Save Our Shores is a non-profit marine conservation organization in Santa Cruz, California.

Our mission is caring for the marine environment through ocean awareness, advocacy, and citizen action.

ABOUT SAVE OUR SHORES:
Save Our Shores is the Central Coast leader in caring for the marine environment through ocean awareness, advocacy and citizen action.  Our core initiatives are Clean Boating, Plastic Pollution and Ocean Awareness.  Over the last 30 years SOS has been locally responsible for key accomplishments such as helping to establish the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, preventing offshore oil drilling and cruise ship pollution and bringing together diverse stakeholders to find common solutions to ocean issues. Today we focus on educating youth about our local watersheds, tackling plastic pollution on our beaches and rivers, supporting habitat conservation efforts, implementing our nationally renowned DockWalker program and providing our community with educated and inspired Sanctuary Stewards!  We are always accepting volunteers, learn more at our volunteer site.  

What the Public says about Save Our Shores

"The most important effort to protect our coastline could not have happened without Save Our Shores."
-  Leon Panetta, CIA Director and the former Congressman who chaired the 2003 Pew Oceans Commission.

"Save Our Shores is a venerable environmental organization that has been at the front of every major effort to combat threats to our precious coast and marine environment during the last three decades."
-  Fred Keeley, former member of the California State Assembly, an author of the California Marine Life Management Act, and a current SOS Board Member.

"We continue to support SOS because of the advocacy and education your organization provides to protect and enhance the quality of the Monterey Bay. All of our Cruz members benefit from the work your organization does and we appreciate that very much."
–  Santa Cruz Master Aquatics

"Thanks for all the work you do to create a beautiful and safe environment for bodysurfers and other ocean enthusiasts"
– Santa Cruz Bodysurfing Association

"You guys are putting great energy into something I believe in and I appreciate what you are doing."
– George Ow, Jr., local businessman and philanthropist. 

"This is a great way to pitch in and help the community and have fun doing it."
– Tom Davis, co-owner of Pacific Edge Climbing Gym, after a dozen climbers volunteered at an SOS river cleanup along Aptos Creek.

"It is part of our mission to support groups like yours who contribute to making the world a better place. We honor our partnership."
– Lorin and Jill Troderman, owners of Blue Lotus, a family-run business committed to providing practical and sustainable goods that are healthy for people and the planet.

"Instead of celebrating in typical fashion, I’ve decided to ask each of you to consider supporting me by sending a donation to my favorite non-profit organization, Save Our Shores.  I am passionate about the ocean and the wildlife it contains and want to ensure that we have healthy oceans for generations to come."
– Martel Anderson, SOS volunteer extraordinaire, in a letter to her friends regarding her upcoming birthday. 

Knowledge is Power

Save Our Shores gets to the core of marine conservation issues and strengthens protection for the health of our coast and ocean.

Outreach is Key

Save Our Shores' Action Alerts, public events, publications and education programs tell you what's up, why it matters, and how you can help. Save Our Shores is your local voice and resource for marine conservation.

It's in Your Hands

Save Our Shores brings government, business, nonprofits and the public together to ensure a bright blue future for all. Join Save Our Shores. Write a letter, clean a beach, call a Congressman. Save Our Shores can help you change the world!