About Us

Coastal Commons is a growing network of boaters, marinas, boatyards, boating clubs and water-enthusiasts and programs dedicated to the protection of public waterfront access and clean, safe waterways. 

Recreational boating provides a wide range of opportunities to enjoy our shared waters for participation of all ages, backgrounds and physical abilities. Marinas, boatyards, and boat clubs play a crucial role in public access to coastal resources, making it important to preserve them. Publicly accessible marinas and boatyards are being displaced by private land uses. This trend restricts opportunities for recreational use of the state’s coastal resources.

All of us share in the ownership of our littoral zone and waterways. It is a public commons. Everyone has the right to walk on the beach, fish from the shore and navigate the waters. Under the Public Trust Doctrine, the state has an obligation to protect the public’s interest in water access.

To enjoy water recreation, it is crucial to always be respectful of people, land, wildlife, water and other boats. Protection and enhancement of shoreline areas and public access, particularly for recreational use, improves quality of life and ensures critical environmental habitats, and enhances local economic development efforts.

Strategies to promote or preserve working waterfronts and public access to the water need to involve economic assistance to marina properties. Many believe that city and state policies make it difficult to get regulatory approval for marinas. Similarly, some environmental regulations discourage improvement and expansion forcing marina owners to sell the land to developers.

As a boater, you are a valued stakeholder with a vested interest in protecting the maritime use and coastal resources. We are also voters and together we need to mobilize to protect access.

If you agree with the Coastal Commons philosophy, join us, it’s free. Your $25 will help us keep you up-to-date with changes in city and state water policy and regulations. Your $50 will protect access to our shared waters.

Coastal Commons is curated Going Coastal, Inc. a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to connecting people to coastal resources.

We welcome social media savvy interns and volunteers with a keen interest in coastal and marine work.