Protecting our blue spaces

The health of Cornwall’s coastline matters to everyone who lives, works and visits here. We spoke with Jo Morley, Head of Campaigns at Surfers Against Sewage, about the charity’s mission to protect the UK’s seas and waterways, the growing momentum behind ocean activism, and how guests can get involved during their time in Cornwall.

For Esplanade guests who may not be familiar with Surfers Against Sewage, what’s the mission in a nutshell?

Surfers Against Sewage is a UK-based marine conservation and campaigning charity on a mission to end toxic pollution in our wild waters. Founded in 1990 in response to sewage pollution affecting surfers, our organisation has grown into a powerful grassroots movement. Today, thousands of ocean activists and community groups across the UK are united in challenging government, water companies and big polluters to stop sewage and plastic pollution in our rivers, lakes and seas.

How has public awareness around ocean health changed in recent years?

Public awareness has shifted dramatically. Increased media attention and a handful of landmark documentaries have brought issues like plastic pollution, sewage dumping, overfishing and biodiversity loss firmly into the mainstream. There’s now a much clearer understanding of how these pressures are connected to ocean health as well as the wider climate crisis. This growing awareness has helped build strong public support for policy change, which is crucial to the work we do.

What are the biggest challenges facing our coastline right now, and what gives you hope?

Climate change presents an enormous challenge for our marine environment, but one of the most urgent and avoidable threats is sewage pollution. In 2024 alone, sewage was dumped into UK waters over half a million times, but with underreporting, we estimate the real figure to be nearer 1 million times, that’s roughly once every 30 seconds. The water industry is fundamentally broken. Infrastructure is failing, profits are prioritised over people and planet, and accountability is lacking. However, there is hope. In 2026, proposed government legislation could reform the system entirely. We’re pushing for bold action, and the fact we’ve reached this moment is down to people power. Surfers Against Sewage is driven by communities who have had enough and refuse to accept polluted waters as the norm. We believe everyone deserves access to clean, healthy blue spaces, whether to swim, surf, paddle, or simply pause and take in the view.

How can families and holidaymakers get involved during a short stay in Cornwall?

There are plenty of ways to get involved, even during a brief visit:

Join a beach clean as part of our Million Mile Clean programme and take practical action that’s rewarding and fun.
Use the free Safer Seas & Rivers Service app to check water quality and swim safely while you’re on holiday, or home at your local beach, lake or river. We issue water quality alerts to help keep water users safe.
Become an SAS Member to help fuel long-term campaigning to end pollution of our blue spaces.
Stay connected by following us on social media and signing up to our newsletter and be the first to hear about campaign updates.

What’s a recent win that’s made you particularly proud?

I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved as an organisation over recent years, and it’s been all down to people power. In 2025 we saw our biggest-ever Paddle Out Protest, alongside nationwide People vs Plastic demonstrations. We’ve kept sewage pollution firmly in the spotlight, taking the voices of water users from the beach front to the front bench, keeping the pressure on decision-makers to end the sewage scandal. Reaching the stage of meaningful water reform discussions is genuinely game-changing, and it’s thanks to our supporters and community groups across the country.

How do you keep up momentum and motivation in a world that’s constantly shifting?

Environmental work can be challenging, but it’s also deeply rewarding. I do this for the ocean, and for my daughter. Knowing that she’ll inherit a planet that’s even slightly better because of the work we’ve done keeps me going, even on the toughest days.

What role do young people play in the future of ocean activism?

They’re central. Young people will inherit the planet, but they’ll also shape its future. At Surfers Against Sewage, we work to connect young people to the ocean and other blue spaces, wherever they live, and inspire them to protect what they love.

If there was one simple daily habit you'd encourage everyone to adopt to protect our seas, what would it be?

Vote with your wallet and use your voice. As consumers, the choices we make about the products we buy and the companies we support matter. And whenever possible, take time to reconnect with nature, even a short walk or a dip in the sea can remind us of what we’re protecting.

Find out more about Surfers Against Sewage at sas.org.uk.

Get involved in your nearest Million Mile Clean at

sas.org.uk/plastic-pollution/million-mile-clean

Photo credit: Mat Arney