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Funding for The Green Blue in Scotland is provided by The Crown Estate through its Marine Stewardship Fund. Established in 1999, The Marine Stewardship Fund has already distributed over £1 million to a wide range of practical projects around the coast. The fund was established to provide grant-aid to practical projects and programmes which contribute to the development of best practice, and make a significant contribution to the environmental management and stewardship of the marine estate.
The Green Blue has also been awarded funding from Scottish Natural Heritage which allow us to hold a series of informative seminars aimed to advice all involved in recreational boating about the environmental issues affecting businesses and individuals. SNH was established in 1992 through the Natural Heritage (Scotland) Act 1991.SNH is a Government body responsible to Scottish Executive Ministers and through them to the Scottish Parliament. Much of their work is done in partnership with others – local authorities, Government bodies, businesses, community groups, farmers and other land managers, and a wide range of representative bodies.
15/02/10
It has been an exciting time for The Green Blue. After securing funding for a further two years from Scottish Natural Heritage we were delighted when existing Project Manager, Sarah Brown, accepted the role of Regional Advisor, based in Scotland.
“The funding from Scottish Natural Heritage is going to allow us to help a lot of clubs, training centres and marinas become more environmentally friendly. Our aim is to help as many facilities as possible cut costs, and CO2 emissions, with free advice on energy saving, water saving and recycling schemes. We will also be getting involved in supporting practical action like the National Spring Clean in April, so get your bin bags ready!” said Sarah.
“My thanks go to Julia Christie, Project Officer until May 2009, who did an excellent job of raising awareness of the programme across Scotland. Every door I have knocked on has been opened wide to me which has made getting started a lot easier.”
The experience of The Green Blue has shown that even relatively small clubs with modest facilities can save thousands of pounds on their waste and energy bills. By working with The Green Blue, Stokes Bay Sailing Club in Hampshire, cut £3000 off their waste bill by simply reviewing the contract. Parkstone Yacht Club in Dorset are making an annual saving of £18,500 on their energy bill, simply by changing tariff.
Sarah is also available to give talks on a range of subjects, from wildlife to waste, antifoul and alien species to sewage and oil pollution. If you would like to book her for a talk please get in touch.
If you would like to be one of the first to take advantage of The Green Blue’s services in Scotland, or would like to register your interest for the National Spring Clean please contact Sarah. Details are below.
Sarah Brown, Regional Advisor,
Telephone: 0844 556 9544
Mobile: 07789 504640
Email: sarah.brown@thegreenblue.org.uk
Thanks go to SNH and to the Crown Estate for their continued support.
15/02/10
Do you want to get active in Scotland but not sure where to start? Would you like more information about nature conservation and wildlife? Try some of these useful links for great ideas about activities and sources of information in Scotland.
Keen to conserve water voles? See SNH’s guidance at www.snh.org.uk/publications/on-line/wildlife/vaoles/default.asp
Want to report a wildlife crime? wildlife.crime@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Like to apply for a grant for a programme to fight wildlife crime in Scotland? www.snh.org.uk
Concerned about crimes against birds? www.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/policy/wildbirdslaw/report.asp
Want more information on Scottish Government programme SEARS? www.sears.scotland.gov.uk
Want to know more about Scottish wildlife and conservation legislation? www.scotland-legislation.hmso.gov.uk
Want to know more about Regional Important Geological Sites in Scotland? www.ukrigs.org.uk, maeb@bgs.ac.uk
Want more information about seabirds in the UK? www.jncc.gov.uk/seabirds
Would you to know how seabird colonies Britain and Ireland are doing? www.jncc.gov.uk/smp
For information about running a litter pick go to www.keepscotlandtidy.org/springclean
For information about National Nature Reserves in Scotland visit www.nnr-scotland.org.uk
For information about Scottish Wildlife Trust, all their events and reserves, go to www.swt.org.uk
To share your bird records for monitoring and conservation go to www.birdtrack.net or email BTO on acot.info@bto.org or birdtrack@bto.org.
For information on the Scottish Marine Bill, go to www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/bills/25-MarineScot/index.htm
For information about marine Special Areas of Conservation (SAC’s) in Argyll go to, www.argyllmarinesac.org.
