Collects and quantifies marine debris on beaches and along waterways,
to help Surfrider Foundation Europe understand
and address the issue of marine debris at its source.
For nearly 30 years, Initiatives Océanes has been a landmark Surfrider project aimed at mobilizing citizens in the fight against water pollution.
Today, Initiatives Océanes is evolving into Retrace!, a project that retains the same values and the same goal: to track waste back to its source.
Retrace! invites anyone who wants to take concrete action to organize or join beach and riverside cleanup efforts. This initiative goes far beyond a simple cleanup: it turns every participant into a contributor to a large-scale collective survey!
By systematically recording every piece of waste collected, you contribute to a strategic database that allows us to precisely identify sources of pollution and trace them back to those responsible. This information provides strong grounds for our negotiations with policymakers and industry leaders.
With Retrace!, every citizen has the tools to conduct their own field investigations, gaining a better understanding of water pollution and taking collective action to bring about legislative change.
Check out the Retrace! cleanup events happening near you, whether on beaches or along waterways. These events let you make a real difference in protecting the ocean while joining a community of dedicated volunteers.
With Retrace!, Surfrider is harnessing citizen science to empower every citizen to become an agent of change. Our program enables us to analyze the quantity, type, and distribution of litter found on beaches and riverbanks across Europe, thanks to a rigorous European scientific protocol carried out by thousands of participants.
This information gathered in the field informs our actions at all levels—local, national, and European.
They contribute to scientific understanding of water pollution and serve as key arguments in our advocacy efforts with policymakers and industry leaders to address the problem at its source and promote stricter regulations.
Each person’s commitment comes together to form a collective force, enabling Surfrider to speak with a united and effective voice against water pollution. Every participant, in their own way, makes a tangible contribution to preserving the environment and the ocean while helping to shape environmental legislation.
Take on the challenge!
Create an account, organize cleanups, fill out the report forms, and earn badges! A fun and motivating new way to protect the ocean, accessible to everyone.
Join the fundraiser celebrating the release of Retrace! and unlock this exclusive challenge.
Take part in your first collection drive and earn the " First Gloves " badge!
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Count 500 pieces of trash during your collection drives and earn the "Committed Contributor" badge!
Organize your first fundraiser and earn the " Promising Start " badge! The first step toward a meaningful adventure!
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This data is based on surveys conducted since 2014. A huge thank you to everyone who participated!
*Note: These figures are based on data from 5,849 collections that were quantified
organized fundraisers
miles traveled*
quantified waste*
participants*
Learn about trends in aquatic waste pollution through our annual reports.
Each report highlights trends and guides our future actions.
Find a cleanup event near you—beach, river, lake—and join a community of engaged citizens.
A simple way to help the environment, with enriching encounters guaranteed!
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Thanks to our partners, our message is reaching a wider audience and our work is expanding. Whether it’s financial support, operational assistance, or help with communications, every partnership enables us to go further.
French Office for Biodiversity (
)
New region: Aquitaine -
Agency for Ecological Transition and the Digital Economy (
)
The IRD
Ministry of Ecological Transition
WEST
GROWTH
MAIF
RTE
OKAÏDI
Science & Life
French Office for Biodiversity (
)
New region: Aquitaine -
Agency for Ecological Transition and the Digital Economy (
)
IRD
(R&D institute)
Ministry of Ecological Transition
WEST
GROWTH
MAIF
OKAÏDI
RTE
Science & Life
Science & Life
Want to get your employees involved in ocean conservation?
The Retrace! project is aimed at citizens who wish to work together to organize and participate in waste collection efforts across Europe.
If you’d like to engage your employees in this type of initiative, you’ll be redirected to a dedicated page showcasing the services we offer to businesses, including support from qualified facilitators to ensure high-quality team-building sessions.
