Surfing's Future: Ocean Pollution's Impact On The Sport

Ocean pollution is a pressing issue that poses a significant threat to the environment and human health, and surfing is an activity that is particularly vulnerable to its effects. Surfers are immersed in the ocean and ingest a substantial amount of water, exposing them to pathogens and chemical pollutants. The impact of ocean pollution on surfing is a critical topic that warrants attention due to the potential risks it poses to the health and well-being of surfers, as well as the degradation of prime surfing spots. With the increasing popularity of surfing, addressing these challenges is essential to ensure the future of the sport and the preservation of our oceans.

Surfers ingest more water than swimmers or divers, increasing exposure to pathogens

Surfing is a sport that involves full immersion in the ocean, and surfers ingest a lot more water than swimmers or divers. This makes them more vulnerable to pathogens in the water, especially in the wake of storms when urban runoff contaminates the ocean.

Surfers are exposed to more ocean water than other beachgoers. They visit the beach more often, spending an average of 1.5 to 2 hours in the water during each visit. They also tend to recreate year-round, increasing their exposure to storm water runoff.

The repeated, full, and sometimes violent immersion that surfers experience increases the ingestion of water and the likelihood of water forced into the sinuses. This means that surfers are at a higher risk of exposure to pathogens in the water.

In a study of 654 surfers in San Diego, California, it was found that exposure to seawater during dry weather increased the incidence of illnesses such as gastrointestinal illness, sinus infections, ear infections, and infected wounds. Exposure during wet weather further increased the incidence of these illnesses, with higher levels of fecal indicator bacteria in the water.

The combination of more days of exposure, during some of the most polluted times, and more complete immersion and ingestion increases the total exposure of surfers to pathogens and, therefore, the odds of getting sick.

Poor water quality can cause skin rashes, eye irritation, extreme fatigue, and infections

Surfing is a sport that connects humans with the natural world, but ocean pollution poses a threat to the health and safety of surfers. Poor water quality can cause skin rashes, eye irritation, extreme fatigue, and infections.

Skin rashes can be caused by various water contaminants, such as hardness minerals, chlorine, and allergens. Hard water contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can dry out the skin and cause itching and redness. Soap residue can also irritate the skin, as it does not lather well in hard water. Chlorine, added to most public water supplies as a disinfectant, can cause burning and itching of the skin. Allergens in the water can also lead to allergic reactions, including skin rashes.

Eye irritation is another common issue for surfers, as their eyes come into direct contact with the water when paddling and wiping out, as well as when showering and washing their faces. The contaminants mentioned above, such as hardness minerals, chlorine, and allergens, can all irritate the eyes, causing redness, itching, and burning sensations.

While not as commonly discussed, poor water quality can also contribute to extreme fatigue and infections. Contaminated water can lead to waterborne diseases, including diarrheal diseases, as reported in a study by Luby et al. in Bangladesh. Interventions to improve water quality have been associated with a reduced incidence of diarrheal diseases, highlighting the importance of addressing water pollution.

Additionally, surfing equipment and apparel can contribute to ocean pollution. Surfers may discard old surfboards, wetsuits, wax, and leashes, which often end up in landfills. These items are made from toxic materials, such as petroleum, and can have a significant environmental impact.

To protect their health and the ocean they love, surfers should take precautions such as installing water filtration systems, supporting coastal conservation efforts, and choosing more sustainable surfing gear.

Air quality impacts surfing too; airborne pollutants can cause respiratory issues and low visibility

While ocean pollution's impact on water quality is well-known, its effects on air quality are less often considered. Airborne pollutants can carry serious health risks for surfers, including potential respiratory issues and low visibility.

Airborne pollutants can cause respiratory issues for surfers, who are already at higher risk of ingesting ocean water contaminated with pathogens. Surfers are immersed in the ocean for longer periods and visit the beach more often than other beachgoers, increasing their exposure to toxins in the air and water.

In addition to health risks, airborne pollutants can also reduce visibility, making swimming more daunting and potentially dangerous. This is especially true for surfers, who rely on clear conditions to navigate waves and avoid hazards in the water.

The impact of air pollution on surfing underscores the importance of addressing environmental issues and adopting sustainable practices to protect both human health and the health of our oceans. Surfers can play a crucial role in advocating for ocean conservation and reducing their contribution to pollution through conscious choices and support for eco-friendly initiatives.

