Wales

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In addition to the information provided elsewhere on the Green Blue website, this page is aimed at highlighting particular issues and initiatives in Wales. The Green Blue compliments the 'Catching The Wave' initiative, which aims to increase annual revenue from water sports by 40% within 6 years, taking the total contribution to the Welsh economy to £224m by 2010. By following a few simple steps suggested on this website, we hope this can be achieved sustainably, boosting watersports participation whilst ensuring environmental impact is not increased overall.

Below you will find links to some of the key organisations working in the environmental field in Wales. News and information will be added as and when you you let us know! info@thegreenblue.org.uk

The Green Blue is supported in Wales by The Crown Estate's Marine Stewardship Fund, the Countryside Council for Wales and the Environment Agency Wales

New Project Coordinator appointed in Wales

Ruth and Bob The Green Blue has now appointed a Project Coordinator dedicated to delivering the project that has been so successful in England to Wales. Ruth Sharratt has taken on this role and will be based at the home of the Welsh Yachting Association (WYA) at Plas Menai. This itself is located in a fantastic position overlooking the Menai Strait which is a proposed Special Area of Conservation and demonstrates the important balance that must be met between recreational boating and the environment.

Ruth pictured with Bob Lowe of WYA

Sailing and boating is a popular and growing activity in Wales. With some of the most beautiful coast in the UK and a rich marine biodiversity it is important that our activities do not damage this area. Following The Green Blue messages will help ensure that growth in the recreational marine sector is sustainable and and does not compromise the wonderful coastline and wildlife which makes it so enjoyable.

To help spread these messages, Ruth will be visiting many clubs, marinas and marine businesses in Wales. You may wish to get in touch to let us know how your club or business has taken the initiative and made your activities more environmentally friendly or you may want help and information to go Green, or more Green. So if you have some good ideas,want to tell us what you are doing or want Ruth to come and talk to your WYA club, training centre or business about the Green Blue then contact The Green Blue in Wales.

» Contact Ruth Sharratt ruth.sharratt@thegreenblue.org.uk

» www.welshsailing.org

Volunteering Opportunities with The Green Blue

Do you enjoy using the water?

Ever wondered what you could do to help the environment?

The Green Blue is the flagship environmental awareness programme from the Royal Yachting Association and the British Marine Federation. It aims to educate the boating community about its environmental impacts and how to minimise them.

The Green Blue is now seeking enthusiastic people to play an essential voluntary role in representing The Green Blue at events across your region.

As a volunteer you will be trained in issues covered by The Green Blue and then asked to attend a number of boating events throughout the year. You will then be able to represent The Green Blue at events such as boat shows, boat jumbles and regattas around your region. You could also be asked to do speaking engagements on behalf of the programme and give talks to local and regional clubs and interested groups.

We need people who are passionate about sailing and boating activities and who have some knowledge, but more importantly, enthusiasm for the environment. Full training will be given and you will need your own transport.

This is a voluntary role and travel, entry fees and subsistence costs will be covered by agreement with the Project Development Officer. The role will include weekend and occasional evening work and could include transporting and setting up a mobile display and running competitions.

For more information about The Green Blue, visit www.thegreenblue.org.uk or contact Katherine Rowberry, Project Development Officer, for more details about the opportunity and application pack on info@thegreenblue.org.uk or 023 8060 4227.

The Green Blue pump-out directory

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It is well known that the disposal of sewage from boats on inland waterways is prohibited by law and navigation authorities require that sea toilets are sealed. However, on small craft (less than 15 passengers) on our coastal waters it is left to the individuals judgement (although do check local regulations or byelaws) and are often not used.

In order to assist and encourage recreational boaters in locating and using pump-out facilities within Wales, the Green Blue has produced a series of maps covering both inland and coastal areas. These are divided into regions and give both the location and contact details for each provider.

We hope that this information will help you to plan ahead and ensure that you are not ‘caught short’ with regard to emptying your holding tank.

Download the pump-out map for Wales

Find out if any areas you sail in are protected and why!

Some areas are designated with SAC status because they have environmental features which are particularly important to preserve. If you are visiting or anchoring in any of these areas, take extra precautions to reduce your environmental impact. For example, take extra care where you anchor if there are important bottom species, and in particular, ensure that you don't drag anchor. Use only recommended landing areas when going ashore. You can find lots more tips in our How To... Guide. In the meantime, enjoy visiting these beautiful areas!

Anglesey Coast (Saltmarsh) / Glannau Môn (Cors heli)

Cardigan Bay/ Bae Ceredigion SAC

Carmarthen Bay and Estuaries/Bae Caerfyrddin ac Aberoedd cSAC

Cemlyn Bay / Bae Cemlyn SAC

Dee Estuary/ Aber Dyfrdwy

Lundy Island

Menai Strait & Conwy Bay / Y Fenai a Bae Conwy

Pembrokeshire Marine/ Sir Benfro Forol cSAC

Pen Lln a'r Sarnau/ Lleyn Peninsula and the Sarnau SAC

Severn Estuary/ Môr Hafren SPA

Find a Club or Marina

To find a training centre, club or marina in Wales, visit the RYA website and you can locate the nearest one to you!

Find a Marine Business

If you are looking for a rigger, chandlery or broker, you can find those located in Wales by searching on the British Marine Federation website. Ensure that you ask for a copy of the company environmental policy before you do business with them, and check that they are sticking to it!

Wildlife Awareness Training

If you run a charter company that operates in any of the protected areas listed above, you might want to consider wildlife awareness training to ensure that you fully understand the implications of your actions on the local environment. The WiSe Scheme is extremely affordable (£50 per person) and WISE accreditation demonstrates to your customers that they can view marine life responsibly from on board your vessels. Forthcoming dates can be found on the WiSe website

www.wisescheme.org