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 40 years of conserving the Monterey Bay, and we’re looking forward to another four decades of continual work to save our shores.Â
1978
Formed as a grassroots movement to prevent offshore oil drilling
1980
Incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
1981
Organized the first Coastal Cleanup Day along the North Coast of Santa Cruz
1985
Advocated for the passage of 26 local ordinances to effectively prevent offshore oil drilling
1988
Co-founded and chaired the Conservation Working Group to advocate for the best ecological boundary for the Marine Sanctuary
1992
Celebrated the establishment of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
1999
Collaborated with the California Coastal Commission who took Save Our Shores’ Dockwalker program statewide
2002
Hosted the first Central California Fishermen’s Forum on marine protected areas
2006
Became the official Annual Coastal Cleanup Day coordinator for California’s Central Coast
2010
Created the Central Coast Sanctuary Alliance to regulate single-use bags and polystyrene containers
2015
Launched campaign to oppose sand mining on the Sanctuary’s shores
2017
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
2018
Ongoing opposition to the current Administration’s threats to the Sanctuary
Continuing advocacy to address plastic pollution on our shores and in our waters
Revamping our education program and writing K-12 curriculum that aligns with California Science Standards
Launching customized beach management plan development stakeholder process for our 10 hotspot beaches