Protesters are taking part in a 60-hour vigil outside the States' main offices in St Peter Port.

Environmental pressure group Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) wants to influence politicians ahead of a States debate on the issue on Wednesday.

Spokesman Richard Hardy said he hoped the action would highlight the strength of feeling on the subject.

Green paper

"We've got sleeping bags, air beds, all the stuff we will need for the next three days," he said.

"But, most importantly, we have got a petition which we hope people will sign to help our campaign for full sewage treatment."

Mr Hardy said Guernsey should follow the example of Jersey, which had stopped pumping sewage into the sea some time ago.

The vigil, which started on Sunday evening outside Frossard House, represents one hour for every 1,000 members of the island's population.

States members are to discuss a green paper outlining options for change.

The Public Services and Environmental Departments published a report in December which gave options for various sewage treatment plants, which environmentalists say are badly needed.

At the moment raw effluent is pumped out to sea at Belle Greve.