Collect and quantify 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 engaging citizens in the fight against water pollution.
Today, Initiatives Océanes is evolving into Retrace!, a project keeping 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 cataloging each type of waste collected, you contribute to a strategic database that allows us to accurately identify sources of pollution and trace them back to those responsible. This information becomes a powerful tool in 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 enrich scientific knowledge about water pollution and become decisive arguments in our advocacy efforts with policymakers and industry leaders to take direct action at the 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 cleanup celebrating the release of Retrace! and unlock this exclusive challenge.
Take part in your first collection and earn the " First Gloves " badge!
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Count 500 pieces of trash during your collections and earn the "Committed Contributor" badge!
Organize your first cleanup and earn the " Promising Start " badge! The first step toward a meaningful adventure!
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This data is based on cleanups conducted since 2014. A huge thank you to everyone who participated!
*Note: These figures are based on data from 5,849 cleanups that were quantified
19 076
organized cleanups
5 227
miles traveled*
8 865 393
quantified waste*
197 325
participants*
Discover the evolution of aquatic waste pollution through our annual reports.
Each report reveals trends and guides our future actions.
Find an organized cleanup near you—beach, river, lake—and join a community of engaged citizens.
A simple gesture for the environment, with rewarding encounters guaranteed!
TAG LOREM IPSUM
00 months 2025
TAG LOREM IPSUM
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TAG LOREM IPSUM
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Thanks to our partners, our message is gaining momentum and our activities are expanding. Whether through financial support, operational assistance, or communication channels, each partnership enables us to go further.
French Agency for Biodiversity (
)
New region—Aquitaine-Nouvelle-
Agency for Ecological Transition (
)
The IRD
Department of Ecological Transition
OUEST CROISSANCE
MAIF
RTE
OKAÏDI
Science&Life
French Agency for Biodiversity (
)
New region—Aquitaine-Nouvelle-
Agency for Ecological Transition (
)
The IRD (
) R&D institute
Department of Ecological Transition
OUEST CROISSANCE
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.
