and the waves themselves.” Learn more. ⤵️

The proposed Honokea West wave pool in Hawaii has sparked controversy, with protesters highlighting concerns about development, conservation, and cultural preservation. While opponents argue for further study and preservation of cultural elements, supporters emphasize the project's potential to enhance cultural traditions. Stewarded by respected waterman Brian Keaulana, Honokea West aims to integrate Hawaiian values into its operations, emphasizing surf education and cultural sensitivities. Environmental concerns regarding water usage have also been raised, with protesters fearing groundwater pollution from the pool. Despite these challenges, Honokea has a history in the wave pool space, navigating previous projects like NLand in Texas. The project's success hinges on navigating a complex web of cultural, environmental, and economic factors unique to Hawaii. As wave pools continue to emerge globally, the debate over Honokea West raises broader questions about balancing development with conservation and cultural preservation. Projects like Honokea West need to effectively integrate into sensitive environments while respecting local traditions and concerns. Marrying Innovation with sustainability is the way forward. #honokeawest #surf #wavepool #sustainability #surfpools #exventur #surfside

Great news! Real-time water quality monitors are being installed at #wildswimming spots in Dorset, Somerset and Hampshire, and two coastal sites in Bournemouth. The #artificialintelligence-based monitoring system is designed to help people assess immediate risk of getting ill from water polluted with bacteria. Quoted in The Guardian, Ruth Barden, Director of Environmental Solutions at Wessex Water and Visiting Industrial Fellow at the University of Bath Institute for Sustainability, said "One of the biggest criticisms of the current bathing water classification system is that people may be swimming at a location all year, and it is only when the final classification is published that they realise what the quality has been. “We want people to be able to enjoy and use their watercourses without putting themselves in danger. But collecting this data is also helpful for us to understand what level of impact our assets are having on water quality – if any – and what the solutions could be to rectify that.” 👉 Read the article: https://lnkd.in/g-YMwEw7 #pollution #swimming #rivers #ai

The cost of building the perfect wave: The growing business of surf pools wants to bring the ocean experience inland. But with many planned for areas facing #WaterScarcity, who bears the cost? An analysis by MIT Tech Review reveals that of an estimated 162 #SurfPools that have been built or announced around the world, 54 are in areas considered by World Resources Institute WRI Water to face high or extremely high water stress. #WaterStress means a location regularly uses a large portion of its available surface #WaterSupply annually. Regions in the "extremely high" category consume 80% or more of their water, while those in the "high" category use 40% to 80% of their supply. Just focusing on the U.S., nearly half of the surf pools that have been built or announced are in places with high or extremely high water stress — roughly 16 in areas served by the severely drought-stricken #ColoradoRiver. Read more: https://lnkd.in/evRZY3Mb via MIT Technology Review