For more information about marine protected areas across the UK go to www.ukmpas.org
7/11/09
The Scottish Canoe Association (SCA) has issued comprehensive new guidelines on invasive non-native species and biosecurity. This web-based advice is aimed at informing paddlers about a wide range of biological threats that have the potential to seriously harm the waters in which we paddle. Our biosecurity webpages therefore set out to provide paddlers with the knowledge to avoid inadvertently transporting parasites, diseases and non-native species from one site to another.
The SCA’s advice can be viewed here
It has been reported recently that one million non-native North American Signal Crayfish have been removed from Loch Ken by the Galloway Fisheries Trust over a 6 month period. Furthermore, it is estimated that invasive non-native species and fish diseases cost the Scottish economy, and therefore us, upwards of £500 million per year and the UK economy £2 - £6 billion per year. When you look at these facts and figures then consider the fact that an egg from a non-native animal species or short strand of a living stem from a non-native plant species can be transported in a canoe or on a damp item of clothing, you then realise how we as a community need to be vigilant and adopt habits that reduce our potential for causing the spread of these parasites, diseases and species.
For several years the SCA has worked with government agencies and angling bodies to promote the message about avoiding the import of the salmon parasite Gyrodactylus salaris (Gs) into Scotland from infected countries such as Norway. Our long-standing Gs advice now sits alongside a wide range of additional information on various other biosecurity threats within this new section on our website.
Other threats that are described on the website include inland and marine species, many of which are already in Scotland, or in some cases in other parts of the UK. So, whichever type of paddling you are involved in there are issues that you need to be aware of and the SCA encourages you to become familiar with the advice on our webpages and to urge other paddlers to also take a look.
SCA Director Eddie Palmer said: “Now that we have statutory access rights in Scotland it is only right that there is greater emphasis on responsibilities. Everyone who uses the outdoors for their recreation, or their work, has a responsibility to consider their potential for being a biosecurity risk and to do all they can to reduce that risk.”
SCA Access and Environment Officer Mike Dales went on to say: “The most simple and effective step that any paddler can do to reduce his or her risk to biosecurity is to drain your boat every time you leave the water. We encourage every paddler to spend an hour looking at the advice on our website, to learn more about this issue and to understand why it is so vitally important, but as a simple first step to make a difference straight away - get into the habit of draining your boat starting with the next time you go out.”
For further details email mike.dales@canoescotland.com. or call 01738 850175
Source: SCA 17/11/09
25/08/09
With non-native invasive species posing an increasing threat to our seas coasts and estuaries, Scottish National Heritage will be holding an event for marine businesses to share best practice procedures on Tuesday 27th October at Battleby in Perthshire.
Boats, harbours and marinas can all become fouled by non-native plants and animals often requiring expensive cleaning-up measures, however this event is an opportunity for those who work in the marine environment to learn more about the risks and to consider possible responses to this threat.
The focus of the day will be on practical measures that businesses can use to reduce this threat. The emphasis will be on learning from each other and sharing experiences, both good and bad. Topics for discussion will include practical methods and strategies for the prevention, detection and control of invasive plants and animals. Recent case studies will be used to demonstrate the spread of non-native species, impacts on biodiversity, effectiveness of control methods and examples of successful management strategies.
Workshop topics will include:
Click here for more information about the event or contact Fiona Manson on 01738 458641 or fiona.manson@snh.gov.uk
Download the poster
Source: SNH 24/08/09
24/08/09
The Scottish Government has adopted Zero Waste as it's goal. Zero Waste does not mean that waste disappears. Instead, it means eliminating the unnecessary use of raw materials; sustainable design; resource efficiency and waste prevention; re-using products where possible; and recovering value from products when they reach the end of their lives either through recycling, composting or energy recovery, in accordance with the waste hierarchy.
Zero Waste means that everyone in Scotland - business, householders and the public and voluntary sectors - needs to reflect on how to reduce the amount of waste that is produced; how we can reduce unnecessary consumption and how we can improve our recycling rates. This consultation draft of Scotland's Zero Waste Plan outlines a vision of the way ahead and how this will be achieved.
