Eco-friendly anchoring

Top Tips from The Green Blue

How you choose to anchor your boat during a break from exploring can have a huge impact on the condition of the seabed you leave behind. Here are The Green Blue’s top five tips for environmentally friendly anchoring…

Do your research

Before your voyage find out if there are any protected seabed habitats where you’re intending to anchor. If possible, use an existing mooring. You can search for protected seabed habitats by visiting the ‘Anchoring with Care’ page on The Green Blue’s website.

Use the right anchor

When an anchor is lowered it becomes embedded in the seabed and can be dragged by the tide, uprooting plants in the seabed. Choosing the correct anchor for the type of seabed can help minimise drag. Even if you think the anchor is holding well, check it periodically to ensure it’s not dragging. If it is, raise it and re-anchor.

Don’t use too much chain

Flake out the correct amount of chain (four times the maximum depth at high water, or six times the maximum depth if using a chain and warp) to keep the length of chain to a minimum and minimise abrasion on the seabed.

Look for clear ground

When anchoring, try to target bare sand away from seagrass beds. Also consider the pivot area of your anchor chain to ensure it’s clear of the protected habitat. Check the anchor occasionally to make sure it hasn’t moved.

Avoid dragging the anchor

When leaving an anchoring site, pull the chain in slowly and by moving your bow over the anchor. Use a trip line to help pull up the anchor. If the boat is pulling back from the anchor, you may need to slowly motor towards it as the crew raise it.

Learn more about responsible anchoring

Download The Green Guide to Anchoring and Moorings, produced by The Green Blue or request a hard copy by emailing info@thegreenblue.org.uk

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RYA share plans to achieve carbon zero by 2050

The RYA has outlined its plans for the recreational boating sector to reach zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Sustainable Boating
The RYA is excited to launch ‘Pathways to Zero: The RYA’s Vision for a Zero Carbon Recreational Boating Sector by 2050.’ It is an ambitious document and outlines the key actions and milestones that will need to be reached by the RYA and the wider sector to achieve the vision for zero-carbon in response to the climate emergency.

The report has been developed to deliver on the requirement within the RYA’s Sustainability Strategy, launched last year, to set out an achievable pathway for the wider recreational boating sector to significantly lower emissions.

The report includes over one hundred individual actions, many of which are related to policy, logistics and behaviour change, and can be achieved at minimal cost. The report also contains recommendations for broad technology changes which will require funding by the sector, with Government support, over the coming years.

Commenting on the launch of the Pathways to Zero report, Phil Horton, RYA Environment and Sustainability Manager, said: “The development of this report follows wide research across the sector, analysis of sustainability forecasts, as well as speaking with RYA members and marine businesses. In addition to addressing our own operational impacts, we believe that it is essential to the safeguarding of our sport that the RYA contributes to mitigating the long-term environmental impacts of recreational boating. Addressing these concerns will have many benefits for boaters that go beyond carbon emission reductions, such as reduced noise, better manoeuvrability and response, reduced maintenance costs, and zero pollution.

“The report outlines the key areas where we have identified a need for change, many of those actions included will be relatively easy fixes. However, other actions will require investment, whether that be in time or funding.

“The RYA interacts directly and indirectly with an estimated 250,000 recreational boaters each year, therefore one of our objectives is for the changes in behaviour occurring within the RYA to be shared and adopted by those boaters and the wider boating community.”

The full ‘Pathways to Zero: The RYA’s Vision for a Zero Carbon Recreational Boating Sector by 2050’ report and its associated background paper are available to download now from the RYA website.

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Do you know your invasive species?

Invasive plants and animals to look out for

The spread of non-native invasive species is becoming a major issue in both the marine and inland waters around the UK. This is because the invasive species compete with our native plants and wildlife, introduce diseases and cause major changes to entire ecosystems.

They can also disrupt boating by restricting navigation, blocking inlets and outlets and increasing the bio-fouling of boats and marine structures.

Invasive species can unintentionally become transported to a new habitat by becoming attached to boats, caught in water sport’s equipment or even by latching onto our clothes. The best way to protect your local area of water is to follow the ‘Check, Clean, Dry’ approach to removing invasive species.

Check for any plant or animal material on your boat, equipment and clothing.

Clean your boat, equipment and clothing that has come into contact with the water thoroughly with tap water. Paying particular attention to crevices where species can be hidden.

Dry your craft and any piece of equipment or clothing thoroughly. Many species can survive in damp conditions for many weeks.

