Introduction to

Sustainability in Marinas

Reignite your approach to sustainability in the marina sector with this collaborative resource, offering actionable steps for long-term resilience.

Discover new articles on sustainable design; the innovative Marina360.ai, smart lighting, and why we need to pay attention to digital boater behaviour. There’s advice on sustainable sourcing and carbon foot printing, alongside an overview of progress in Life Cycle Assessment.

In terms of ocean stewardship: learn about how ocean literacy is evolving and the role of EMODnet. Enhance resilience with green infrastructure like Living Seawalls® and Biohut®.

As we look to the future, acknowledge the cultural shifts needed to attract younger generations and the considerable economic impact of marinas.

This is an ongoing initiative and was created thanks to the generous efforts of friends and colleagues, and funding from the Gobierno de Canarias and PROEXCA.

To share your ideas, innovations and best practices,
write to info@innovamarina.com

Here’s to a more sustainable marina sector!

Melanie Symes

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Just a Heads-Up!
While we've put a lot of effort into providing this information for free, please remember that this guide is for informational purposes only. We've done our best to offer valuable insights, but can't take responsibility for any outcomes, positive or negative, that might arise from its use. Always do your own due diligence and consult with professionals when making important decisions!

Sustainable design

In the evolving world of nautical tourism, designing marinas that truly integrate with nature and thrive for generations is paramount. This section features insights from two highly respected industry figures: Esteban Biondi, formerly chair of RecCom at PIANC, with his pioneering Working with Nature (WwN) philosophy, and the inimitable Daniel S. Natchez, recent Golden Cleat Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.

Biondi’s WwN framework champions a holistic approach to design, enhancing ecological functions, empowering communities, and building climate resilience. Complementing this vision, Natchez advocates for a 'net-positive' environmental approach, demonstrating that functional, cost-effective, and beautiful design yields greater returns. Both underscore that sustainable marina design moves beyond mere compliance, unlocking profound environmental, social, and economic value for a vibrant future. Prepare to reshape your development vision!!

Working with Nature (WwN) in marina design: Maximising environmental, social, and economic benefits, and resilience - Esteban Biondi (PIANC)

Designing with Nature: A Maverick's Approach to Sustainable Waterfront Development

Sustainable Resource Management & Circularity

Effective resource management and circularity are crucial for sustainable marinas. This section explores how marinas can adopt innovative, non-linear approaches benefiting both the environment and their finances. We'll delve into strategies for a circular economy, turning waste into value, and managing composites. Learn about Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for quantifying environmental impacts, guiding smarter choices. We'll also cover the energy transition, from renewables to electric boating, and best practices for sustainable water and waste management, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing environmental footprints.

The importance of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in the marina sector - José Luis Fayos

Unlocking Value: The Circular Economy Approach for Marinas - Kellie Covington

Marinas and the Energy Transition: A major challenge for the nautical and maritime sector - José Luis Fayos

Sustainable waste management: As a specific contribution to sustainability and carbon neutrality - Marcelo Sabanes

Water: Sustainable use and management in marinas - Marcelo Sabanes

Environmental Certification & Accreditation

Environmental certification and accreditation can offer marinas significant advantages, enhancing brand reputation and operational efficiency through a commitment to sustainability. The rigorous process of achieving this recognition can help marinas to develop a key role in environmental stewardship within their broader community, ideally leading to positively impacting marine ecosystems. This recognition attracts eco-conscious visitors, drawing boaters and tourists who prioritise sustainable businesses. This section details four certification options, each offering substantial benefits for marinas ready to embrace this path.

“Ports Propres” (Clean Harbours)

Blue Flag for Marinas

The Yacht Harbour Association: Clean Marinas / Gold Anchor Award

Blue Star Marina Certification

Resilience & restoration

In an era of increasing environmental challenges, building resilient and restorative marinas is essential for lasting success. This section explores how innovative strategies empower marinas to thrive. Discover eco-engineering, like Living Seawalls, transforming urban shorelines into thriving habitats, blending infrastructure with nature for biodiversity and protection. We also uncover the power of a purpose-driven culture – how commitment to environmental and social values attracts and retains top talent. Finally, explore proactive risk management, ensuring your marina can anticipate, withstand, and recover from diverse threats. Learn to safeguard your assets, nurture your team, and ensure a flourishing, adaptable future.

