Surfers witness dramatic increase in marine pollution

Concern about marine pollution and conservation is growing amongst UK surfers, a recent online aimed at the surfing public has shown. The survey aimed to find out if those who enjoy surfing as a leisure pursuit are concerned about the marine environment and conservation issues. It was commissioned in January 2013 by Sea-Changers in collaboration with Surfers Against Sewage, and was completed by 300 surfers. The key headlines from the survey were:

• Over three quarters of surfers (77%) describe themselves as ‘very concerned’ about marine conservation issues.
• 94% of surfers believe that pollution from sewage outlets to be a serious problem.
• 98% of surfers believe that marine litter is a serious problem.
• 92% of surfers believe that inappropriate coastal development is a serious problem.
• There is evidence of growing concern about the marine environment over the last 5 years, and high proportions of surfers say that they are seeing more sewage and pollution (60%) and litter (73%) when they surf.
• Surfers say that they are keen to minimise their own environmental impact and 95% say they would actively choose businesses that are working to protect the marine environment.
• Over half (54%) of surfers that took part in the survey agreed that they would even be “prepared to pay a small donation (e.g. £1, $1, €1) each time they go surfing, to protect the marine environment.”

Survey respondents displayed considerable knowledge about the issues facing the oceans, suggesting that surfers are passionate advocates for the environment they enjoy. One surfer summed up the concerns thus: “There will be nothing left of it, just dead water, if we do not stop abusing it. Support for Surfers Against Sewage also highlights growing environmental awareness amongst UK surfers. The organisation has seen a huge increase in engagement with its community beach cleans, Sewage Alert Service and the wide range of environmental initiatives it delivers specifically for the surfing community. Sea-Changers believes that the results of this survey represents a growing desire among UK surfers and other sea-users to see much more being done to protect the marine environment enjoyed by so many. Each community has different perspectives on marine conservation and if we are to successfully harness the enthusiasm of those who enjoy the sea we need to be well informed. That is why surveys like this are helpful. One of the most striking findings from the survey was the almost unanimous response from respondents saying they would be more supportive of marine businesses that show a responsible attitude. This is a key message we need to get across when we speak to surf-related retailers and service providers.