WSL coastal restoration

To kick off the 2022 Margaret River Pro The World Surf League teamed up with local conservation organisations Line in the Sand (LITS), Nature Conservation Margaret River Region (NCMRR) and Great Southern Reef in the activation of a local coastal restoration project for We Are One Ocean - an environmental initiative led by the WSL.

Professional surfers Kanoa Igarashi, Bettylou Sakura Johnson, Conner Coffin, and Lakey Peterson participated in the community busy bee at Gas Point and were joined by kids from the local Cowaramup Bay Boardriders Club, LITS board member Julian Kruger, NCMRR general manager Drew Mackenzie and Great Southern Reef research scientist Sahira Bell. The event was also supported by the Shire of Augusta Margaret River and the Margaret River Coastal Residents Association.

Together the group replanted native coastal species on the sand dunes just south of the 2022 WSL contest break, Gas Point. They also undertook vital dune brushing, which involves laying down branches across sections of dune to prevent people walking in the area and to protect vegetation whilst it establishes. This will help redefine the access to the beach and rehabilitate and restore the areas that have already been disturbed.

Nature Conservation Margaret River Region, Line in the Sand, and Great Southern Reef lead a restoration initiative during the 2022 Margaret River Pro with support from WSL, the Shire of Augusta Margaret River, and the Margaret River Coastal Residents Association. - WSL / MATT DUNBAR

WSL Championship tour surfer Lakey Peterson said “It is so cool to see the younger generations already taking part in initiatives like this. This is key to a beautiful future and a sustainable coastline.” Peterson also noted that planting native plants in the dunes had helped them to learn “the importance of really staying on the path to get down to the beach” .

Drew Mackenzie, General Manager of Nature Conservation Margaret River Region, said "we are so stoked to see the professional surfers and local groms work together to leave a positive impact on the environment. It's such a good example of the culture of custodianship that we are trying to promote across the Margaret River region and beyond. We all have a responsibility to give back to the coastline that gives so much to us all."

WSL Championship tour surfer Lakey Peterson with local kids replanting native plants at the We Are One Ocean coastal rehabilitation activation day in the lead up to the 2022 Margaret River Pro - WSL / MATT DUNBAR

Howard Cearns, LITS Director, said "Line in the Sand had its genesis in talks with Surfing WA and WSL so it is great to be restarting activities and have the Pro back. LITS supports Nature Conservation through school planting programs, cultural connection tours and other in-the-field coastal rehabilitation projects. There is great momentum and co-ordination building between stakeholders given the urgency required to act, educate and drive awareness individually and as a community around conservation and climate change and having global platforms such as professional surfing initiating programs is fantastic."

The community members, local organisations and WSL surfers involved in the We Are One Ocean restoration project - WSL / MATT DUNBAR

Julian Kruger LITS director said "After being involved in the Climate Action Summit with Surfing WA and WSL a few years ago, there was an intersection with what Howard (Cearns) was discussing with WSL PURE around an environmental partnership in the region. Line in the Sand was formed shortly after and the organisation has since gained federal charity status. LITS is now focused on designing and funding programs with Nature Conservation Margaret River Region and other community groups in the region so it's great to see WSL back and reconnecting with the environmental challenges we have.

Thank you to the WSL team, professional surfers, community members and local organisations who got involved.