Issue 111 - August 2024
Ericeira’s Surfing Renaissance: A Model for Eco-Conscious Surf Culture
By Christina Wurschy Davies
Surfers have a unique connection to the ocean, which not only provides a generous home for their sport but as a vital part of their lives. This intimate relationship with the sea places surfers in a pivotal position to advocate for its protection. I had the pleasure of sitting down with passionate surfer and coach Pedro Luis, co-owner of RAW Koncept Surfing in Ericeira, Portugal, to talk to him about the healing power of the sea, and how surfers can harness our connection to the ocean to foster environmental stewardship.

From Passion to Profession: A Surfer’s Journey
Pedro began surfing at a young age in Caparica, near Lisbon. By the time he was old enough, he was not only surfing but also coaching his younger brother, David Luis, instilling in him the dream of becoming a professional surfer. As the passion of the brothers for surfers strengthened, their parents moved the family to Ericeira, Portugal, known for its exceptional waves.
Despite facing setbacks, such as a surgery at 14 years of age that kept Pedro out of the water for two years, his love for surfing never waned. Instead, it fueled his desire to see his brother succeed. By the early 1990s, David Luis emerged as one of Portugal’s core group of a new generation of champion surfers together with the likes of André Pedroso, David Raimundo, Nuno Telmo, Pecas, Rúben González, Xaninho, João Macedo, and Tiago Pires.
In 2011, Ericeira was declared a World Surfing Reserve, the only one in Europe, joining other well-known surfing icons such as Malibu and Santa Cruz in California, Huanchaco in Peru, and the Gold Coast in Australia.
Bringing Surfing Back to Its Roots
Slowly over time, Pedro noticed a change in Ericeira’s surfing ethos, feeling that modern surfing in the area had become too commercialized, losing touch with the original essence of the sport. He points out how, in Hawaii, surfing was the sport of kings, and ancient Hawaiian culture held surfing, or “he’e nalu” in Hawaiian, in high regard. It was a central part of their society and deeply embedded in their cultural practices as well as their relationship with the ocean.
“I wanted to go back to the roots of surfing and its culture. It’s about having fun and connecting with nature, not just about standing up on a board.” Pedro’s new surf school, aptly named “RAW Koncept Surfing,” emphasizes human relationships and the authentic experience of surfing rather than the profit-driven approach seen in many contemporary surf schools. Pedro endeavours to teach not just the technique but also the history and culture of surfing, allowing each person to find their own unique style and connection with the ocean.

Surfing as Therapy and Connection
For Pedro, surfing is a form of therapy and a means to connect deeply with the ocean. “When I’m in the ocean, my brain stops. I can really meditate. It’s my favorite place because of the peace and connection it brings,” he explains. This therapeutic aspect of surfing, the joy and tranquillity it offers, is something he aims to share with others through his coaching. Over the years in Pedro’s coaching experience, time and time again he has witnessed the joyous transformations of countless students, from all over the world, just from being in the ocean for only one day. For Pedro, surfing is more than just a sport; it’s having the honour to spend time in his “home,” the ocean, and a way to build community and bring joy to people.

Environmental Stewardship: Giving Back to the Ocean
An essential part of Pedro’s teaching philosophy is environmental awareness. He believes surfers have a duty to protect the ocean, which gives so much to all of us. “We take everything from the ocean. We have to give back,” he asserts. He incorporates this into his lessons, encouraging students to pick up at least one piece of plastic from the beach every time they leave the water. He believes this simple act can instill a sense of responsibility and awareness in his students, fostering a new generation of surfers who are not only skilled but also environmentally conscious. “It’s about creating a community aware of the problems we face in ocean conservation.” By leading by example, surfers can show others how to respect and protect the ocean.
Surfers worldwide have a significant role to play in ocean conservation. Through personal connections and environmental stewardship, they can inspire others to care for and protect our oceans. Pedro’s journey from a passionate young surfer to a dedicated coach and ocean advocate highlights the profound impact surfers can have. By fostering a deep connection with the ocean and emphasizing the importance of giving back, surfers can help ensure that future generations will always enjoy the waves and the beauty of the sea.
If you would like to book a surfing experience with Pedro the next time you are in Ericeira, contact RAW Koncept Surfing to book an appointment.

