Biodiversity and stewardship

Environmental Stewardship and Marine Biodiversity: A Call to Marina Managers

Ocean and coasts are facing a global loss of biodiversity and significant deterioration of their underwater landscapes. It is vital to protect and conserve the health of this local natural capital, a key value provider for nautical tourism.

Marinas serve as gateways to the enchanting world of our oceans, providing recreational opportunities for boaters and enthusiasts alike. However, it is crucial for marina managers to both recognise and address the potential negative impacts that boating activities can have on marine biodiversity, whilst also raising awareness about the importance of environmental stewardship and the value of collaboration with local stakeholders and scientific experts.

Boating activities can unintentionally harm marine ecosystems. Occasional negative impacts include habitat degradation, water pollution, and disturbance of wildlife. A comprehensive understanding of these impacts is important to effectively mitigate and restore any damage caused. By recognising the nature, source, and relevance of these impacts, one can take proactive measures to minimise their footprint on the environment.

The significance of collaboration with local stakeholders and scientific experts cannot be overstated. Engaging with these key players allows marinas to access valuable knowledge, expertise, and resources for sustainable practices. Local stakeholders, such as research institutions and conservation groups, can provide insights into the unique ecological characteristics of the area and offer guidance on conservation initiatives. Scientific experts, including marine biologists and ecologists, possess specialised knowledge that can assist in quantifying the impacts of boating activities and formulating effective mitigation strategies. These experts have the means to conduct environmental assessments, monitor biodiversity, and recommend best practices for sustainable marina management. By working together, marina managers can tap into a wealth of expertise and ensure that their actions are informed by the latest scientific research.

Success stories

Demonstrating the positive outcomes of collaboration between marinas, stakeholders, and scientific experts, the Marine Conservation Society in the UK, for instance, collaborated with marina managers to establish the "Good Beach Guide" scheme, which recognises marinas committed to sustainable practices and protecting marine life. The cooperation between marina managers and scientific experts has led to the development of environmentally friendly infrastructures, such as eco-friendly moorings and innovative sewage treatment systems.
A collaborative sustainability project involving the pontoons of coastal marinas, marine industry organisations and conservation bodies is seeking to restore wild oyster populations in England, Scotland and Wales.
In another example, the Coastal Conservation Association in the United States partnered with marinas to create artificial reefs, providing habitats for fish and other marine organisms.

These initiatives not only enhance biodiversity but also attract divers and snorkellers, boosting local tourism and the economy. They also provide the opportunity for marinas to support local authorities and lifesaving teams in providing advice to bathers.

Similarly, marinas can play an important role in detecting environmental events and problems (See article on Citizen science). If injured fauna is spotted in or near the marina, it would be ideal to be aware of and inform local wildlife rescue organisations or scientific experts, who can provide immediate assistance and minimise further harm. Further examples are harmful algal blooms (HABS) or jellyfish proliferation, which can cause significant harm to marine life and pose risks to human health. Existing initiatives include:

JellyWatch Europe: JellyWatch is an online platform that encourages citizens across Europe to report jellyfish sightings and provide information on their abundance and distribution. The data collected by volunteers help scientists track jellyfish populations, understand their behavior, and identify any potential patterns or changes over time.
Phytoplankton Monitoring Network (PhytoMn): PhytoMn is a citizen science project in Europe focused on monitoring phytoplankton, including harmful algal blooms. Volunteers collect water samples from coastal areas and analyze them for the presence of harmful algal species. By reporting their findings, citizens contribute valuable data that aids scientists in assessing the extent and impact of HABs, ultimately contributing to environmental management efforts.

In collaboration with environmental expects and scientists, marinas could also establish dedicated and fit-for-purpose protocols to identify, monitor and report HAB and/or Jellyfish occurrences promptly. These initiatives would greatly benefit from the active participation of Marinas in monitoring and understanding the dynamics of HABs and jellyfish populations, fostering greater public engagement and environmental awareness.

Environmental stewardship is important for marina managers and boaters to safeguard marine biodiversity. By recognising the nature and source of negative boating-related impacts, collaborating with local stakeholders and scientific experts, and implementing restorative actions, marinas can become champions of sustainable practices, ensuring a vibrant and thriving marine ecosystem for generations to come.

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