Formed as a grassroots movement to prevent offshore oil drilling. Dan Haifley, Save Our Shores

Incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit

Organized the first Coastal Cleanup Day along the North Coast of Santa Cruz.

Advocated for the passage of 26 local ordinances to effectively prevent offshore oil drilling.

Co-founded and chaired the Conservation Working Group to advocate for the best ecological boundary for the Marine Sanctuary.

Celebrated the establishment of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

Launched the Dockwalker program to engage boaters in clean and green boating practices.

Established the Sanctuary Stewards volunteer program.

Collaborated with the California Coastal Commission who took Save Our Shores’ Dockwalker program statewide.

Hosted the first Central California Fishermen’s Forum on marine protected areas.

Became the official Annual Coastal Cleanup Day coordinator for California’s Central Coast.

Started the Adopt-A-Beach program

Formed a coalition of Monterey Bay organizations to ban single-use plastic bags.

Launched campaign to oppose sand mining on the Sanctuary’s shores.

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.

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.

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.

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.