Surfrider Foundation Releases Statement in Response to Major Oil Spill Off Southern California Coast
Image: Rufous - Adobe Stock
On October 2, 2021 an estimated 126,000 gallons of crude to spilled into the coastal waters of Orange County California and started making its way to the vibrant beaches of Newport Beach and Huntington Beach. The coastline, which is usually a haven for local surfers, is closed indefinitely and experts predict that the damage will have severe ecological repercussions.
The Surfrider Foundation, an organization founded by a group of surfers in Malibu in 1984 dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s ocean, waves and beaches, released an announcement Sunday that calls attention to the special ecosystem that surrounds California’s beaches, encourages people to oppose offshore drilling, and outlines several ways for people to take action, though ask that people to stay away from the spill at this time.
At this time, the public should not go near the spill or affected wildlife as oil contains dangerous chemicals. Surfrider is working with local and state officials to coordinate next steps for our volunteer network with cleanup support when and where appropriate. (⅔)
— Surfrider Foundation (@Surfrider) October 3, 2021
In the announcement Surfrider Foundation CEO Dr. Chad Nelsen is quoted as saying, “Sadly, once the oil is spilled it is too late. As we are again learning in Southern California, once the disaster has occurred we can only try to minimize the damage. That is why the Surfrider Foundation has consistently opposed new offshore oil drilling and we ask you to join us in that opposition. We need a strong public response to combat special interests that are constantly pressing for more drilling along our precious coastlines.”
For anyone who wants to do their part to help with the clean up efforts in the Southern California oil spill, Surfrider Foundation offers these options to take action:
Review Surfrider’s “Oil Spill Toolkit” that provides information about oil spill responses.
Text 'oilspill' (one word) to 51555 or complete this form to be added to a list of volunteers interested in beach clean up opportunities..
Call the Oiled Wildlife Care Network at (877) 823-6962 if you find oiled or sick wildlife. People are being asked not to approach potentially affected wildlife.
Reach out to your representatives to take action to protect our coasts from new offshore drilling.
Surfrider Foundation’s tireless work to protect the oceans and beaches throughout this oil spill, and everyday, reminds us of what Sylvia Earle so eloquently said, “We need to respect the oceans and take care of them as if our lives depended on it. Because they do.”