Starting: Thursday, August 20, 2009 Deadline: Friday, November 13, 2009
Scotland's Zero Waste Plan Consultation - (SEA) Environmental Report
As part of the preparation of The Scotland's Zero Waste Plan the Scottish Government is carrying out a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). SEA is a systematic method for considering the likely environmental effects of certain Plans, Programmes and Strategies (PPS). SEA aims to: integrate environmental factors into PPS preparation and decision-making; improve PPS and enhance environmental protection; increase public participation in decision making; and facilitate openness and transparency of decision-making.
Starting: Thursday, August 20, 2009 Deadline: Friday, November 13, 2009
Source: SNH 24/08/09
18/08/09
Earlier this year yachtswoman and Green Blue ambassador Dee Caffari MBE became the only woman in history to have circumnavigated the globe singlehandedly, non-stop in both directions. And now you can have the chance to hear about Dee’s sailing experiences during an evening with Dee Caffari to be held at The Rose Bowl in Leeds.
Dee has faced the dangers of icebergs, the most fearsome storms the Southern Ocean could muster, gone without sleep for days on end, and relied on no-one but herself for months at a time. What’s more, this feat is all the more amazing given that Caffari didn’t take up sailing until 9 years ago, leaving behind her a career as a teacher, to learn windsurfing and teach water sports in Barbados!
Dee portrays her experiences in a highly motivational way, is renowned for inspiring others to work to their own goals and is widely acclaimed by all those who have heard her speak.
Fresh from her latest achievement this summer, breaking the 1800 nautical mile round British and Ireland mono-hull record, Dee’s talk includes some extraordinary film footage taken aboard her yacht Aviva and some dramatic photographs from her worldwide endeavours.
Dee will be speaking at the rose Bowl in Leeds on the 24th September at 7.30pm. Tickets cost just £10.00 and can be booked at www.leedsmet.ac.uk/inspiration
Click here to down load a copy of the poster
14/08/09
A Marina in Wales has been found to be hosting a potentially highly damaging species of Sea Squirt. Didemnum Vexillum, known as the Carpet Sea Squirt, was found earlier this year by a research student investigating non-native species in North Wales. Didemnum Vexillum is potentially deadly to aquatic life as it smothers marine habitats in thick sheet-like growths. Colonies can be found on wood and metal pilings, moorings, ropes, chain, rocky outcrops, gravel sea beds and boat hulls. The animal can suffocate organisms such as other sea squirts, sponges, seaweeds, scallops, mussels and oysters, and where these colonies occur on the sea bed, can act as a barrier between fish and their food.
A task force of experts was brought in to deal with the problem, with the first action being to remove the fouling from the boats that had the sea squirt on them, thus ensuring that they would not transport the organism to other areas. The fouling was then disposed of on land. Particularly badly affected were two boats that had not had hull cleaning carried out for at least two years. The marina took a proactive approach with all of its berth holders and neighbours. Berth holders were written to with details of how to spot and deal with the possibility of having Didemnum Vexillum living on their boat hulls. And posters were distributed to neighbouring boat clubs and other marinas showing what the organism looked like.
As it is extremely difficult to identify non-native species, the best course of action for boat owners is to ensure that their hulls are properly scrubbed and antifouled regularly.
See The Green Blue website for more information on non native species, and guidance on antifoul.
Click here to read the full case study
Click here to see our non-native species poster
24/02/09
The Grab Trust (the Group for Recycling in Bute and Argyll) announce 2 events to focus our minds on marine litter and creativity.
Beach CleanWhy not join in a community beach clean at Kilmory Bay on Sunday 1st March - it’s your opportunity to help remove the detritus of modern life.
To see the details on the beach clean click here.
If you would like to know what you could do with beach rubbish, then why not pop along to Kilmartin House Museum on 28th February and join in the ‘Art from Beach Litter’ workshop run by Colonsay artist Jane Rose. Children can also join in the fun (with Aisa Nebreda from the GRAB Trust and The Green Blue volunteer) and design and make their own bird mobile. An ‘Island Tidelines’ exhibition of the work of Jane Rose also begins at the museum from 1st March.
