When professionals like Mick Fanning speak up, people take notice.

But in this case he didn’t really have to — thousands of people have filled beaches and oceans across the country in recent weeks of their own accord, fighting a plan that affects not only an Australian icon but our whole coastline.

They’re protesting Norwegian energy company Equinor’s plans to drill for oil in a protected marine park within the Great Australian Bight.

Paddle-out protests have been happening at beaches across the country, from Torquay in Victoria to Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast and Newcastle in New South Wales.

Another is planned for St Kilda this Sunday, and more are planned for Adelaide, Perth, Hobart, and Sydney in coming weeks.