Navigating Sustainability: Charting a Course for Eco-Friendly Yachting
The yachting industry embodies luxury, adventure, and exploration. Yet as our global awareness of environmental issues grows, so does the responsibility of yacht owners, operators and enthusiasts to ensure their activities are sustainable and eco-conscious. From sourcing sustainable food to reducing pollution, there are numerous ways the yachting community can contribute to preserving our oceans and marine ecosystems. With the amount of money spent by owners being vast, with budgets seeming endless, surely we should lean towards responsible environmental practices, even if sometimes the eco-conscious alternatives can be more expensive, and often less effective than the traditional methods or products, but we are making progress. In its original design sailing is one of the most sustainable forms of travel, and of holidaying. In its modern format it is a luxury, a way of being seen in certain places, of simply getting from one place to another rather than enjoying the ride, seeing where the wind takes you, so to speak. With the increase in the number of new yachts being built and the demand for yacht holidays only increasing, we need to be talking about ways we can look after the environment much more than we currently do. We are seafarers, we rely on the ocean, it is our home, our lifeblood, our income, our passion, we must look after it. We must do better.
Let’s have a conversation about the various facets of sustainability in the yachting industry and talk about the practical solutions for a greener approach to yachting.
Producing Water and Non-Toxic Cleaning Products:
Water scarcity is a pressing global issue, particularly in coastal areas where yachts frequent. Investing in water purification systems onboard can significantly reduce the need for single-use plastic water bottles, we know better than this. Who hasn’t got branded water bottles on board yet? There are additives for ‘boat water’ to make it taste nicer, and provide the nutrients required, encouraging guests that the water from the boat is as drinkable as bottled water is the hardest part, but conserving both resources and reducing plastic pollution in our oceans is a vital step we must take. Traditional boat cleaning products can be harsh and toxic, not only to the environment but to humans too, hence the need for protective clothing, and letting them drain into the ocean is unavoidable. Therefore, switching to non-toxic, only natural cleaning products for both interior and exterior maintenance minimises harmful chemicals entering marine environments, safeguarding the delicate balance of underwater ecosystems - if the chemicals you are using are burning deckies feet, just imagine what that does to the ocean. Check out EcoWorks Marine for safe boat cleaning products, and Finsulate for safer antifoul.
Promoting Reusables and Refillables:
The yachting industry often relies heavily on single-use plastics, from toiletries to cleaning supplies. We know better than this. Transitioning to reusable and refillable containers not only reduces plastic waste but is also more economically efficient in the long run. You can even get eco-friendly toilet rolls. We should also be checking ingredients, and only using non-toxic, natural and reef safe products. If it’s good for the environment then it’s good for us. Providing guests with sun cream on board is part and parcel, and toiletry kits filled with eco-friendly products encourages sustainable practices among passengers and crew alike. The ‘reef safe’ label actually means nothing when it comes to sunscreens and other products, so here are some ingredients to avoid when purchasing products: oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, homosalate, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor, PABA, parabens, triclosan, anything with microbeads or exfoliant beads. Considering most will put their suncream on and then head straight into the water where it washed off, and most products will go straight down the drain and into the ocean with each shower, we must be extremely careful with what we are putting into the water.
Supporting Wildlife Interactions and Marine Habitat Protection:
Yachting enthusiasts are privileged to witness breathtaking marine life firsthand, aren’t we lucky! However, it's crucial to prioritize responsible wildlife interactions and habitat protection. This includes anchoring in designated areas to avoid damaging sensitive coral reefs and seagrass beds, you can use charts and apps to show the seabed composition to help you decide where to safely anchor. Utilizing moorings where possible prevents anchor damage to underwater ecosystems, preserving marine habitats for future generations to enjoy. Additionally, supporting local organizations, NGOs, and research groups dedicated to marine conservation fosters collaborative efforts in protecting vulnerable species and habitats. There are many ways to contribute as a citizen scientist, especially for ocean going yachts; you can volunteer to host researchers, you can collect samples of water for scientists, you can report sightings of ocean trash (and remove it) and categorise waste collected; you can report observed coral reef bleaching and water temperatures, especially this year as NOAA predicts the largest mass coral bleaching event with record high sea temperature; you can provide information about seagrass environments; you can register observations of giant corals; you can record and report whale and dolphin sightings; there are many simple ways to get involved and help out a scientist as the citizens of the ocean that we are.
