Marine Conservation: 4 Organizations That Are Protecting Our Oceans

Marine conservation organizations are vital to our boating industry. Our ocean ecosystem makes up 70% of the Earth’s surface, and it is under threat. From overfishing, pollution to climate change, many dedicated groups strive to restore and protect the oceans from numerous challenges. 

At Boatbookings, we value the work that these inspiring organizations are doing to protect and preserve marine ecosystems and biodiversity; here, we shine a spotlight on some of these: 

Blue Marine Foundation 

From Greece and Italy to The Maldives and Patagonia, the Blue Marine Foundation has a whole host of projects around the world. They work to secure protected areas, develop models for sustainable fishing, restore marine habitats, and highlight unsustainable fishing to connect people and communities. The Blue Marine Yacht Club works to unite the yachting community in protecting the oceans through donations, support, and expertise. Since its launch in 2012, shipyards like Feadship, Lurssen, and Benetti have been involved.

Sea Shepherd 

Renowned for its direct action campaigns, Sea Shepherd defends various issues surrounding preserving marine wildlife. The marine conservation organization has a fleet of boats whose sole purpose is to protect the oceans in line with conservation law against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. Sea Shepherd now has an international fleet with ten ships and several smaller boats. They are on the front line, and we admire the hands-on approach. 

4 Ocean 

One issue that is still plaguing our oceans is that of plastic pollution. The average person uses 9 pounds of single-use plastic every month, and a lot is ending up in our waterways. The ocean cleanup organization 4Ocean is a certified B corp. It is using the power of business to fund a global cleanup operation to recover millions of pounds of plastic from our oceans. Founded by two surfers after their trip to Bali, they recognized the issue and wanted to make a difference; they sell bracelets made from recovered plastic and run a plastic offsetting program. 

Coral Reef Alliance

Dedicated to coral reef conservation, this environmental non-profit is based in California. It works to reduce the threats to reef damage, ensuring that they can continue to adapt to climate change. With problems such as pollution, sedimentation, overfishing, and sustainable tourism, coral reefs are in danger. The Coral Reef Alliance combines advanced science with community engagement, particularly scuba divers, to help protect and preserve. The projects are mainly located in Hawaii and the Western Caribbean; however, they raise awareness on a global level. 

How Can You Support?

Supporting these and other marine conservation organizations doesn’t require a science degree. You can get involved in so many different ways. Firstly donations are vital and help fund research and on-the-ground initiatives. If it is time you have, organizations are always looking for volunteers, whether a beach clean-ups or community-led projects. You can also spread awareness to educate others; why not send and share this blog to your network and help make a difference? 

Above everything, you must be helping become part of the solution, not the problem, and adopt greener practices in everything you do, including boating. Firstly, reducing your carbon footprint is critical; to do this, you need to calculate it. For all our charters, you can use our carbon offset calculator.

Contact our team today to find out about our greener crewed charter catamarans for you to enjoy the ocean more responsibly. 

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METSTRADE 2023 Updates: The Waves of Decarbonization

Decarbonization is an issue of high priority within the boating sector. At Boatbookings, we are passionate about this dynamic topic, regularly staying ahead of the developments and innovations working to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint. 

At this year’s METSTRADE show in Amsterdam, the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) presented their latest report, ‘Pathways to Propulsion Decarbonization for the Recreational Marine Industry.’ 

The Report 

This comprehensive report focuses on boats under 24 meters. It outlines a strategic portfolio of technologies to propel the recreational marine industry toward a greener future. 

The research investigated propulsion technologies across nine common recreational watercraft, evaluating the impact on lifetime greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, financial costs, usability, performance, range, and infrastructure. 

The technologies examined included battery electric, hybrid electric, hydrogen, and internal combustion engines (ICE) with sustainable marine fuels and traditional diesel engines. 