To find out how to join in the fun click here.
To learn more about the GRAB Trust and visit their website click here.
18/02/09
British Waterways’ has included a rule in its new licence terms about discharge of waste or so called ‘grey’ water from boats, boaters should now only use phosphate-free detergents.
British Waterways are concerned that excessive amounts of plant nutrients – mainly phosphates are present in the network’s water, which can cause a proliferation of plant and algae growth.
Too many aquatic plants can become an obstruction to navigation, cause levels of oxygen in the water to fall dangerously low, and prevent rare and more delicate plants from growing. Too many algae can also cause oxygen levels to fall, and some species (blue green algae) can produce a scum that is potentially harmful to humans, pets, and farm animals.
British Waterways (BW) has always allowed boaters to discharge "grey water" (waste water from sinks and showers) overboard. This is perfectly legal and has not caused any problems to date. However, the number of boats using the network is growing, and there is also a trend for some to have dishwashers and washing machines, with the waste water plumbed into the grey water system. This means that the amount of pollution from boats is gradually increasing, and at a time where other forms of pollution are being better controlled.
In most waterways the amount is still small compared with other sources, but BW need to show that they are doing all that is reasonable to control the situation. BW realise that a ban on overboard discharge of grey water would be very inconvenient for boaters, but think that using phosphate-free detergents and soaps is something that all boaters can do at minimal cost. Indeed for some time BW has recommended the use of "environmentally friendly" detergents in the Boaters Handbook.
There are an increasing number of "green" products on the market, many of which will be phosphate-free (it will say on the label). Examples are Ecover, Tesco’s "Naturally" range, Sainsbury’s "Cleanhome" range, Faith in Nature’s "Clear Spring" range, or the Bio-D range available from many Oxfam shops. For washing machines, some "wash-balls" are also phosphate-free, such as the T-Wave laundry discs.
Shampoos and shower gels by ethical stores such as Lush and Body Shop are also likely to be acceptable according to BW’s website Waterscape.
It is clearly not feasible for BW to monitor compliance with any rigour, but should water quality problems occur in a particular area that are related to phosphates from boats, the licence condition gives BW the necessary power to take enforcement action.
Fot The Green Blue's advise on cleaning you boat click here
To visit the Inland Waterways Association website click here
03/02/09
Join The Green Blue for an evening of top tips and advice on how you can help protect Scotlands coast and Waterways
Julia Christie from The Green Blue and volunteers from the MVS Tay will be speaking on all things environmental at the Royal Tay Yacht Club on Wednesday 11th February. If you are a member of Royal Tay Yacht Club or a nearby sailing club, then you are welcome to join us and be inspired.
For more information click here
03/02/09
Keen angler, environmentally minded and would like to support the conservation of sharks? ....Then this shark tagging event may be of interest to you. The Scottish Sea Angling Conservation Network (SSACN) are holding a three day shark tagging event in June to help provide information for shark conservation in Scottish Waters. If you would like to participate in this ‘no take’ event then please read the SSACN information below:
27/01/09
The Green Blue has now recruited it's first volunteers in Scotland and has recently held a very successful volunteer training day in Scotland. Kindly hosted by Royal Gourock Yacht Club, new recruits travelled from across Scotland to participate in the one-day training course.
29/01/09
Many of you kindly responded to our questionnaire this time last year and The Green Blue has had a busy year in Scotland since, raising awareness and distributing our environmental advice for recreational sailors, clubs and businesses. We have now trained 6 volunteers around Scotland, so hopefully we will be able to give more talks and reach more clubs in 2009. In order to start planning our talks programme for the New Year, if your club/association would like us to come and speak to committee and general members, then please contact me (see below)
21/01/09
As The Green Blue, the environment programme for the Royal Yachting Association and the British Marine Federation, celebrates its first and very successful year in Scotland, they are delighted to announce and welcome Boyd Tunnock CBE as an ambassador for the project.