[xyz-ihs snippet=”Prepared-by-PK”]
Feature Destination
SEVENSEAS Travel Magazine – August 2024 – Issue 111

New Round of MSC Funding Supports Research to Help Fisheries Safeguard Stocks & Minimize Impact on Wildlife
The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) today announced 32 new grants through its Ocean Stewardship Fund (OSF) supporting projects from India, Indonesia, Mexico, New Zealand, Nicaragua and Peru. Read more…
Gondwana Ecotours Announces ‘Solar Maximum’ Alaska Northern Lights Adventure

Gondwana Ecotours is excited to announce an eight-day “Alaska Northern Lights Adventure.” Guests will get a dose of local culture by day and photograph the Aurora Borealis under the massive Alaskan sky by night. See more…
Malaysia Leads the Charge on Trending Durian Tourism with Newly Announced Travel Experiences
Tourism Malaysia has unveiled various tourism packages that spotlight the destination’s famous fruit: the durian, also known as the “King of Fruits.” The new publication, “Durian Tourism Packages 2024/2025. Read more…
Forget the Beach: These Cities Are Too Hot to Handle

The planet is heating up at an alarming rate, and the consequences are becoming increasingly apparent. Once-popular tourist destinations are now grappling with extreme heat conditions that are pushing the limits of human endurance. Dubai, a city synonymous with luxury and excess, has transformed into a heat-baked metropolis. Read more…
The Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) Call for Coral Reef Data
The GCRMN was established by the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) in 1995 to monitor the condition of the world’s coral reefs. The GCRMN has published an extensive range of global, regional, and thematic reports on coral reef status and trends. See more…
Sustainable Adventures: A Manifesto for The Modern Traveller
Let’s face it, the oceans are in a state! Coral beachings are becoming very common. We are losing species right, left, and center. Just when we discover something brand new and interesting; oil companies announce plans to start bottom trawling. Read more…
Feature Destination: Looking for A Different Experience Around Komodo National Park? Visit These 7 Epic Gems in Flores

Located within the Lesser Sunda Islands, the Komodo National Park, Indonesia, is the jewel in the crown of Labuan Bajo, Flores. Fly into the Komodo Airport which offers direct flights connecting various Indonesian cities, including Jakarta and Denpasar, to Labuan Bajo. Read more….
Uncover Maumere’s Hidden Gems: Diving, Hiking, & Heritage
Capital of Sikka Regency on the northeastern coast of Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara Province, the city of Maumere is the perfect staging place to embark on your unforgettable adventure to explore the exciting beauty of Flores. Read more…
Flores Island’s Cultural Treasure: The Penti Rituals of Wae Rebo
Flores Island, an Indonesian treasure, boasts the sacred Penti rituals in Wae Rebo village, a vibrant testament to the island’s rich heritage and intrinsic connection to nature. Every November, the Manggarai people converge to celebrate Penti. Read more…
Try These Ways to Savor the Great Outdoors in Flores
“Sekali mendayung, dua tiga pulau terlampaui (Passing two, three islands in one row)“. This Indonesian idiom is the equivalent of “killing two birds with one stone”. It perfectly sums up what you can do in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara. The island’s name is derived from the Portuguese for “flowers”. Read more…
Reef-World Launches New Toolkit in Response to The Current Global Coral Bleaching Event
The Reef-World Foundation – the international coordinator of the UN Environment Programme’s Green Fins initiative – has launched a new coral bleaching toolkit in response to the 4th global coral bleaching event confirmed by NOAA and the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) in April 2024. Read more…
Ericeira’s Surfing Renaissance: A Model for Eco-Conscious Surf Culture
Surfers have a unique connection to the ocean, which not only provides a generous home for their sport but as a vital part of their lives. This intimate relationship with the sea places surfers in a pivotal position to advocate for its protection. I had the pleasure of sitting down with a passionate surfer and coach Pedro Luis. Read more….
Five Projects Receive Funding to Advance the Circular Bioeconomy with Biomass Feedstocks