Below you will find information about some of the prolific aquatic invasive plants and animals to lookout for when spending time by the coast.

COASTAL

Wire Weed – Originally from Japan, it grows on hard substrata in shallow waters and can also live in estuarine conditions. Wire weed has a rapid growth rate and easily out competes the native seaweed species. Its dense stature means that it blocks out light and oxygen to native species in the water. In the spring months the Weed can grow up to 10 cm a day.

Credit: Non-Native Species Secretariat

Wakame Seaweed – It can be identified by its green-brown leaves and its frilly base. The Seaweed is a prolific grower and excludes native algal species and alters the local food chain. It can grow up to nine feet and can create a thick canopy.

Credit: Non-Native Species Secretariat

Carpet Sea Squirt – The Carpet Sea Squirt is a marine filter feeder and smothers local marine life. As an individual, it is incredibly small, however individuals live in large colonies creating the appearance of one large structure, once established they can spread fast on the seabed. The Squirt is brownish in colour and can become a serious threat to biodiversity.

Pacific Oyster – They are more irregularly shaped than the flat native oysters, and the edges of the shell have wavy, large frills. The inside of the shell is white to off/white with purple streaks. Establishment of Pacific Oysters can significantly alter diversity, community structure and ecosystems.

Chinese Mitten Crab – These crabs often begin life in lower estuaries and marine habitats and then move upstream to riverbanks and streams. They can range from green, brown to grey in colour and their front white tipped pincers are covered in dense fine white hairs. Due to their burrowing activity in riverbanks, they can cause heavy bank erosion and flooding.

The Green Blue is dedicating the 24 – 30 May to ‘Invasive Species Week.’ The week’s aim is to raise awareness of non-native invasive species, to help water users feel confident in identifying any invasive species that they encounter and to share preventative measures and tips.

Can’t wait ‘til then? Check out The Green Blue website: www.thegreenblue.org.uk where you will find a range of information on how you can improve the biosecurity of your sailing club or centre as well as guidance and advice for how all recreational boaters can do our bit to prevent the spread of invasive species.

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Five steps to greener prep

As you’re preparing your boat for the season, follow this simple advice from The Green Blue to make your craft more eco-friendly…

1 Engine Efficiency

An efficient engine is good for the environment but will also give you a better ride and a less painful experience filling up at the pump!

  • Consider choosing an electric outboard engine or alternative fuels such as biodiesel or biogas. Regularly check and service your engine. Fresh oil, clean spark plugs and dustfree air filters all help to lower fuel costs and emissions.
  • While up on the plane the drag of the hull is reduced allowing a more efficient drive.

2 Antifouling

While antifouling does a great job of keeping hulls clean, and even has some environmental benefits such as improving fuel efficiency, it’s toxic to aquatic life. Some of the compounds in antifouling can get into the marine food chain. Boat owners can play a vital role in preventing concentrated paint residue and scrapings from entering the water, and these tips will help:

  • Place a sheet of tarpaulin on the ground to capture any unwanted drips, spills and paint debris.
  • Dispose of paint debris and any contaminated items in hazardous waste bins at your marina or local council’s recycling centre.
  • Choose a facility provider (marina, boatyard, club or centre) that has a filtered wash-down area to capture contaminated run-off and biofouling or encourage them to install one.

3 Oil and Fuel

Oil and fuel can enter the water in a number of ways, and a small proportion of this comes from the recreational boating sector. Oil and fuel contain hydrocarbons and heavy metals that not only affect human health but can also seriously damage the aquatic environment.

  • Check the engine bilge for oil before pumping and use an absorbent sock to remove oil and fuel in the bilge.
  • Install an in-line bilge filter to remove oil automatically when pumping out. Then dispose of collected oil in onshore hazardous waste facilities.
  • Use a fuel collar over fuel nozzles to absorb fuel ‘blowback’ up the fuel line and to catch drips when moving the nozzle across the deck.
  • Buy a spill kit to take care of any spills onboard, onshore or into the water.

4 Cleaning

Products used for cleaning and maintenance by berthholders and marina visitors have an impact on pollution levels in marinas. Cleaners used on hulls and decks often contain microplastics, chlorine, ammonia, potassium hydroxide and solvents, all potentially harmful to the aquatic environment.