21/01/09
Wild Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage have teamed up with WiSe (Wildlife Safe) to deliver two one-day training courses for marine tourism operators. WiSe is a UK-wide accreditation programme aimed at boat operators (skippers and crew)
27/11/08
The forth Estuary Forum and Annual conference will be helf on thursday 4th December 2008 at the Inchrya Grange Hotel, Polmont near Grangemouth
07/11/08
Wild Scotland is delighted to announce its annual conference "Wildlife Tourism: Bucking the Trend" will be held on Thurday 27 November 2008 at SNH Conference Centre, Battleby, Nr Perth.
27-10-08
Scotland’s seaweed could be the latest weapon in the fight against climate change, according to a new report to be published tomorrow (Monday 27 October) commissioned by The Crown Estate and conducted by researchers at The Scottish Association for Marine Science. The report details the potential of farming marine algae to be used to produce biomass to heat homes and fuel transport while avoiding the problems associated with biofuels, such as the use of valuable agricultural land.
26-09-08
Children Improve Clubs' Green Credentials
Loch Tummel Sailing Club is in one of the most beautiful parts of Perthshire, on the south west shore of Loch Tummel, a National Scenic Area. Loch Tummel is surrounded by forest and mountain scenery and there is an abundance of wildlife on the shores and in the river.
26-09-08
Largs Yacht Haven Minimises the Risk of Pollution
Since its initial development back in 1984, LargsYacht Haven has undergone more expansion and now accomodates over 700 berths on the pontoons and 230 on hard standing. The site is also home to Largs Sailing Club, the Scottish Sailing Institute, slipway, restaurant, chandlery, boat broker, sail makers and repair businesses.
04-08-08
The Green Blue attends the Maritime Festival in Stornoway
The Green Blue attended this year’s 10th annual Sail Hebrides Maritime Festival in Stornoway and helped the event organisers to ‘think green’ and encouraged participants to minimise their environmental impact whilst enjoying the sailing activities on offer. Project Officer, Julia Christie, see photo, gave an environmental briefing For the full
05-07-08
Lamlash bay, Isle of Arran is a popular destination for dinghy and cruising sailors in the Clyde, offering great scenery and a sheltered bay with visitor moorings. Whilst sailors only tend to see the above water scenery, the underwater habitat is equally stunning. Divers undertaking survey work discovered beautiful maerl (1) seaweed beds, which are important nursery grounds for young fish and shellfish. Concerns over damage to the seabed from scallop dredging and fishing activities prompted the local community to get together and discuss proposals to help protect marine wildlife in Lamlash Bay and the Clyde.
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.
Enjoy watching whale and dolphins in Scotland responsibly whilst helping to monitor their numbers.
Whilst sailing in Scottish coastal waters it is likely that you will see basking sharks, whales and dolphins.
Go along to Port William on Sunday 8th June to take part in the World's Ocean Celebration Day. There will be a range of activities for all ages and they are all free of charge! You can learn about the marine world including fishing, scuba diving, sea birds, seafood cookery with Douglas Lisis, marine mammals with the MCS Cool Seas Roadshow and lots, lots more! The Green Blue publications will be available to take away with you. For more information visit »
http://www.solwayfirthpartnership.org.uk/diary.asp
The hugely popular How to... guide has been re-written for the Scottish audience updating the 'useful information' links to direct readers to the relevant organisations and initiatives in Scotland. To request your copy of the guide please email scotland@thegreenblue.org.uk or download the pdf version.
Our cartoons bring to life advice on energy saving measures that the recreational boater can consider whilst taking to the water in our great climate. Month by month get great energy savings tips.
»The Green Blue | Energy Saving Cartoons
The Green Blue are pleased to announce their new ‘Top Tips.....to help you protect Scotland’s coast and waterways’. This great looking leaflet has some helpful tips and advice on how recreational boaters can minimise their environmental impact. It is an ideal inclusion into club handbooks, newsletters or pilot and harbour guides. Alternatively print off a copy and display as a poster on your notice board.
So please feel free to take this opportunity to download an A4 or A5 pdf version
28-02-08
11-02-08
08-01-2008
05-12-2007
26-10-2007
10-10-2007
The Crown Estate
BMF Scotland
RYA Scotland
Scottish Coastal Forum
Scottish Inland Waterways Association
SEPA
Scottish Natural Heritage
Clean Coast Scotland
Sport Scotland
