While the Sussex Coast isn’t quite South California, Brighton and Hove has a thriving surf culture which plays an important role in our local economy. 

This week I met with Aaron Jennings and Hugo Tagholm from Surfers Against Sewage.  They’ve just published a report which estimates that surfing is worth over £1.8billion a year to the UK economy – it found that the average surfer spends £3,624 a year on surfing – great news for our surf shops and other local businesses.

Unfortunately, neglect of the marine environment has made surfing in the UK a less safe and pleasant activity.  In the 2013 bathing season there were 549 untreated human sewage discharges across beaches, and the amount of marine litter has almost doubled over the past 15 years.

I’ve signed their petition calling for Parliament to legislate for better protection of waves and beaches, and I’ll continue to try push the issue up the poliitcal agenda.

Surfing  adds to the cultural vibrancy of Brighton and Hove, attracts visitors, and is good for local business.   It’s another reason to treat our beaches and waters as the precious resource they are.

You can sign the petition at  http://www.protectourwaves.org.uk/