 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
In addition to the information provided elsewhere on the Green Blue website, this page is aimed at highlighting particular issues and initiatives in Northern Ireland. The aims and objectives of The Green Blue are reflected in aspects of the “Out and About” programme in Strangford Lough relevant to water sports. This reinforces the importance of the project in Northern Ireland, not only for Strangford Lough but for the rest of the waterways and coasts that make up its unique environment for boating and watersports.
By following a few simple steps suggested on this website, we hope the future of recreational boating and associated industries remains sustainable, 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 Northern Ireland. News and information will be added as and when you you let us know! info@thegreenblue.org.uk
The Green Blue is supported in Northern Ireland by The Crown Estate's Marine Stewardship Fund
Attention all charter boat companies and marine wildlife enthusiasts! A WiSe (Wildlife Safe) marine ecotourism training and accreditation scheme will take place in Barholm Hostel, Portaferry, on the 1st March 2008.
Do you want to be WiSe and get a qualification recognising your commitment to our wonderful wildlife and showing you know how to view marine wildlife from your boat in a sustainable manner? The WiSe scheme is the first and only programme in the UK to offer training and accreditation to boat operators interested in the development of sustainable marine ecotourism. By becoming a WiSe operator you will benefit from the experience, knowledge and support of the organisers, show your commitment to our wonderful wildlife, and become part of a widely publicised body with a rapidly developing national profile.
The WiSe (Wildlife Safe) scheme is aimed at operators of small to medium-sized craft including commercial passenger-carrying vessels and other boat owners and organisations. It is not only targeted at operators who offer dedicated marine wildlife viewing trips, but also at those who simply view marine wildlife on an opportunistic basis.
Operators attending the WiSe scheme will receive training in the fundamentals of how different species react to the approach of vessels, and how to reduce disturbance to a minimum, in an effort to ensure that all boat-based operations that encounter marine wildlife do so in a sustainable manner.
Please download a flyer for more information or view the WiSe website for further details: www.wisescheme.org or download
Previously trained operators should be aware that as the accreditation lasts for a three year period, they are invited to attend the course and refresh their skills.
This popular course is being run by WiSe with support from the Environment and Heritage Service, the Strangford Lough Office, SLMAC, The Green Blue, The National Trust, the Royal Yachting Association, as well as Ards Borough and Down District Councils.
So be WiSe – get trained and accredited now! The cost of the course is £50 per person, to be paid on the day or by arrangement with WiSe.
To book a place on this course, please contact: Dr Lynn Gilmore (Strangford Lough Office) Phone: +44 (0) 284272 9005 Email: lynn@strangfordlough.org OR Colin Speedie (WiSe) Phone: (07836) 746197 Email: cds@mer.eclipse.org.uk or info@wisescheme.org.
Due to the demand for information from clubs, businesses and individuals, The Green Blue has now developed a volunteer programme recruited and trained of a team of individuals in Northern Ireland. Volunteers attended a training and induction day in March to learn about the work of the project and the main environmental issues which affect the recreational boating community.
These volunteers will be representing smaller local and regional shows, regatta’s, boat jumbles or any other suitable event in their region to meet members of the public and distribute Green Blue information. They may also be addressing clubs to give presentations to members about The Green Blue.
We are keen to hear any suggestions you may have for events or talks suitable for volunteers in your region. Should you have any suggestions or need to know more about the project please contact Katherine Rowberry, Project Development Officer by telephone on 023 8060 4227 or email katherine.rowberry@thegreenblue.org.uk and keep your eyes peeled for a Green Blue volunteer at an event near you!
Carrickfergus Sailing Club (CSC) combined forces with Conservation volunteers Northern Ireland and The Green Blue to promote environmental awareness and good practice amongst the boating fraternity and the local community by planting native trees in their town centre grounds to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
The members of Carrickfergus Sailing Club have made a commitment to improve their local environment over the coming months and stage one for the club is to plant native trees in the club grounds.
Eric Bann, a volunteer with both The Green Blue and Conservation Volunteers Northern Ireland said “It is an excellent achievement by the club to get so many of the club members involved in such a worthwhile activity, celebrating our local biodiversity on a day when more hedonistic pursuits are usually followed”. Eric continued “It is especially appropriate that the club is improving the local environment as the grounds are adjacent to a site of international nature importance: Belfast Lough Special Protection Area (SPA)”.
Wendy Grant of Carrick Sailing Club said “The members are keen and committed to increasing the biodiversity of the club grounds and reducing the club’s impact on Belfast Lough”.
Eleanor Ballard, Biodiversity Projects Manager with Conservation Volunteers, funded by Building Sustainable Prosperity added “Planting native trees will contribute to Northern Ireland’s biodiversity and reduce harmful runoff from the car park, which has the potential to negatively impact upon the Lough”.
After their tree planting endeavours and before the St. Patrick Day celebrations continued with more traditional St. Patrick’s Day pursuits, the sailing club members took the opportunity to learn more about The Green Blue initiative and how simple steps can minimise their environmental impact when on and off the water.
Conservation Volunteers, Northern Ireland’s leading practical nature conservation charity, has grown and supplied the trees, and provided tools and expertise for the members and visitors to plant them.
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 Northern Ireland and accross the UK, 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 Northern Ireland
Some areas are designated with SAC status because they have environmental features which are particularly important to preserve. If you are visiting or anchoring any of these areas, you might want to take extra precautions to reduce your environmental impact. For example, take extra care where you anchor and take care not to drag, and use only recommended landing areas when going ashore. You can find lots more tips in our How To... Guide
The Coast and inland waters of Northern Ireland have numerous UK Marine Special Areas of Conservation approved by the UK Government. To find out where these are located and more about the special features of the sites visit the Joint Nature Conservation Committee’s web site.
RYA Northern Ireland
http://www.ryani.org.uk/
Ulster Wildlife Trust
http://www.ulsterwildlifetrust.org
Environment and Heritage Service
www.ehsni.gov.uk
WWF Northern Ireland
http://www.wwf.org.uk/core/about/nireland.asp
Seasearch Northern Ireland
http://seasearch.wisshost.net/northernireland/index.htm
Department of the environment Northern Ireland
http://www.doeni.gov.uk/index/protect_the_environment/water.htm
Sports Council Northern Ireland
http://www.sportni.net/
Northern Ireland Sailing
http://nisailing.co.uk/
Discover Northern Ireland
http://www.discovernorthernireland.com/
Designated and Proposed Ramsar sites in Northern Ireland
http://www.jncc.gov.uk/page-1393
