News

12-08-2008

Marine Discovery Leading The Way

Combining a trip to check up on Salcombes recycling scheme Dan Reading, The Green Blue's recycling officer visited Marine Discovery to study the steps they were taking to minimise their environmental impact and the plans they had for the future.

Marine discovery is WISE accredited and is based in Penzance where they take visitors out on their boat to watch marine wildlife. Duncan and Hannah, the owners of the business are trained teachers and the trips have a high educational content which aims to inspire and enthuse people about the marine environment with the aim of increasing awareness of the natural world and inspiring a conservation ethos.

The company recently invested in a jet drive boat eliminating any possibility of the propeller harming wildlife. Marine Discovery realise that using diesel to power the boat is not sustainable and are hoping to operate with recycled vegetable oil when it is logistically possible. For now the company offsets their carbon footprint with tree planting.

Marine Discovery work closely with marine charities in particular Marine Connection, contributing money to aid marine conservation issues worldwide. In 07-08 financial year they raised close to £6000 for marine charities.

Of Particular interest to Dan was the fact that all waste produced by the trips was kept by the pair and recycled where possible. In addition to this they print all of their literature on recycled paper using vegetable based inks.

The business is also opening an education centre in conjunction with The Marine Connection with the aim of reaching a wider audience with their marine conservation message. It is hoped that in the future they will also be able to offer educational packages to local schools through the centre.

Finally Dan was lucky enough to see his first sunfish, Duncan explained that on their trips they regularly see basking sharks, dolphins, seal, sunfish and even turtles.

For more info see www.marinediscovery.co.uk