On March 22nd, our community came together in a powerful display of ocean stewardship. Against the backdrop of clear blue skies and rolling waves, 101 dedicated volunteers gathered at Del Monte Beach with one shared purpose—to protect and restore the coastline we love.
🌊 561 pounds of waste removed!
🚮 508 pounds of trash
♻️ 53 pounds of recycling
🚭 Half a pound of cigarette butts—small but incredibly toxic to marine life.
The ocean gives us so much, a place to surf, a place to breathe, a place to connect, and a place to ground ourselves. But it’s also vulnerable. Due to strong tides and coastal winds, the southern part of Monterey Bay acts as a natural collection zone for floating debris. Add in waste from local businesses, visitors, and everyday activities, and our beaches can quickly become overwhelmed.
Seeing this firsthand can be disheartening, but action replaces despair with purpose.
At Surfrider Foundation, our mission is clear: to protect and enjoy the world’s ocean, waves, and beaches, for all people. Events like this remind us that showing up matters—not only for the immediate impact but for the lasting change that happens when communities unite.
Our cleanups aren’t just about picking up trash, they’re about building connections. Over 100 volunteers came out to make a difference, including local Boy Scouts, CSUMB students, college sports teams, and even visitors from as far as San Jose and Morgan Hill, Ca.
For many high school students, cleanups like this count toward community service requirements. But beyond that, they serve as powerful, hands-on lessons in environmental responsibility. Seeing the reality of ocean pollution up close inspires the next generation of advocates—and that’s a win for all of us.
This event was more than just work—it was fun. With perfect weather and a team full of positive energy, volunteers filled their bags, laughed together, and left with a sense of accomplishment. The momentum carried all the way through breakdown, allowing core volunteers to wrap up quickly and enjoy the rest of the day by the coast—just as it should be.
💙 Every effort counts. Every hand helps. And every cleanup brings us closer to protecting the places we love. Be part of the movement: Join us for our next cleanup, Become a member, and see for yourself how much of a difference you can make.
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Because when we take care of the ocean, it takes care of us. 🌊
By: Harry Parker