Touring the Shore: A look at local advocates who helped guide Clean Ocean Action from Cape May to Montauk

As the official end to summer approaches, and vacationing beach-goers return to where they came from, it is fitting to thank and recognize those who will stay there after this weekend: "the locals" who helped to guide Margo, Sean, and all of the Clean Ocean Action crew from the lighthouse in Cape May to the Lighthouse in Montauk.  When we envisioned this Tour months ago, we set out to activate networks of individuals who knew the local lay of the land, the safest way to travel, and the most effective way to reach hundreds of people with our message of the need to protect the Ocean from harmful industry.

From the local organizers, to the folks who offered a place to stay, to the individuals who joined Margo and Sean in their journey, it was the people we encountered that made this event truly special.

So, rather than just giving their names and saying some nice words, we would like you to see them and meet them as we did on the road and hope that you are as inspired as we are by their dedication and commitment to protecting their environment and taking a stand.

Enjoy!

The Martin Family put us up for two nights in Cape May!  Jeff is a Clean Ocean Action Board  member, and also runs  Aqua Trails Nature Kayak Tours!

Thanks to Zippy's Bike Shop in Wildwood for a quick fix!

Travis Marshall, owner of the Marina at Avalon Anchorage, and his son  sign the Clean Ocean Zone map.  Thanks to the Marshall Family for great food, great views and great hospitality!

Karen and Bill Barlow cycled with Sean on Day 2 from Avalon to Atlantic City!

Tom Forkin of Surfers Environmental Alliance and owner of  Inlet Surf Shop in Gardiner's Basin, Atlantic City helped to plan the events at Scales Grill & Deck Bar.  He also ran out in a thunderstorm to help Margo in safely!

Bros for a Clean Ocean!

South Jersey Surfrider member Krissy Halkes opened her home for Clean Ocean staff to stay.  Thanks Krissy!

LBI Foundation Executive Director, Chris Seiz and the Wnek family made it to Barnegat Light with Sean!  Thanks COA Board member and MATES supervisor, John, Pat, and Chloe!

Clean Ocean Zone supporter and ReClam the Bay President, Rick Bushnell signs the map in Holgate!

FOUR generations of Ocean Lovers!!

Chris Huch of Alliance for a Living Ocean helped to plan all of the  events on LBI for the Tour.  Thanks Chris!

COA law intern Jon Panico speaks with Willie DeCamp of Save Barnegat Bay  ahead of the press conference in Seaside

Commercial fisherman and COA Board Member, Jim Lovgren hosted a rally for the Tour at Fisherman's Dock Coop, and even had a cookout.  Thanks for all of you support and efforts Jimmy!

Cyclists for Day 4!

Surfers from Summertime Surf School, and Ed Lippincott of the Shark River Cleanup Coalition

Thanks to restaurant owner, Marilyn Schlossbach, SEA member Kevin O'Driscoll, Belmar Councilwoman  Nicolay,  and Congressman Frank Pallone for their support of the Clean Ocean Zone!

The Bagwells!  Thanks to Lisa for bringing her amazing art to yet another COA event!

President of COA's Board, Tom Fagan, and some of the most dedicated of COA's volunteerss, the Bennekampers.  We couldn't have done it without you!

Thank you to the wonderful ladies of WATERSPIRIT.  The drum circle you organized was truly inspiring!

Richie Lee of Surfers Environmental Alliance has been on board with the COZ from the start!  Thanks for all that you continue to do and for your help with the Tour in the midst of planning another successful SEA Paddle!

Margo joined on the water by Paul Carluccio and Kathleen Gasienica!

Sean joined by two guys who helped plan and ride the last leg in New Jersey.  John Knodel of Middletown became a part of the crew for three days, and Jim Walsh of Food & Water Watch helped plan two successful events on the 16th on the Bayshore.  Thanks to you both!

Thank you to Joe Reynolds for your amazing presentation and moderation of our panel discussion in Keansburg!

Two COZ supporters in South Beach on Staten Island!

Thank you to John Malizia our Staten Island ambassador, and a man of many fishing and environmental hats!

Students from Ireland and former Greenpeace-rs learn about the Clean Ocean Zone on the Coney Island Boardwalk!

Dan Mundy Jr. of Jamaica Bay Ecowatchers helped us to find Bayview Restaurant to enjoy the best Mojito on the South Shore (according to Margo) with cyclists from the Rockaways!

Thank you Fisherman's Catch!  Great food and Service in Point Lookout!

Speaking with "Year-Rounder" and new friend to COA, Forrest Clock on Fire Island!

One of the best "breakfaxt's" we had!  Thanks to Jimmy's Diner in Mastic!!

A very special thank you to Kate Fullam at Group for the East End for helping to organize  a number of events in the Hampton Bays area!

Eastern Long Island surfers help their fellow Surfrider with her boat as Margo makes landfall in Montauk!

Margo speaks with Montauk natives who were vacationing in Cape May on the 10th when we kicked off!

Without Jay Levine, Margo would have had a lonely reception at Turtle Cove in Montauk.  Thanks Jay and Surfrider Eastern Long Island Chapter for all of your help in spreading the word!

Thank you to April Gornik and the Peconic Baykeeper, Kevin McAllister for your support of the Clean Ocean Zone and planning efforts for the Tour!  It was great seeing you in Montauk!

The Century Riders!!  Special thanks to Andy Sabin, Nancy Wendell and the Sabin Family Foundation for your support!

A very warm and special thanks to Rav Freidel of Concerned Citizens of Montauk for his efforts from start to finish for the Tour for the Shore.  Organizing, networking, and putting up signs don't even come close to describing all that you have done!  Thanks Rav!!

 These photos show only a few of the great people that helped to make this trip such a success.  Many thanks to those above, and many more photos, acknowledgements, and thanks to come!

-Zach