  • Waxing your hull keeps you fuel efficient and reduces the need for cleaning products over the season.
  • When cleaning your boat on the water it’s recommended that you use fresh water only.
  • Avoid cleaning products that contain plastic microbeads, and steer clear of products containing ‘polyethylene’. Also avoid chlorine and bleach, which are toxic to flora and fauna, and phosphates, which encourage algal growth. Look for eco-friendly alternatives with natural ingredients instead.

5 Energy Use

Everything has a carbon footprint. But by introducing a few simple, low-cost measures you could save as much as 20% on your boating-related energy bills.

  • Consider the alternatives such as electric and bio-diesel engines, water lubricated stern glands, and low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints and varnishes.
  • Try to use only FSC-certified wood from responsibly managed forests.
  • Don’t leave the hose running unnecessarily when filling up your water tanks or washing down your boat.
  • Keep your hull clean, your engine running efficiently with regular servicing, and trim the engine – these will all help to minimise fuel consumption.
  • Install tap aerators wherever possible, as these can reduce the amount of water used by up to 80%.

The Green Blue is a joint environment programme between the RYA and British Marine to encourage a more sustainable recreational boating sector. To find out more about The Green Blue and for more eco advice visit www.thegreenblue.org.uk

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Beach Clean in Carrick Castle Cancelled

Regretfully we are cancelling the next Beach Clean in Carrick Castle on 3rd May 2020 due to the Covid-19 Pandemic restrictions.

We will rearrange a date in the future.

 

Douglas Locke, Secretary (Voluntary)

Carrick Castle Boat Club

E: Secretary@carrick-castle-boat-club.co.uk

W: www.carrick-castle-boat-club.co.uk

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Advanced Mooring Systems

Phil Horton, RYA Planning & Environment Manager gives us the low down

There is increased interest among the boating community in alternative mooring systems and the replacement of conventional sinkers and risers with more technically advanced designs. As these are perceived to have significant benefits for the environment, they have been referred to as eco-moorings in the past. However, there are a number of potential advantages for users as well – both mooring owners and boat users – so the term Advanced Mooring Systems (AMS) has now come into use.

There are two main elements to AMS, and either or both can be applied. The first is the replacement of the “sinker” with a helical screw fixed into the seabed. This is already common practice for larger moorings such as in the Thames estuary, but is not in common use for yacht moorings. The second main component is the riser.

The helical screw offers a number of advantages, both technical and environmental:

  • When installing the screw, it is straightforward to measure the torque required to drive the last few turns. This reveals, via a simple formula, the holding power of the screw. This is a huge advance over the standard sinker, where the uncertainty of holding results in over-sized blocks being used.
  • The screw fixing has a far lower impact on the seabed and any sensitive habitats given its smaller dimensions
  • The lower size of the unit means many more can be carried on a workboat increasing the efficiency of operations
  • Inspection and replacement is a simple process, although on deeper moorings it may be necessary to employ divers

The riser (rode) is where more research is being undertaken, in order to address technical and environmental concerns:

  • A floating or elastic rode does not scour the seabed around the mooring, reducing the impact on habitats such as sea grasses
  • However, the AMS needs to replace the damping effect of the chain of a conventional mooring
  • There are two main approaches. One is to add floats to the chain, holding it off the seabed. This retains the damping effect while reducing scour. However, ensuring that the additional floats remain attached and don’t cause pollution can be a challenge.
  • The more advanced approach is to have an elastic rode. This is more expensive, but has the potential advantage of increasing mooring density. Concerns remain about longevity and developing inspection methods that warn of potential failure (which is straightforward for chain wear).

Various combinations of sinkers, screws, floating chains and elastic rodes are being trialled around the UK and further afield. Research is on-going, though most experiences to date have been positive. The RYA is a partner in an EU LIFE funded project, led by Natural England, called ReMEDIES – Reducing and Mitigating Erosion and Disturbance Impacts affecting the Seabed. One element of the scheme is the installation of trial AMS, alongside a monitoring programme. The RYA’s involvement is focused on outreach to the recreational boating community through The Green Blue, its joint environmental programme run in conjunction with British Marine.

The RYA will continue to be actively involved in projects researching AMS, and we are interested in people’s views on their suitability. If you have experience (good or bad!) of using or installing such systems then please let us know via environment@rya.org.uk

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‘Green’ your boating in 2020

Top tips from The Green Blue

As a boating community we enjoy getting out on the water and experiencing the beautiful environment around us. We therefore play an important role in helping to protect our marine and inland waters and safeguard the wildlife and habitats with which we share our boating environment.

