Clean waters are essential for healthy human communities and for nature but half of our rivers, lakes and estuaries are unhealthy, with pollution escalating, and we are still waiting for a law on protected areas for marine life.

Polluting run-off from agriculture and forestry, discharges of raw and inadequately treated sewage, physical damage (e.g. to river channels & banks and lake shores), and destructive activities in our seas such as bottom-trawling, are having a detrimental effect on our freshwater and marine species. Freshwater populations have decreased by 84% globally since 1970 and marine populations have declined by 49% between 1970 and 2012.

The next government must urgently ensure that our polluted and degraded rivers, lakes and estuaries are restored to good health and pass a law to protect our seas. But will your candidates commit to the strong actions that are needed to do this?

Email your candidates to find out by taking our quick action below.