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Hi John,

It's good to be back. This year, bigger and better than ever, we're campaigning to end plastic and sewage pollution and fight for a thriving ocean.

We were gutted to see Boxing Day and New Years Day swims cancelled due to hours of sewage pumped into UK waterways. And then there was this: Southern Water's monitoring system failed and Isle of Wight swimmers unknowingly swam in sewage on [[link removed]] [[link removed]] Christmas Day [[link removed]]. Not the Christmas gift we asked for.

🚩 We're looking at a potential general election in the second half half of 2024...

🌊 Mermaid Atlantic Team embark on the 'world's toughest row' to cross the Atlantic and raise money for Surfers Against Sewage.

🙌 Cleaning up our coastlines - over the Christmas break many of you took to your local waterway to fight the scourge of plastic pollution.

The shocking total sewage pollution alerts we had in 2023 👇

💩 There were 3,883 SEWAGE POLLUTION ALERT [[link removed]]S in November.

In 2023 there were a total of 26,568 sewage pollution alerts sent to our Safer Seas and Rivers Service App [[link removed]].

*Across the UK, monitored by our SSRS app. [[link removed]]

2024 general election?

From Henry, our Policy and Advocacy Manager: "The Prime Minister has said it's his ‘working assumption’ that there'll be an election in the second half of the year. Whilst this is far from confirming a date, it marks the start of a year of election campaigning by all the parties.

What's next? Expect to see party leaders, local MPs, and candidates out and about in pursuit of your votes. So, this is a great opportunity to demand they act to end pollution if they want your vote."

Need guidance on how to ask decision-makers for bold action? Here are five key points from our manifesto [[link removed]].

Mermaid Atlantic to row an ocean for SAS

The team of three from the Isle of Wight are fundraising for Surfers Against Sewage, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, and The Seahorse Trust. Whilst most of us took it easy over the Christmas break, Xaiver Baker, Paul Berry, and Chris Mannion from team Mermaid Atlantic were pulling strokes in their rowing boat in the middle of the Atlantic. The race started in San Sebastian, and ends in Antigua, clocking over 3,000 miles in a gruelling test of body and mind.

We're wishing them all the best on the challenge and are stoked that they've chosen to support us. 🤙The determination of our fundraisers never ceases to amaze us.

Read more about Mermaid Atlantic's row [[link removed]] Want to take on your own fundraising challenge? [[link removed]]

Christmas beach cleans tackle plastic pollution

Across the UK, our community gathered in the hundreds to free our wild spaces from plastic pollution. Thanks to everyone for doing their bit. And whilst we can't pick our way out of the plastic problem, it goes a long way in raising awareness and taking plastic out of the environment.

Here we have The Newton Buoyant Bluetits Beach Clean 👆

“Over 30 people attended to collect rubbish from the beach and surrounding grassed area of Newton Bay Beach, Porthcawl, Wales. We took the opportunity to keep our cleaner seas campaign visible and raised awareness about recent sewage dumps in the local seas.” - Lucy Jones

Sign up a clean for the Million Mile Clean [[link removed]]

Take action for the ocean

🌊 Want to help the ocean more in 2024? Be a part of our Million Mile Clean [[link removed]] and tackle plastic pollution by heading into your local green and blue spaces to clear plastic.

📢 Share our upcoming campaigns far and wide, talk about sewage and plastic pollution with family and friends. And even better, talk about ocean issues with your MP.

For the ocean,

🌊 Jade, Communications Officer

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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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