Main Findings

  • It emphasized the need for diverse solutions in the quest to reduce carbon emissions. Noting that 80% of a car’s environmental impact is in its usage, a far higher proportion of a boat’s environmental impact comes from its manufacture – as high as 50%. Given the unique on-water environments and varied interests of boats, the study suggests a one-size-fits-all approach is not feasible. Instead, the sector must consider a range of technologies. 
  • Among findings, sustainable liquid marine fuels, such as renewable drop-in fuels, emerge as a highly promising energy source for decarbonizing boats by 2035, potentially reducing emissions by 90%. 
  • Hydrogen also stands out as a potential source for emissions reduction, provided the production process is optimized. 
  • Electric propulsion, while part of the strategy, is stated not to be universally suitable for all types of craft and use cases. 
  • Hybrid boats that use electric motors and ICEs powered by liquid fuels offer the potential to reduce emissions from boats in certain scenarios – boats used for longer periods and over greater distances. Hybrid technology provides the most potential for emissions reduction for charter.

Report Recommendations

The report recommendations included the following:

1. Adoption of a technology-neutral decarbonization approach for marine environments.

2. Acceleration of the development and distribution of sustainable marine fuels, supported by educational campaigns.

3. Collaboration between consumer safety, government entities, and recreational marine industry to establish marine electric technology and safety protocols.

4. Expansion of R&D tax credits and investments to improve electric battery density and hydrogen research applicable to maritime. 

5. Continued research to evaluate existing and emerging technologies and optimal application. 

No Easy Answer

While an interesting report, there are evidently various connected factors that will prove influential in the coming years. These include innovative products, new technologies, changes in consumer behavior, improvements in recyclability, the reuse of materials, emerging battery technologies, and the availability of these sustainable fuels.

To read the report in full, visit propellingourfuture.com. If you’re interested in chartering a greener crewed charter catamaran in the Caribbean this winter, contact one of the Boatbookings team today.

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Discover the Caribbean with the Sunreef Eco 80, Sol

With the Caribbean season warming up, we wanted to showcase one of our newest Sunreef Eco 80 catamarans, Sol, as part of our more sustainable offerings. At Boatbookings, we advocate for greener crewed charter catamaran options, which is why we love having Sol to offer to clients. 

Sol officially debuted at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show last month and is Sunreef’s newest Eco fleet member.

Here are some of the reasons why you should choose Sol today: 

1. Sol is more sustainable 

Sol is a Sunreef Eco 80 and utilizes cutting-edge technologies and systems to minimize waste and emissions. The electric propulsion system runs silently and is bolstered by the large solar panel covering (integrated into the superstructure, hull and bimini roof) and battery banks. Inside, Sol has vegan furniture and finishes, showcasing cruelty-free decor. 

Sol also has an efficient waste management system featuring onboard composting, and there is limited single-use plastic with the water filtration system and reusable bottles. The crew onboard Sol use non-toxic and reef-safe toiletries and cleaning. Meanwhile, the chefs offer seasonal and local menus to guests to further reduce the yacht’s carbon emissions and to support local businesses. 

2. Sol offers great wellness packages 

As well as sustainability, the crew onboard Sol prioritize you. This Sunreef Eco is the perfect base for a wellness-focused experience in the Caribbean. The crew provides the ultimate amenities to relax and recharge, complete with yoga and meditation spaces. There is also the opportunity for plenty of spa treatments on your charter. The onboard menus can also be tailored to a wellness-based retreat with gourmet, plant-based menus as an option. 

3. Sol has plenty of activities 

The Sunreef Eco is always equipped with plenty of amenities, and with Sol, this is no different. There is an array of on and off-the-water activities, including beach toys, kayaks, paddle boards, snorkelling e-bikes and foil boards. 

4. Sol cruises the Caribbean 

All of our crewed charter catamarans are perfect for cruising the Caribbean; like Sol, Sunreef’s can get into the best anchorages throughout the BVI’s through to the Bahamas. We can create a tailored and bespoke itinerary for you to cruise Sol. Whether you want to spend your days simply relaxing onboard or getting out on the water for adventures, your vacation will be truly memorable onboard Sol! 

Get onboard Sol today! 

Contact the Boatbookings team today to enjoy a greener crewed charter catamaran on Sol in the Caribbean. We want to protect our oceans and minimize the impact the boating industry is having, which is why we champion builders such as Sunreef. Make a difference today and book a more sustainable charter option. 

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Responsible Sailing: How to Embrace Greener Boating Using the 4 ‘R’s’

Not only are we passionate about bringing you an unforgettable crewed charter catamaran and barefoot charter catamaran experiences, but we also want to help you partake in responsible sailing and protect our oceans. 

