Rivers and the sea

[faffadoodledo]

I'm becoming increasingly disgruntled by the state of our rivers and sea. I know what the problems are (I think). But what's the most effective thing I can do about it?
Time for action! Who do I join? Where do I donate? What do I do?

Why not work for the Environment Agency and work directly attempting to solve the problem?

Rewiggling our rivers would go a long way to reducing the issues of fresh water going straight out to sea but its a massive and very expensive process.

"Sea Shepherd"

Not sure they'd want a 57 year old history graduate @Singleandproud . I can think of far more qualified people. But I definitely appreciate what they do

I've seen Sea Shepherd's work @Nimbostratus100 . I suppose I ought to have said in my post that I'm particularly interested in the UK, assuming that's where I can and ought to make the most impact - even if it's tiny

have you seen sea shepherd first hand? WHat do you think - I support them, but have never seen anything they have done first hand. Are they a good choice to support do you think?

Where I live, there are regular litterpicks organised along the rivers and coast. Is that something you would like to get involved with?

One place to start might be the Green party? Their central office is doolally - but local groups are independant , and have very little to do with central office - also local groups have many contacts with local conservation and ecology groups

RSPB?

Marine conservation society?

FRiends of the Earth?

Greenpeace?

Dare I suggest it? Extinction Rebellion?

I work for the EA. We don't make policy, just undertake it and regulate it. If you want to influence policy regarding rewilding rivers, you need to work for Defra. There are a lot of wildlife trusts etc working in this too, and we already have legislation about reconnecting engineered rivers with their natural flood plain (Water Framework Directive) and creating habitats to compensate for development (biodiversity net gain), as well as a number of carbon reduction and sustainability policies and Planning legislation. There are a lot of conflicts in the management of flood risk and wider environmental protection/improvements which are slowly being resolved through legislation, policy and technology. One of the most interesting things in working on is about upstream land management to reduce flood risk.

I work in flood risk management rather than pollution or waste control , but one of my biggest frustrations is having to use flood risk money to remove plastic debris from the rivers. This all accumulates and becomes an unnecessary impedance to flow and associated flood risk. One of the biggest things that could hell the health of t to overs would be to stop using single use plastics all together, or at least better management of plastic waste! In fact, just consume less!

I'm also aware that the EA is largely in the media due to not enforcing on water companies regarding river pollution. I don't have any sight on that, other the high number of vacancies we carry, with a huge brain drain to the higher salaries of the private sector .

This is interesting - do you thing volunteer organised litter picks are helpful then? I join in with them, and hope they are, at least in terms of removing a hazard to wildlife, but I am not sure about how helpful in the larger scheme of things

I have just returned from my dog walk on a local long beach and done what I always do - returned with a bag full of fishing tackle and other plastic detritus. i don't bother with organised beach cleans; I just do it! I've hauled huge plastic drums up beaches before! I figure doing it is better than leaving the plastic crap there.
I feel joining our local Wildlife Trust might be helpful. But am reading all the comments here for further tips on what I can do to add power to the elbows of those who are campaigning hard

Organised litter picks can be fun and sociable though, and also often have a considered aim, rather than clearing up random spots. I do both

Not dissing organised ones. I just plug away at whatever beach I happen to be at. I find it quite odd that so many people walk past great lumps of plastic. But I think I have become weirdly obsessed!
I'm loving the look of what Project Seagrass does and am looking out for local opportunities to volunteer if they do anything down my way.
Rivers though - am increasingly outraged at the water companies. What can we do (other than not be shareholders, or become such big shareholders that we hold sway?)

Surfers Against Sewage do great work

@faffadoodledo you aren't the only one, I keep black bags, a ring, litter picker and gloves in the back of the car and whenever we go for a stroll along our local beach and get a bag of litter. It amazes me how many people walk their dogs there everyday and don't do the same whilst they are there.

You're more organised that me @Singleandproud !! But yes. It's something we all should be doing. It's addictive in a ghoulish way too

https://voteclimate.uk/

Thanks @parrotonmyshoulder I've just registered. I would definitely like to see all the parties try harder (wouldn't be difficult!)

@parrotonmyshoulder having signed up I see there's little detail on the site of who they are. Who's behind the organisation? They seem new - to be recruiting various quite key roles

Check out episode 11 of the Waterfall podcast called "the nature of water", it gives a great overview of why water and nature matters. Other episodes give practical tips on how to be more sustainable to make a difference. All episodes here:
Waterfall - our water saving podcast - CCW

If you're concerned about the impact water companies are having on rivers you should lobby your MP to ensure Ofwat allow water companies to implement their full Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP) even though it will mean customers have to pay more. Water bills (especially sewerage bills) are ridiculously low, because Ofwat has forced water companies to reduce how much they spend on improvements and upgrades in order to keep bills low.