The Green Blue is the environmental programme of the Royal Yachting Association and British Marine, supporting the UK recreational boating community to be part of the solution by adopting and facilitating environmental good practice to minimise any impacts on our inland and coastal waters.

Whether you’re continuing your journey or want to make your first steps to making your boating more sustainable, here are some of The Green Blue’s top tips to help you #GoGreenBlue in 2020:

Engine Efficiency

An efficient engine is not only good for the environment, it will give you a better ride on the water and a less painful experience filling up at the pump!

  • Consider choosing an electric outboard engine or alternative fuels like biodiesel or biogas if possible. Explore The Green Blue’s new Business Directory at www.thegreenblue.org.uk to discover engine and fuel alternatives as well as other sustainable products.
  • Regularly check and service your engine. Fresh oil, clean spark plugs and dust free air-filters all help to lower fuel costs and emissions.
  • Get Planing – Whilst up on the plane the drag of the hull is reduced allowing a more efficient drive.

Boating Around Wildlife

As boaters we are always delighted to encounter wildlife when out on the water or when onshore. Be it dolphins riding the bow wave, a group of seals and their pups resting on a rocky outcrop or a Heron stood majestically amongst the reeds.

Follow these good practice tips to help protect the wildlife we share our waters with.

  • Slow Down – whether you spot wildlife in the distance or it pops up on the port side. Reduce your speed to no wake speed or put the engine in neutral if safe to do so. This allows you and the wildlife time to react and avoid any potential collisions.
  • Keep a consistent course – this allows wildlife to predict where you are going and move out of your way.
  • Distance – Use binoculars! Keep 100m (329ft) from wildlife in and on the water or on cliffs, beaches and rocky outcrops where wildlife might be feeding, resting or breeding.
  • Keep quiet – Shhhhhh! Lower voices and turn off any music, sound can be heard over longer distances on open water and many animals have more sensitive hearing than humans.

Anchoring with Care

Anchoring is an essential part of boating, whether you are stopping for lunch or sheltering from stormy conditions. Some important seabed habitats, particularly Seagrass and Maerl beds, may be sensitive to anchoring activities.

There are many simple things you can do when anchoring to both prevent damage to your boat and reduce your impact on the environment too.

  • Avoid anchoring altogether, locate and use existing moorings, pontoons or berth at a marina.
  • Choose an anchorage away from the most sensitive areas wherever possible (e.g. away from seagrass, reefs, shellfish beds, etc.). Use the JNCC interactive Marine Protected Area mapper to find out what protected species and habitats are located around the British coastline at jncc.gov.uk/mpa-mapper.

Deploy your anchor correctly to avoid drag: Use the appropriate length of chain and warp to help reduce scouring of the seabed; Even if you think the anchor is holding well, check it periodically to make sure it is not dragging. If your anchor is dragging, raise it and re-anchor.

Antifouling

While antifouling does a great job of keeping our hulls clean, and even has some environmental benefits such as improving fuel efficiency and preventing the spread of invasive non-native species, it is toxic to aquatic life. Some of the compounds found in these antifouls can accumulate in marine organisms, and can find their way into marine wildlife further up the food chain.

Boat owners can play a vital role in preventing concentrated paint residue and scrapings from entering the water. Follow the antifouling best practice guidance developed by the British Coating Federation (BCF), The Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA) and The Green Blue as part of the ‘Protect, Collect, Dispose’ initiative. Including:

  • Place a sheet of tarpaulin on the ground to protect and capture any unwanted drips, spills and paint debris.
  • Dispose of paint debris and any contaminated items in hazardous waste bins at your marina or local council’s recycling centre.
  • Choose a facility provider (marina, boatyard, club or centre) that has a filtered washdown area to capture contaminated run off and biofouling or encourage them to install one.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle 

  • Recycle as much waste on board as possible. With the increasing amount of mixed recycling facilities now available, you need only two bins on board.
  • Ask your facilities provider where their recycling bins are located or encourage them to provide them.
  • Think about recycling old equipment such as sails, rope, electronic kit and oilskins by offering them to your fellow boaters, boat jumbles or online rather than throwing it away.
  • Stamp out single-use plastics by refusing to purchase or use them. Choose more sustainable alternatives such as reusable cable ties or bungees, compostable waste bags and purchase items with little or no packaging.
  • Why not get involved with and encourage your local sailing club, centre and marine businesses to join forces and partner with a local litter clean organisation to help make your sailing environment cleaner and healthier.