Five teams of researchers from across the country will receive up to $47.3 million to develop the science to transform natural materials into energy, animal feed and other essential products. The teams will become part of the Virtual Institute on Feedstocks of the Future (VIFF). Read more…
Rescue Effort Saves Entangled 400-lb Leatherback Sea Turtle
A leatherback sea turtle, the largest sea turtle species in the world, was disentangled late last week and is swimming freely after three local organizations worked together to assist the animal in Cape Cod Bay. On Thursday, July 18, New England Aquarium Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life scientists and members of the Aquarium’s Animal Health team and Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation team responded to help the turtle, entangled in fishing gear, along with trained responders from the Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) and the Barnstable Harbormaster. Read more…
The FREE Weekly Conservation Post and Jobs List
Signing up for the free Weekly Newsletter & Jobs List will get you a round-up of upcoming events, webinars, meetings, reports, funding opportunities, photos of the week, and recent postings to the jobs list.
To sign up for our free subscription, please Click Here, or email us Here.
Since 2004, SEVENSEAS Media has fostered an informal and non-partisan platform to promote understanding of key issues and challenges while building partnerships across an increasingly diverse group of marine conservation professionals and students.
Our mission is to promote communication and build partnerships across the global marine community and to identify and address gaps in the community’s work. SEVENSEAS Media achieves this through multimedia promotion and partnerships. The community consists of a diverse and growing group of participants, including non-governmental organizations, government agencies, foundations, bilateral and multilateral agencies, fellowship programs, independent consultants, and academia/students.
If you are interested in contributing or getting involved, email us Here.
=[xyz-ihs snippet=”Prepared-by-PK”]
Issue 111 - August 2024
The Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) Call for Coral Reef Data
The Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) has launched a call for coral reef monitoring data for the preparation of the next global report; the Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 2025.

The GCRMN was established by the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) in 1995 to monitor the condition of the world’s coral reefs. The GCRMN has published an extensive range of global, regional, and thematic reports on coral reef status and trends. The GCRMN collates and presents coral reef data, aggregating from national to regional levels, and then to a global level.
The flagship products of the GCRMN are the “Status of Coral Reefs of the World” reports, supplemented by topical reports developed upon request of the global community and ICRI, and regional reports highlighting the status and trends of coral reefs across the network’s 10 regions. Since 1995, six “Status of Coral Reefs of the World” global reports have been published by the network at large. The sixth edition of the GCRMN “Status of Coral Reefs of the World” report released in 2021, was the first since 2008, and the first based on the quantitative analysis of a global dataset compiled from raw monitoring data contributed by more than 300 members of the network.
Given the urgency to conserve coral reefs and the commitments made by countries to 2030, the GCRMN is calling for coral reef monitoring data contributions for the development of its seventh “Status of Coral Reefs of the World” global report which will be released in 2026.
The report will describe the temporal trends of hard coral and algal cover (ideally at the resolution of macroalgae, turf algae, and coralline algae) at the global level, providing an update on the “Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 2020” report.
GCRMN reports are focused on widely collected indicators that represent the status of coral reefs. For the “Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 2025” global report, monitoring data on the percentage cover of benthic organisms is being requested
Data can be contributed if associated with a data paper or data repository, stored on MERMAID or ReefCloud, or if your data are stored in Excel or CSV formats. Please note, that your data will not be made publicly available or shared without your prior permission.
A Data Sharing Agreement and Guide for Data Contributors have been developed to support the data contribution process. These can be downloaded from www.gcrmn.net/2025-report and are available in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese.
The GCRMN welcomes all coral reef monitoring data and encourages your collaboration. If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Data Collation team, the GCRMN Coordinator, or the ICRI Secretariat, or via the GCRMN Contact Page.
[xyz-ihs snippet=”Prepared-by-PK”]
Feature Destination
Feature Destination: Looking for A Different Experience Around Komodo National Park? Visit These 7 Epic Gems in Flores
Located within the Lesser Sunda Islands, the Komodo National Park, Indonesia, is the jewel in the crown of Labuan Bajo, Flores. Fly into the Komodo Airport which offers direct flights connecting various Indonesian cities, including Jakarta and Denpasar, to Labuan Bajo. Or opt for an adventurous boat ride from Bali or Lombok to reach Labuan Bajo. Labuan Bajo is the gateway to the fascinating Komodo National Park, but beyond this magical place, there are 7 more hidden gems that you can’t afford to miss.
Wae Rebo
A challenging but scenic hike through a dense forest takes you to Wae Rebo, a remote ancient village of the Manggarai tribe. Nestled among lush rolling hills and perched 1,200 meters above sea level, this quaint village features traditional 5-tiered, cone-shaped thatched huts.