Here is a list of useful links to organisations you can get involved in:
https://www.mcsuk.org/what-you-can-do/citizen-science/
https://www.oceanoculus.com/news-from-the-sea/community-citizen-science-project
https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/citizen-science/
https://www.seakeepers.org/citizen-science/
https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/involved/citizen-science.html
https://theoceancleanup.com/research-old/citizen-science/
Sourcing Sustainable and Local Food:
One of the pleasures of yachting is indulging in exquisite cuisine while sailing the seas. However, ensuring that the food on board is sustainably sourced can significantly reduce your yacht's environmental footprint. Opting for locally sourced produce and sustainably produced products supports regional economies and reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation. Always check for ingredients such as palm oil, MSG, high fructose corn syrup, and make sure ingredients are non-GMO (genetically modified organisms) and ideally organic, this will also help to keep food healthy for guests. Additionally, choosing sustainably harvested seafood certified by organizations like the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) helps protect marine ecosystems from overfishing and depletion. Obviously it’s hard to know if the seafood you are buying is sustainable, so some simple questions to ask when you are shopping: How was this caught? When was this caught? Where was this caught? The answers to these are telling, especially if the vendor doesn’t know, or is reluctant to divulge this information. It is ideal if you can catch your own, then you know the direct impact on the ocean is minimal, and this adds more fun for the guests too! Make sure you have checked local guidelines for size and catch limits, species requirements and seasonal restrictions.
Combating Invasive Species:
Invasive species pose a significant threat to marine ecosystems, often disrupting native biodiversity and ecological balance. Yachts can inadvertently transport invasive species between regions via hull fouling. Implementing rigorous hull cleaning procedures and water management protocols helps mitigate the spread of invasive species, protecting fragile marine ecosystems from harm. You can also participate in local removal efforts, for example in the Caribbean there are many initiatives to combat the invasive lionfish, and getting guests involved can also be fun. To spear your own fish and then cook and eat it is a simple pleasure with a rewarding feeling to also be removing something that is devastating the local environment is extremely satisfactory.
Dealing with Waste Responsibly:
Managing waste onboard yachts is essential for reducing environmental impact. Obviously we are following the maritime laws, however this is the bare minimum we should be doing. Implementing the "R's of sustainability" - reduce, reuse, recycle - guides waste management practices, from engine oil to human waste to general rubbish. Installing advanced waste treatment systems ensures that wastewater is treated effectively before discharge, preventing pollution in marine environments. Moreover, partnering with waste management facilities in port supports proper disposal and recycling of yacht-generated waste. To go further we can choose to donate what we can when we’re finished with it, install composting systems on board, and try to repair broken items before we turn straight to buying new things just because it is easier.
Addressing Pollution and Energy Use:
Pollution and energy consumption are unavoidable aspects of yachting, but there are ways to minimise their impact. Embracing eco-friendly propulsion systems, such as hybrid or electric engines which can be retrofitted, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and noise pollution. Additionally, investing in solar panels and wind turbines onboard enables yachts to harness renewable energy sources, decreasing reliance on fossil fuels. For the demand on superyachts running so many systems with high energy requirements all of the time, we know that renewable energy is not where it needs to be yet, so we are all relying on generators. However simple things like the regular maintenance of engines and generators helps with efficiency and reduces the impact of using them. Implementing fuel-efficient practices and adhering to speed limits further reduces carbon emissions and fuel consumption, promoting sustainable yachting practices.
Sustainability in the yachting industry is not merely a trend but a responsibility shared by yacht owners, operators, and enthusiasts worldwide. The most difficult thing will be for yacht captains to take responsibility for educating owners about responsible environmental operations, steering them away from destructive behaviours.
By adopting eco-friendly practices, from sourcing sustainable food to reducing waste and pollution, the yachting community can play a vital role in preserving our oceans and marine ecosystems for generations to come. Do you already employ sustainable practices on board?
Together, let's navigate towards a future where luxury and sustainability coexist harmoniously on the high seas. Take a look around you and think about the changes you can make to reduce your impact on the environment.