The Green Blue helps boat users, boating businesses, clubs and training centres to reduce their impact on coastal and inland waters, wildlife and habitats. The Green Blue raises awareness, supports practical projects, runs outreach activities and offers easy to follow advice to make boating in the UK as sustainable as possible. Visit the new Green Blue website www.thegreenblue.org.uk to find out more.

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Carrick Castle Beach Clean on 22nd September 2019

Eleven people turned up in the pouring rain to clean the beaches in Carrick Castle as part of the National Beach Clean long weekend. There were boat club members, residents from Carrick Castle and from Lochgoilhead – thank you to all. We collected the equivalent of six full bags of rubbish from the beaches in 30 minutes!

  

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Carrick Castle Beach Clean – Sunday 22nd September 2019 11 am to 12 noon

The Carrick Castle Boat Club have arranged a second beach clean this year to coincide with the National Beach Clean Weekend (20th to 23rd September) and that of the Lochgoilhead Beach Clean.

Club members and residents of Carrick Castle are all invited to attend the ”Carrick Castle Beach Clean” on Sunday 22nd September 2019 from 11 am to 12 noon.

Please meet at the club’s notice board next to the village board and post box opposite Castle Carrick by the car park.

We will supply litter pickers, gloves and black bags of which 50% were funded by the Lochgoil Community Trust by grant and 50% by the boat club.  Please leave full bags of the rubbish collected by the roadside to then be taken to be piled up next to the litter bin by the bus shelter in the car park for the A&B  Council to collect.

Your help will be appreciated!

Carrick Castle Boat Club helping to keep our local environment clean.

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Are you looking after the environment as well as your boat?

New green campaign focuses on antifouling

Boat owners are being urged to ‘Protect, Collect and Dispose’ as part of a new initiative promoting best practice for antifouling vessels.

The RYA and British Marine joint environment initiative, The Green Blue, has joined forces with the British Coatings Federation (BCF) and The Yacht Harbour Association in a drive to encourage boaters to seek the best method for protecting boats and the environment.

Launched today (April 25) at the 2019 Marina Conference in Bournemouth, the Protect, Collect and Dispose campaign offers plenty of advice for those who antifoul their own vessels, as well as for marinas and boatyards which offer professional antifouling services.

Kate Fortnam, Campaign Manager for The Green Blue, says: “We have developed guidance with the BCF for antifoul application, removal and disposal to ensure hazardous paint does not enter the environment during these processes. The guidance explains how to best protect yourself and the environment, especially with regard to collecting paint debris and disposing of waste.

“This isn’t just an opportunity for marinas and individuals to ensure they are adopting best practice but to encourage others to do the same and help raise awareness of the main environmental issues.”

While antifouling does a great job of keeping hulls clean and preventing the build-up of marine organisms, and even has some environmental benefits such as improving fuel efficiency and preventing the spread of invasive non-native species, it is toxic to aquatic life.

Since the banning of TBT in 1987, most antifouls are now copper or zinc based. Some of the compounds found in these antifouls can accumulate in marine organisms, and can find their way into marine wildlife further up the food chain.

Trevor Fielding, Regulatory Affairs Manager at the BCF, comments: “This new initiative is intended to raise awareness of environmental issues relating to antifouling amongst the boat-owning community and our UK boatyards and marinas. Everyone wants to do the right thing but either they don’t know how and/or they lack the facilities to do so. We hope that the information provided will help to improve the practices followed by DIY antifouling paint users, as well as those applying antifoul professionally.”

Look after your boat and the environment 

When antifouling your boat:

  • choose an appropriate well-ventilated location and follow marina and boatyard rules;
  • read labels and literature thoroughly;
  • wear all recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) and keep this on until the end of the application;
  • protect the ground and surrounding area;
  • keep dust to a minimum and capture all debris and scrapings;
  • minimise paint dust by using wet sanding techniques;
  • thoroughly clean up after;
  • wash skin with warm soapy water or approved cleaners;
  • dispose of all waste responsibly.

For further information and detailed advice visit the RYA website and The Green Blue website.

Help to deliver the message

An informative leaflet has been produced explaining how to best protect yourself and the environment, especially with regard to collecting paint debris and disposing of waste. A weather resistant poster is also available for display in chandlers, marinas and boatyards. For these and other awareness raising materials, visit http://www.safeantifouling.com

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