The Green Blue officially unveil new look website at the Southampton International Boat Show
by Emma Slater 18 Sep 2019 18:52 UTC
RYA Green Blue web launch © Emily Whiting
Today, Wednesday 18 September 2019, The Green Blue, the joint environmental programme of British Marine and the Royal Yachting Association, officially unveiled its new look website at the Southampton International Boat Show, powered by Borrow A Boat.
The new site provides bespoke information on key environmental issues, current best practice guidance, green products and services, as well as an array of awareness raising resources to help boat users, clubs, training centres, instructors and marine businesses in communicating the good practice we can all adopt and facilitate to make our boating more sustainable.
"We are so excited to announce the launch of the brand new website", commented Kate Fortnam, The Green Blue Campaign Manager. "Over the past three months we have been bringing all our knowledge and information together to share with the boating community and provide them with a go to site full of details on how to adopt best practice.
"The new site will make it easier for boat users, clubs, centres and associations and maritime businesses to find environmental information relevant to their specific needs."
Joining Kate for the launch was The Green Blue Ambassador and round the world sailor, Mike Golding OBE. Mike, who has been an Ambassador for the last 12 years commented: "I'm delighted to be here today for the launch of the new site and support an initiative of crucial importance. Over the years The Green Blue has grown and evolved, and is working hard to make sure everyone in the marine sector is made aware of the simple measures we can all take to improve things and better protect the environment.
"The new site is full of resources for boaters and marine businesses to help them get advice, information and tips on doing the right thing for the environment."
Resources to look out for are The Green Blue's educational activities for young boaters that can be delivered on the water and onshore. The most popular of these is Marine CSI which gives young people the chance to become marine special agents by analysing fingerprints, unscrambling puzzles and testing water samples. Other resources include instructor teaching aids to help pass on environmental good practice to students on RYA courses, a variety of eye-catching infographics and video clips to help communicate sustainable boating top tips via social media, e- newsletters, emails, news articles and display screens.
Other key environmental issues and good practice tips that can be explored on the new website include:
- sustainable practice in boating, including ways to cut emissions, the use of solar and wind energy, recycling and the avoidance of single use plastics;
- Invasive non-native species (INNS) - one of the current top five threats to UK biodiversity. Non-native species can hitch a ride on boats, clothing and equipment and make a home in the UK's waterways, causing harm to native animals and plants and damaging the environment and economy.
- Water and land pollution and the good practice around applying, removing and disposing of antifoul paint.
- Wildlife and habitat appreciation with guidance on how to minimise disturbance to wildlife.
"We're encouraging all boaters to logon and take a look at the new site and find out how they can take steps in making their boating more sustainable.
"By working towards an environmentally self-regulating boating community, The Green Blue aims to help boaters minimise the impact they have on the environment and protect wildlife and its habitats so they can enjoy the marine environment far into the future", concluded Kate.
Visitors to the show can drop by the RYA stand (B027) where they can check out the new look website on The Green Blue iPad.
Kate has also be speaking on the Foredeck Stage throughout the show providing top tips to help protect our waters and the wildlife we share them with. You can join Kate for her final talk on Saturday 21 September at 11am to find out more about boating around wildlife, recycling, cleaning onboard, antifouling and disposing and invasive species prevention.
To find out more about The Green Blue's activities, explore collaborative opportunities, discover current good practice and access the variety of resources visit thegreenblue.org.uk, follow @thegreenblue on social media, email or contact Kate Fortnam on 023 8060 4227.