Ocean pollution breaks up habitats, affecting marine life throughout the food web

Ocean pollution has a devastating impact on marine habitats, affecting the lives of countless creatures and disrupting the entire food web. The ocean is the world's largest ecosystem, and human activities, such as pollution, global warming, and ocean acidification, pose a grave threat to its delicate balance.

One of the most pressing issues is plastic pollution, which affects marine life both large and small. From seabirds to whales, dolphins, and even tiny seahorses, no creature is spared. Plastic debris can entangle and suffocate larger animals, while smaller pieces, known as microplastics, are ingested by marine organisms at the base of the food chain, leading to a concentration of plastic further up. According to the United Nations, at least 800 species worldwide are affected by marine debris, with plastic accounting for up to 80% of that litter. It is estimated that up to 13 million metric tons of plastic end up in the ocean each year.

The impact of plastic pollution is not limited to the immediate harm it causes to entangled or starving animals. It also extends to the seafood that humans consume. Plastics can break down into tiny particles, which eventually end up in the seafood we eat. Additionally, plastic waste can encourage the growth of pathogens in the ocean. A recent study concluded that corals that come into contact with plastic have an 89% chance of contracting diseases, compared to only a 4% likelihood for corals that are not exposed to plastic.

Another consequence of ocean pollution is the disruption of coral reefs, which are essential for the health of marine ecosystems and are often sought-after locations for surfing. Ocean acidification, caused primarily by carbon dioxide emissions, reduces the availability of calcium carbonate, making it difficult for organisms like corals, molluscs, and some plankton to maintain their structural integrity. This, in turn, leads to habitat loss and rearrangements of marine food webs. Warmer ocean temperatures also contribute to coral bleaching, as higher temperatures increase oxygen demand and alter the metabolisms of marine organisms.

The effects of ocean pollution extend beyond the species directly impacted. For example, the decline of seagrass meadows, mangrove forests, and coral reefs due to human disturbances has indirect consequences on other species. Seagrass meadows provide essential ecosystem services, including nutrient cycling, habitats, and food for various marine animals, such as the endangered dugongs, manatees, and green turtles. Similarly, coral reefs, with their high biodiversity, rely on marine microorganisms to retain and recycle nutrients. However, these same microorganisms can trigger feedback loops that intensify declines in coral reefs, affecting biogeochemical cycles and marine food webs.

Invasive species further complicate the issue of ocean pollution and habitat disruption. Shipping is the dominant mechanism for the transfer of invasive species, mainly through hull fouling and ballast water release. These non-native species can take over once-occupied areas, alter underwater seascapes, and jeopardize the ability of native species to obtain food. They can also facilitate the spread of new diseases and introduce new genetic material. The economic impact of invasive species is significant, with approximately $138 billion lost annually in the US alone due to management costs and lost revenue.

The complex interplay of factors, including pollution, habitat loss, invasive species, and ocean warming, has far-reaching consequences for marine life and the food web. The full scope of these impacts may not be immediately apparent, but the evidence suggests that urgent action is needed to address this growing crisis and mitigate the damage to our oceans and the life they sustain.

Surfers are exposed to chemical pollutants, the health impact of which is not yet known

Surfing is a beloved activity for many, but it is also significantly impacted by pollution. While the effects of ocean pollution on ecosystems and marine life are well-documented, the health impact on surfers is less understood. Surfers are regularly immersed in coastal waters, and the health consequences of exposure to chemical pollutants are not yet fully known.

Surfers are exposed to a range of chemical pollutants in the ocean, including organic micro-pollutants such as pesticides, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, as well as metallic pollutants like aluminium, cadmium, chromium, nickel, and lead. These pollutants can have detrimental effects on human health, but the specific consequences for surfers are still unclear.

Surfers tend to ingest ten times more water than swimmers or divers, increasing their exposure to pathogens and other contaminants in the ocean. They also visit the beach and enter the water more frequently, including during winter months when there is increased exposure to stormwater runoff. This puts surfers at a higher risk of ingesting contaminated water and being affected by chemical pollutants.

The impact of ocean pollution on human health is a serious concern. Swimmers and surfers who come into contact with polluted water can experience skin rashes, eye irritation, extreme fatigue, and infections. Additionally, the ingestion of contaminated water can lead to respiratory infections, nausea, abdominal pain, and fevers.

While there is ongoing research, such as the CURL project, to assess the level of exposure and potential health risks for surfers, the specific consequences of chemical pollutants on this group are not yet fully understood. It is crucial to continue studying and addressing this issue to protect the health and well-being of surfers and ensure the long-term viability of the sport.

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