Retrace! is an initiative by Surfrider Foundation Europe aimed at mobilizing citizens to combat aquatic pollution through dedicated waste collection drives. Over nearly 30 years, this historic project has evolved from the Initiatives Océanes into Retrace!, maintaining its core mission of tracking waste back to its sources. Participants can organize or join cleanup events along beaches and waterways, transforming simple cleanups into significant contributions to a collective investigation.

Each collected item is systematically recorded, feeding into a strategic database that helps identify pollution sources and holds responsible parties accountable. This data enhances advocacy efforts with policymakers and industries, promoting stricter environmental regulations. Retrace! also emphasizes participatory science, enabling citizens to analyze the types and quantities of waste collected, thereby contributing to understanding coastal and river pollution across Europe. By engaging in Retrace!, every individual plays a pivotal role in protecting the ocean and influencing environmental legislation, ultimately fostering a united front against aquatic pollution.