Image credit: Janine Ledet

Purpose-Driven Marinas: The Key to Keeping Great People? - James Ward

How Eco-Engineering and Living Seawalls Enhance Urban Shorelines - Dr Janine Ledet and the Living Seawalls team

Building Resilient Marinas: Proactive Prevention for Reduced Impact - Marcelo Sabanes

Environmental Stewardship

Our oceans face unprecedented challenges, making proactive environmental stewardship and marine restoration essential for marinas. This section explores how marinas can become vital hubs for marine conservation and biodiversity enhancement.

Discover the urgent call for marina managers to address impacts, foster crucial collaborations with scientists and local communities, and engage in citizen science. Learn how partnerships with leading NGOs like the Blue Marine Foundation drive impactful restoration and secure sustainable financing. Finally, delve into innovative ecological solutions, such as artificial fish nurseries (Biohut), demonstrating how marinas can actively enhance resident marine life.

Biodiversity and stewardship - Dr. Dominique Durand

Blue Marine Foundation: Working with ocean conservation NGOs

Biohuts: How can marinas have a positive impact on resident marine life?

Smart Marinas & Digitalisation

Step into the future of marinas. This section reveals how digitalization and smart technologies are revolutionising operations and accelerating sustainability. Discover how open marine data, like EMODnet, fuels smarter decisions and explore AIoT platforms transforming marinas into intelligent, eco-friendly hubs. From optimizing resource use to smart lighting for conservation, these insights unlock profound value for a vibrant, resilient nautical future.

Digitalisation as a roadmap to sustainability - Idan Cohen

Smart City Technology at Sea: Introducing MARINA360.AI - Krešimir Žic

Harnessing Data for Marine Sustainability: The Role of EMODnet - Dr. Kate Larkin and Kara McGee

Smart Marina Lighting: Promoting Astro-tourism, Cost-savings and Nature Conservation - Adolfo Mesa

Equity, diversity and inclusion

Embracing equality, diversity, and inclusivity isn't just a moral imperative; it's smart business. This crucial section explores the current landscape, revealing areas of underrepresentation and the tangible benefits of a truly welcoming environment. Discover practical strategies, from addressing pay gaps and improving accessibility to fostering inclusive culture and engaging diverse communities. Learn how proactive EDI initiatives can strengthen your team, attract more customers, and unlock your marina's full potential for a vibrant, equitable future.

Equity, Inclusion and Diversity: Making marinas welcoming to all: equity, inclusion and diversity in marinas - Elizabeth Dumergue

Advancing Women in the Boating and Marina Industry

Collaboration & Community Engagement

The future of nautical tourism hinges on strong communities and collective action. This section explores how embracing a digital-first approach, fostering powerful alliances, and nurturing local networks can transform the marina sector. Discover how streamlining processes for new boaters, building digital connections, and sharing knowledge overcome industry challenges. Learn why pooling resources, amplifying influence, and setting common standards are vital for sustainability. These insights show how collaboration unlocks innovation and creates a more resilient, thriving marine industry for all.

Building alliances: Strength in numbers – building effective alliances to advance sustainability - Philip Easthill (European Boating Industry)

Embracing a Digital-First Mentality and Building Community - David Cusworth (savvy navvy)

Ocean Literacy & Citizen Science

Marinas can play a vital role in understanding and protecting our oceans. This section explores how they can become key players in Ocean Literacy and Citizen Science, empowering communities and boosting marine research. Discover how marinas contribute valuable data through ocean observation, helping operations and coastal protection. We'll also look at how encouraging boaters to join citizen science offers essential information for a healthier marine environment. It’s a powerful way for marinas to make a real difference.

The evolution of Ocean Literacy and the opportunities for marinas - Emma McKinley, Cardiff University

Citizen Science - Dr. Dominique Durand

Ocean observation - a new role for marinas

JPI Oceans’ European Marinas Network

Sustainable Operations

Carbon Footprinting for Marinas - Kellie Covington (Sustainable Marine Alliance)

Sustainable sourcing in Marinas - Kellie Covington (Sustainable Marine Alliance)

Economic impact of nautical tourism activities - Philip Easthill (European Boating Industry)

Alternative propulsion infrastructure - Patrick Hemp (ICOMIA)

Marinas and the SDGs - Elizabeth Dumergue

Biofouling - José Luís Fayos (Global Management Consultoría)

Dredging - José Luís Fayos (Global Management Consultoría)