Greener Boating 

At its core, to have a more sustainable boating industry is about minimizing the negative impacts on the environment and maximizing the benefits for everyone involved. One aspect of this mission of greener chartering is to promote and incorporate the ‘R’s throughout our entire operation and growing fleet.

These ‘R’s – Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, and Recycle – provide a roadmap for achieving these goals. We take a look into this framework that are the cornerstones to sustainability with regards to Boatbookings: 

Reduce

The first ‘R’ is all about how you can reduce your environmental impact. At Boatbookings, we have made conscious choices to offer a range of greener crewed catamaran charters for you to choose from. We prioritize the selection of yachts we offer to ensure they are showcasing more sustainable technology, ensuring lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions. We aim to provide options from catamaran builders such as Silent Yachts, Sunreef Eco, and Fountaine Pajot. 

But our commitment to reducing doesn’t stop there. Our carbon emissions calculator helps us assess and continually improve our environmental practices. 

We advocate for our operators to reduce the amount of waste and pollution while promoting eco-friendly brands. We also encourage our clients and yachts to reduce speed, especially when sailing near vulnerable marine life habitats. Going slow reduces impact and enables clients to soak up the ocean’s magic. 

Reuse 

We ensure that our crewed charter partners regularly maintain and service their fleets to ensure longevity and reduce the need for unnecessary repairs. We also work with partners who are aligned with sustainable practices that reduce resource consumption and waste generation. 

Repurpose

At Boatbookings, we pride ourselves on promoting repurposing by collaborating with companies that repurpose marine waste into innovative products, contributing to a more circular economy. 

We want to raise more awareness about the critical issue of marine pollution that our oceans face. Education is essential in changing consumer behavior and inspiring a new sense of responsibility. 

Recycle 

The final ‘R’ is recycling, which you are probably already familiar with. We advocate responsible recycling throughout our operators and clients. We are always looking for better recycling initiatives within marinas worldwide to facilitate easier recycling for our clients. 

Responsible chartering is an integral part of experiencing the beauty of our oceans. By promoting these ‘R’s, we are not only committed to reducing the environmental impact of our selected fleet but also dedicated to creating eco-conscious charter experiences for our clients. 

Contact us today to discuss our greener crewed charter catamaran options for your next vacation. 

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Charging the Electric Boating Revolution

Electric boating has gained momentum as the world envisions a cleaner and greener future.  At Boatbookings, we have advocated for this electric revolution within our greener crewed charter catamaran offerings.

However, the success of electric boating relies heavily on the availability of electric charging infrastructure in marinas. As electric boats become more popular, is the current global marina infrastructure prepared for the influx of these greener boats? 

Here, we explore the growing need for electric charging infrastructure in marinas and the changes to meet this demand. 

The Infrastructure

Electric boats, like electric cars, rely on charging infrastructure to keep them powered up.

Rising Demand for Charging Stations.

The increasing number of electric boats on the water means demand for charging stations has surged. There is now a need for more convenient places to top up electric boat’s power reserves. 

Encouraging Investment.

The increased demand has spurred both marinas and port authorities to invest in developing more electric charging infrastructure. These investments aim to make electric boating more accessible to all. 

Technological Innovation.

To meet the growing need, there are plenty of companies investing in the development of more efficient charging technologies. This includes creating faster charging options, smart charging systems that optimise energy use and wireless charging solutions. These innovations are essential as the electric boat market continues to expand. One company is Aqua superPower, integrating their charging systems in the US, UK and Italy, enabling users to charge all electric boat brands. They have partnered with MDL marina group, the first UK marina group to offer charging. 

The Challenges

Like with all development and change, there are some hurdles that the boating sector is facing when it comes to supplying this infrastructure for the transition to electric boating. The main concern is the cost of developing and maintaining this new infrastructure, resulting in some resistance to change. 

The Marinas of the Future 

Marinas consistently have to adapt to meet the changing needs of boaters. We are seeing new smart marina management systems put in place to optimize energy usage. Many marinas are exploring and investing in research and development for renewable energy sources to enhance sustainability credentials further. Looking ahead, there will need to be increased collaboration to establish these networks and to promote the growth of electric boating. 

As more infrastructure is developed, it gives more confidence for owners to make the switch from traditional to electric. A vital transition for reducing emissions and promoting more greener practices. Contact Boatbookings today to find out about our greener and electric crewed charter catamarans.  

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