Our History
Our history is deeply woven into the creation of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. We have prevented offshore oil drilling in the greater Monterey Bay area, continuously combatted plastic pollution, ended illegal sand mining along our Sanctuary’s shores and so much more. We’re celebrating over 45 years of conserving the Monterey Bay, and we’re looking forward to another four decades of continual work to save our shores.
1978Grassroots
Formed as a grassroots movement to prevent offshore oil drilling. Dan Haifley, Save Our Shores1980Incorporated
Incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit1981First Cleanup Day
Organized the first Coastal Cleanup Day along the North Coast of Santa Cruz.1985Advocacy
Advocated for the passage of 26 local ordinances to effectively prevent offshore oil drilling.1988Conservation Working Group
Co-founded and chaired the Conservation Working Group to advocate for the best ecological boundary for the Marine Sanctuary.1992Marine Sanctuary
Celebrated the establishment of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.1994Dockwalker
Launched the Dockwalker program to engage boaters in clean and green boating practices.1996Sanctuary Stewards
Established the Sanctuary Stewards volunteer program.1999Dockwalker Program Takes Off
Collaborated with the California Coastal Commission who took Save Our Shores’ Dockwalker program statewide.2002Fishermen's Forum
Hosted the first Central California Fishermen’s Forum on marine protected areas.2006Coastal Cleanup Day
Became the official Annual Coastal Cleanup Day coordinator for California’s Central Coast.2009Adopt-A-Beach
Started the Adopt-A-Beach program2010Central Coast Sanctuary Alliance
Formed a coalition of Monterey Bay organizations to ban single-use plastic bags.2015Oppose Sand Mining
Launched campaign to oppose sand mining on the Sanctuary’s shores.2017Strategic Vision
Secured an agreement for shutdown of CEMEX sand mine. Launched new strategic vision based on creating the most important conditions for a thriving Monterey Bay: clean shores, healthy habitats and living waters.2022Junior Sanctuary Stewards
Developed and launched a new field trip based afterschool program for middle school youth where nature is the classroom. Participants engage in environmental education, experiential marine conservation science, and get to experience fun and exciting ocean activities.2024Ban the Butt
With a local coalition we are fighting to end the sale of filtered tobacco products in Santa Cruz County. In October 2024, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors approved an ordinance to ban the retail sale of filtered tobacco products in unincorporated Santa Cruz County. The ordinance, commonly known as “Ban the Butt” will make Santa Cruz the only county in the nation banning the sale of filtered cigarettes. Focus is now on the city jurisdictions within the county to follow suit.OngoingAdvocacy, Outreach, and Education
Continuing advocacy to address plastic pollution on our shores and in our waters. Engaging the public in marine conservation, community science, and community action. Bringing our education programs to K-12 youth in the Monterey Bay area to inspire the next generation of ocean stewards.