Sand dunes are not wastelands:
by the web team December 2003

• Sand dunes are not scrappy wastelands. The grasses hold sand in place as a reservoir for times when storm surges wash the frontal sands away. If there is no reserve sand, the surf and beach patterns can alter drastically.

• Sand dunes are habitats for many creatures and gardens for future palms, shrubs and trees.
  
  

Every summer Surfrider Foundation (Australia) members celebrate "Ocean Care Day" by educating the beach loving public about caring for our coasts.

Summer is traditionally the time when the beaches attract more traffic. As part of the Respect the Beach education program, the Surfrider Foundation wants beach-goers to be aware of problems associated with the use of their beaches.

We provide a "two way street" where the Foundation educates beach-goers to respect the beach and we invite the public to contact us regarding any concerns they have with beaches and estuaries that are not being managed and maintained properly.

We ask the public to be mindful of the great job that many community groups are doing to protect the vegetation of coastal dunes and the general health of our beaches.

Sunseekers are eventually attracted to dune vegetation in search of shade. Many beach users wish to store their belongings in the dunes while surfing and swimming. Crushing plants on dunes can lead to erosion. This results in a much smaller beach and poorer quality surf next year.

The condition and the quality of the beach and surf itself, depends ultimately on the survival of dunes.

We need people to recognise that these are fragile areas and ask support in treating dunal areas as such by keeping clear of all vegetation when visiting a beach.

• Litter on beaches usually increases this time of year and we ask people to take a paper bag with them to deposit all rubbish in receptacles provided.

• Think carefully before mindlessly copying a soft drink TV commercial and riding your surfboard or a 'sandboard' down a dune. How many fragile plants did you crush climbing to the summit? Sandboarding can cause significant erosion and damage. Surfing on water leaves a lesser trail of destruction.
  

• We specifically ask the public to dispose of cigarette butts thoughtfully as part of our Hold On To Your Butt program.
  

• If you walk your dog or any pet anywhere, please take a doggie bag with you to ensure any pet droppings are disposed of responsibly.
  

Most man-made damage done to beaches and coastal waterways occurs during summer and it takes the whole 12 month period for the beaches to finally recover. Be sure to keep that in mind when visiting your favourite beach.