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Diver documents the 'biblical' demise of UK rivers

By David Stock

Diving beneath the surface of Yorkshire rivers multiple times per week, filming the conditions for his film company Beneath British Waters, Mark Barrow shows us the true impact sewage pollution is having on natural habitats.

When Barrow started diving into Britain’s rivers in 1989, the experience blew his mind. The underwater environment was brimming with grayling, barbel and many other species of fish. Now, 30 years on, his experience of swimming in Britain’s rivers has drastically changed. He regularly emerges from the river covered in human waste and sanitary products, he says.

This film was created for and originally published by New Scientist‘s sister publication the i paper as part of our ongoing #savebritainsrivers campaign.

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