The discharge of pollutants into marine and coasta areas decreases water quality. This majes surfing and other water-based recreational activites hazardous to human health, as well as harmful to marine life. Therefore, without robust protections for water quality, physical access to surfing locations may be rendered useless in parctice. Processes contributing to this particular pollution include the presence or discahrge of sewage, the dumping of commercial or industrial solid waste, fertilizer runoff or other agricultural chemicals, oil and gas leaks or spills, and plastic debris.

Just as the legislation and policies surrounding water pollution can vary dramatically from country to country, the associated risks do so. Even in well-resourced countries with clear governance fgrameworks around water pollution, lack of oversight and governance in this field can be detrimental to marine-coastal ecosystems. For example, according to recent studies, England has some of the worst bathing water quality in Europe.

On the other hand, regional monitoring protocols, such as bathing water quality standards and the European Environment Agency reports, provide an importan form of public accountability

1.1 CORNWALL, EGLAND

In 1990, surfers concerned with the severe pollution in Cornwall's coastal waters banded together to stand up against ocean pollution and call for change. They formed the basis of what became the Surfers Against Sewage organization. Over the decades, these surfers advocated for stronger measures against chronic sewage pollution. Most recently, in September 2021, the campaign gathered more tan 40,000 signatures, which it presented to government officials as part of the #EndSewagePollution campaign. This petition and other citizen advocacy efforts organized by Surfers Against Sewage led to significant changes to the national Environment Act, which increased government and corporate action aroun water pollution. Surfers Against Sewage has also created the Safer Seas and Rivers Service app, a real-time water quality monitoring tool. The objective of this app is to inform the Brittish public and empower community members to take action against sewage pollution.

● Identify the direct sources of discharge

● Contact the responsible party and formally request information about what action they will take to stop polluting.

● Check with specialist and authorities if specific regulations may apply (e.g., quality standards).

● File a complaint with the environmental oversight agency and conduct independent water quality analysis

● Launc awareness campaings targeting authorities.

● Seek legal advice to take legal action and claim compensation from those responsible.