Hugo is a surfer, campaigner, and environmentalist.
He currently heads up the global marine conservation NGO Oceana UK.

He previously led the NGO Surfers Against Sewage, campaigning from the beach front to the front benches of Parliament. Hugo co-founded the Global Wave Conference, Plastic Free Communities movement, the Million Mile Beach Clean & Safer Seas Service, and has been instrumental in exposing water company sewage pollution and the plastic pollution crisis.

Hugo was recently awarded a Doctorate of Science by Exeter University for his services to the marine environment. He was made Environmentalist of the Year 2021 by Save the Waves, featured in the ENDS Report 2023 Campaigning Power List, and has been shortlisted as Leader of the Year in the 2023 Purpose Awards.

Hugo is a regular commentator and media contributor on ocean and environmental issues. He also speaks at events and conferences across the world.

Hugo is a fellow of the Edinburgh University Ocean Leaders programme and a columnist for Oceanographic Magazine.