Retrace!
Building on more than 30 years of civic engagement against water pollution,
the Retrace! project is now taking over from Initiatives Océanes.
This evolution aims to breathe new life and momentum into Surfrider’s historic program, while preserving the very essence of the project:
tracing the origin of waste to identify its source and combat aquatic pollution at its source throughout Europe.
Presentation
Retrace! encourages all motivated citizens to organize or join cleanup efforts along the coastline or near waterways.
The waste is then analyzed and quantified by the volunteers before being entered into our database, thereby transforming it into strategic information that helps us understand pollution patterns and pinpoint their sources.
This database provides valuable support for our advocacy efforts with policymakers and economic actors, enabling us to demand concrete action to protect our oceans from the threats posed by marine debris, particularly plastic pollution.
Thanks to Retrace!, every participant becomes a field investigator, helping to improve our understanding of pollution and actively contributing to changes in the law.
Key figures
for 2025
Behind every number, there are faces, arms, and... gloved hands ready to pick up every piece of trash.
So first and foremost, a huge thank you to everyone who made this possible!
organized cleanups
participants*
quantified waste*
Data that changes laws
The data collected through the Retrace! program is much more than just numbers: it provides robust scientific evidence to urge policymakers and industry leaders to take action at the highest levels. This reliable data enables our advocacy team to build strong cases and pressure public authorities and private entities to take decisive measures to protect the ocean.
The data collected by Surfrider through the Retrace! project has already contributed to significant legislative advances:
The Single-Use Plastics (SUP) Directive: this European regulation aims to reduce the impact of disposable plastic products on the environment by banning certain products designed to be quickly discarded after use (plastic cutlery, straws, cotton buds, etc.) and limiting the use of others.
The Plastic Bags Directive: this text was adopted with the aim of limiting the use of single-use plastic bags in order to reduce their presence in the environment, particularly in the ocean.
By participating in Retrace! cleanup campaigns, you are directly helping to support these advocacy efforts that are shaping European regulations.
Surfrider
Founded in 1990 by surfers passionate about the ocean, Surfrider Foundation Europe embodies an international community of positive activists determined to pass on a preserved ocean to future generations.
With more than three decades of commitment, Surfrider has established itself as a key player in the protection of aquatic environments.
Its recognized expertise focuses on three areas: combating waste pollution(especially plastics), preserving the quality of aquatic ecosystems, and managing coastal risks in the face of climate change.
To effectively protect the ocean, coastlines, lakes, and rivers from environmental threats, the association deploys various levers for action that complement its scientific expertise: participatory science, lobbying, art, and education.
At the heart of Surfrider's DNA lies a conviction: every individual can become an agent of change. This philosophy translates into citizen mobilization that combines grassroots action and advocacy with public decision-makers to advance environmental policies, while collaborating with businesses to promote sustainable practices.
Convinced that preserving the ocean is inextricably linked to the well-being of communities, Surfrider works toward a sustainable model where humans and nature coexist in mutual respect.
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Our financial partners
Our partners amplify our impact and spread our message. Whether through financial, operational, or communications support, each collaboration is invaluable in multiplying our impact.
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
IDKIDS
RTE