The use of molecular tools, principally qPCR, versus traditional culture-based methods for quantifying microbial parameters (e.g., Fecal Indicator Organisms) in bathing waters generates considerable ongoing debate at the science–policy interface. Advances in science have allowed the development and application of molecular biological methods for rapid (~2 h) quantification of microbial pollution in bathing and recreational waters. In contrast, culture-based methods can take between 18 and 96 h for sample processing. Thus, molecular tools offer an opportunity to provide a more meaningful statement of microbial risk to water-users by providing near-real-time information enabling potentially more informed decision-making with regard to water-based activities. However, complementary studies concerning the potential costs and benefits of adopting rapid methods as a regulatory tool are in short supply. We report on findings from an international Working Group that examined the breadth of social impacts, challenges, and research opportunities associated with the application of molecular tools to bathing water regulations.
The academic community's interest in surf tourism continues to grow with important contributions being made to our understanding of culture, economic behavior, and impact at specific sites. However, there was little understood about the impact surfers and surf tourism have on the overall
economy of the UK. Given the estimated 500,000 surfers in the UK in 2007 by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and given unique access to a comprehensive database of UK surfers it has been possible to go some way toward correcting this data shortage. By analyzing 2,159
questionnaire responses, and after taking account of economic multipliers, a total contribution to the UK economy by domestic surfers of ?4.95 billion with an average direct spend of ?2,980 per year on surfing-related expenditure may be estimated making surfing an important contributor to
UK tourism and the UK economy.
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