Protecting the Iconic South Beach Wave

In 2020, the Miami surf community raised concerns to Surfrider Miami Chapter leadership and Surfrider H.Q. about the potential impact to the iconic South of Fifth wave by the development of an underwater public sculpture park and artificial reef called The Reefline.  

Chapter leadership and Surfrider staff scientist, Katie Day arranged meetings with the Reefline team to better understand the project, its potential impact to the south of fifth wave and represent the interests of Surfrider members and the surf community in Miami. 

Since 2020 Surfrider has engaged in good faith negotiations with the Reefline development team in order to address concerns regarding any impacts to the area's renown surf. Discussions led to a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), outlining potential terms for the project moving forward.  However, before the parties could come to an agreement and execute a final MOU, Miami-Dade County Department of Environmental Resources Management issued a permit for the project, which may be viewed here. Since an agreement has not yet been reached, the Chapter filed an appeal to the permit, which may be viewed here.  

The chapter still hopes to resolve and develop a mutually agreeable MOU and reach an agreeable solution that benefits all stakeholders.  However, should the parties fail to reach an agreement, Surfrider will continue to pursue its appeal.  An appeal hearing may be scheduled as soon as October 14, 2021. At the hearing, Surfrider will address the project and its potential impacts to the surf break.

On 10/21/21, Surfrider reached an agreement with Miami’s Reefline Project to avoid impacts to South Beach surf.

Read more here.

_{Photo by Lou Lozada}