Sustainable Boating
The boating community has an important role to play in helping to preserve, protect and enhance the marine environment experience through sustainable boating practices.
As people who enjoy life on the water, boaters have a deep connection to our waterways and the aquatic ecosystems and wildlife that share them.
The Coral Sea Academy aims to assist you in making sustainable choices throughout your boating journey and provides information, tips and tools to help guide you towards boating with a safe and environmentally friendly approach.
Preventing Pollution
Spending time on or near the water undoubtedly increases the chance of water pollution. There are a number of opportunities in which we can accidentally spill, leak or contaminate the water around us when boating. Taking increased care when completing everyday tasks, as well as utilising certain products when cleaning or antifouling your vessel, can assist in minimising the risk of water pollution.
Saving Energy and Water
By implementing energy and water saving techniques on board you can reduce consumption, cut emissions, and save costs – all of which make financial and environmental sense. From simply purchasing low-flow showerheads and taps to considering the installation of energy efficient appliances or alternative energy sources, there are numerous tips and tricks available to you to help save precious resources whilst on the water.
Travel For Good
Boating provides us with the opportunity to seek out new locations, encounter incredible wildlife and environments, and meet new friends along the way – however, as with all things, travel has an impact on the places that are visited. Sustainable travel, or ‘travel for good’, refers to traveling in a way that minimises negative impact on the environment, supports the well-being of local communities, and preserves cultural and natural resources for future generations. It is about using travel as a force for positive change, transforming the act of exploring new places into an opportunity to contribute to the greater good.
Waste Management
Marine debris, specifically plastic pollution, is one of the largest threats facing our oceans. It damages important habitats and threatens marine wildlife. The solution is simple – prevent litter from ending up in our oceans and waterways. As boaters, we have a responsibility to manage waste correctly. Through simply following the 4 R’s – Reduce, Reuse, Repair and Recycle – we can all make a difference!
Protecting Wildlife and Marine Habitats
It is a delight to encounter wildlife when on, under or near the water, and as boaters we are able to get up close and personal with some of the wild and wonderful creatures that inhabit our ocean. It is important to remember that when we are on the water, we are visiting the home o fmany species of wildlife and by being vigilant and aware, we can ensure minimal or (ideally) zero disturbance.
Anchoring with Care
In the Whitsundays and on the Great Barrier Reef it is always preferable to utilise local moorings to ensure we are protecting the incredible ecosystem beneath the surface. However, anchoring is an essential part of boating and it is important to be aware of how to protect the seabed habitats and ensure best practices are adopted to help minimise any impact anchoring may have.
Engine Efficiency
One way to minimise emissions and your own carbon footprint is to optimise fuel efficiency on board your vessel. This will not only help protect the natural environment, but it will also help to ensure that your journey is both smooth sailing. From regularly servicing your engine, to driving your vessel to suit the conditions, there is plenty you can do to ensure engine efficiency and to reduce your fuel usage.
Sustainable Fishing
Coral Sea Marina promotes sustainable and responsible fishing practices. There are numerous ways you can enjoy fishing sustainably, such as making sure you only fish in approved zones, take only what you eat, return all under-sized fish quickly to minimise injury and to not litter (take your tackle home!). If you are unsure of a fish’s identity of size, you can refer to the Queensland Government’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry app, QLD Fishing 2.0. Alternatively, release the fish immediately.
WORKING TOWARDS A GREEN MARINE ENVIRONMENT
Coral Sea Academy has developed the ultimate guide for ‘greener’ recreational boating…
