Your Ocean Activist newsletter #7

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As night follows day, with the September storms came a storm of sewage across our shores. Our Safer Seas and Rivers Service app has been on red alert, shining a light on the sewage scandal and shaming those responsible.

In this pivotal decade for the ocean, government and industry must step up and put an end to this ecological vandalism. And our campaigns won't rest until they do.

We did it... our petition to save our rivers was signed by more than 53,000 Ocean Activists! Soon, we'll be handing the petition over to the Department for the Environment to stand in defiance against government inaction on sewage pollution, and demand better protections for our waterways.

Thank you for standing with us on this. ✊ There is power and strength in numbers. Let's not forget the U-turn [[link removed]] on the Environment Bill, that our collective voice forced last year.

The last month also saw the launch of our Brand Audit Report, revealing the top 12 biggest polluting companies in the UK. If you missed it, take a look at the results [[link removed]] and call out the Dirty Dozen offenders.

Coming up soon? Look out for the launch our new River Bathing support project. We'll be sharing a community toolkit at the end of the month to support you and your community in applying for bathing water designation.

Our response to the Sewage Overflow Action Plan is simple. When will the Government cut the crap?

Back in May this year, we got a glimpse of the government's action plan to tackle the surge of sewage pollution swamping rivers and the ocean. A massive 22,000 of us responded to the consultation demanding faster and bolder action to end sewage pollution. And just before the August bank holiday, the government released its long-awaited and finalised plan.

Unfortunately, the plan continues to act too little, and seek improvements too late. Before it was finalised, it was illegal for water companies to discharge sewage outside of heavy rainfall. But the targets and the details of the plan now essentially permit water companies to keep pumping poo into rivers and coastlines until 2050. We're furious and are planning our next moves to #EndSewagePollution.

If you want to know more about what the plan means for our waterways, read our breakdown here [[link removed]].

Louise, Policy Officer

Have you got sick from swimming in UK waters?

It doesn't matter when, we just want to know what, and where. Complete one of our health reports [[link removed]] so we can build up evidence against the water companies polluting our precious blue spaces.

You can also submit a health report on our Safer Seas and Rivers Service app [[link removed]].

What more can you to do help the fight for clean water? Alongside supporting our ocean-saving work directly [[link removed]], you can email your MP [[link removed]] and ask them to pipe up against sewage pollution. ✊

A thank you, goodbye and good luck to Hugo Tagholm, our Chief Executive

After 14 years leading Surfers Against Sewage, our Chief Executive, Hugo, is leaving for a new challenge. Hugo has been an inspiration for so many people during his time at SAS and leaves behind an amazing legacy, with our work continuing to go from strength to strength and SAS now firmly established as one of the UK’s leading marine conservation charities. Hugo had this to say:

‘After 14 incredible years leading Surfers Against Sewage, I'm stoked to announce that I'm taking up a new role this autumn as Executive Director of Oceana in the UK. I'm so proud of my time at Surfers Against Sewage and all that we’ve achieved together. The transformation, campaign impact and growth that I've overseen at the charity leaves SAS in an incredible position to continue fighting for the protection of our blue spaces. I’d like to thank our inspirational community of campaigners and volunteers for all they have done and all they continue to do to protect our planet.

I’ve been involved with SAS in one way or another since 1991 – what a privilege to be part of both the roots and dramatic evolution of the organisation.’

Thanks for everything, Hugo, and we'll see you in the water.

A few more things you might like...

✊We've created an immersive 360 Digital Experience that will help young people feel connected to the coast, understand critical issues, and know how to take action - no matter where they are. Take a look [[link removed]].

❄️A dip a day in October? Join our challenge [[link removed]]! Boost your wellbeing. Raise vital funds for the ocean.

🌊Would you think about leaving us a gift in your will? You can w [[link removed]] rite a will for free [[link removed]].

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Surfers Against Sewage

Wheal Kitty Workshops, St Agnes, Cornwall, TR5 0RD

Tel: 01872 553 001

Surfers Against Sewage is a national marine conservation and campaigning charity that inspires, unites and empowers communities to take action to protect oceans, beaches, waves and wildlife.

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