Attend the warm welcoming ceremony in the largest hut, amble around the village, and watch the locals harvesting coffee beans. Enjoy the night sky, dine with the locals, and sleep in one of the huts. Wake up early to watch the breathtaking sunrise in dramatic settings.
Rangko Cave
Take a relaxing dip in the salty turquoise pool of Rangko Cave, one of Flores’ best-kept secrets.

At noon, watch the sunlight put on a show as it enters the cave’s mouth, illuminating the majestic stalagmites and stalactites surrounding the magical pool.
Cunca Rami Waterfall
Love getting up close to nature? Trek the trail to the pristine Cunca Rami Waterfall that winds through the beautiful Mbeliling forest offering scenic sights of small villages and agricultural lands.

Be awed by the streams of water dancing down the verdant rocks. Jump into the cool, clear pool for a refreshing swim or have a little picnic amidst the soothing scenery.
Kelimutu Crater
Located in the Kelimutu National Park, Mount Kelimutu is famous for the tri-coloured lakes sitting inside its crater.

Separated by thin ridges of rock, the Kelimutu lakes keep changing their colours, a unique phenomenon that attracts numerous visitors. Trek to the top of Mount Kelimutu to catch the surreal view of the sun rising over the vividly coloured lakes.
Batu Bolong
Witness the rare whitetip reef shark and large turtles at Batu Bolong, a world-class dive site in Komodo that has excellent visibility and excellent coral.

Capture amazing Instagrammable moments as you swim under the water surrounded by colourful corals and a huge volume of exotic fish, including trevallies, tunas, wrasses, rays, and clownfish. Be wary of the strong current that’s suitable for experienced divers.
Cancar Spider Web Field
Discover the spider web rice fields, known locally as the lingko fields, at Cancar village. Rice is cultivated on segments of communal land divided by a unique Manggaraian sharing system which makes the field resemble a spider’s web.

Climb up one of the surrounding hills to enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of the delightfully shaped wet rice fields.
Blue Stone Beach

Feast your eyes on the unusual turquoise, bluish stones lying on the black volcanic sand of Blue Stone Beach, Flores. Experience the tranquillity of the electric blue seawater, take some great photos, and enjoy some fresh seafood.
With East Nusa Tenggara topping the list of the Best Value Destinations in the World for the year 2020, you’ll be compelled to go beyond Labuan Bajo and Komodo Island in the pursuit of new experiences. So explore these 7 stunning spectacles around Flores and quench your wanderlust.
For more information click here.
[xyz-ihs snippet=”Prepared-by-PK”]
-
News2 days ago
Wheaton Women in Ocean Science Award Now Accepting Applications for 2025
-
Voices2 weeks ago
Mass Death of Magellanic Penguins Observed at Reserva Provincial Cabo Vírgenes
-
Book Suggestion2 weeks ago
Wet and Salty. A Lifelong Journey Seeking Coral Conservation and Resilience.
-
News2 weeks ago
New Coral Gardens and Hydrothermal Vents Found in the Icy Depths of the Remote South Sandwich Islands
-
Art & Culture1 week ago
Announcing the Winners of the 2025 Science Without Borders® Challenge
-
Feature Destination3 weeks ago
Feature Destination: The Most Awe-Inspiring National Parks in Latin America
-
Aquacultures & Fisheries3 weeks ago
Breathe. Wheel. Flukes Up. Dive. Swim On, Whales!
-
Ocean Literacy1 month ago
Microplastics: From rubbish bins to your next meal