The Green Blue Conference

4th November 2008 - SS Great Britain, Bristol

For more information and to register your interest please read the full report.

Read the full report

Haslar Marina Recycling Launch

Over the past month Dan Reading, The Green Blue's recycling officer has been working alongside Dean and Reddyhoff Marinas to create a new recycling service at Haslar Marina.

Dan's role, funded by the Environment Agency, requires him to work with a variety of marine businesses/clubs to create new or revolutionise existing recycling facilities.

Dan choose Haslar Marina as his first case study to exemplify the potential to recycle the majority of boat waste and also save money. The Marina started using the recycling bins on the 1st August. Boaters at the marina will be able to recycle; paper & cardboard, cans, plastic bottles, all plastic packaging, glass, tetra paks (juice cartons), foil and telephone directories.

Read the full story

RYA & BMF Parliamentary Day

The BMF and RYA held a joint reception at the Houses of Parliament on Wednesday 9th July. The event, sponsored by Conservative MP Anne McIntosh, was themed around the Draft Marine Bill and The Green Blue.

There was a high level of attendance, with over 25 MPs and Peers from all political parties dropping by to chat with RYA, BMF and The Green Blue staff. Guests included Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe MP, and the Shipping Minister Jim Fitzpatrick MP.  In addition, the event attracted stakeholders from government departments such as the Department for Transport, BERR Marine Unit, Health & Safety Executive and DEFRA.

The reception heard from Anne McIntosh, Lord Greenway – in his capacity as Chair of the Draft Marine Bill, and Mike Golding. Mike spoke of his passion for environmental issues and the positive role the Green Blue was taking in educating those who use the sea to reduce their impact.

The reception offered the chance for BMF, RYA and The Green Blue representatives to communicate their interest in and concerns over the Marine Bill and the marine environment to a wide range of stakeholders. It also served as a positive platform for maintaining and expanding the profile of the organisations in Parliament.

For more info on the Marine Bill

SeaWatch -Whale & Dolphin Watching

Why not enjoy watching whale and dolphins responsibly whilst helping to monitor their numbers?

Each year the Seawatch Foundation records sightings of whales, dolphins and porpoises in the UK and uses this information to record a snapshot in distribution, and to monitor population trends and changes. You can download record forms and record your sightings whilst out sailing yourselves at www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk.

To find out more information on recording other marine animals read the full report.

Read the full report

Fancy fishing for you supper?!
Follow the MCS Good Fish Guide

Whilst sailing in Scotland’s beautiful waters, if you are thinking of doing a bit of fishing or buying fish for your supper then it is worth checking out the advice from the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) Good Fish Guide. 

In 2002 the MCS published the Good Fish Guide which aimed to educate consumers about how fish were produced and to provide advice on which fish to choose and when.  You can still download their pocket Good Fish Guide, but there is now a web based version with information on which fish to eat, which to avoid, minimum landing sizes, maturity and purchasing choices for 150 fish species (www.fishonline.org). 

Read the full report

Competition

Win a pair of Southampton boat show tickets.

The Green Blue will be focusing on recycling at this years boat show. Come and visit us on the RYA stand or in the Sailing Networks bar to learn more.

To win this fantastic prize answer the following question and email us the correct answer by 10th September 2008.

Q: What are the key topics for The Green Blue Conference?

Need a clue?

info@thegreenblue.org.uk