The Green Blue has an active research programme, which informs and underpins its work in other areas. The first phase has resulted in a major report 'The Environmental Interactions of Recreational Boating' together with a comprehensive database of scientific papers and the launch of our student research programme. Follow the navigation bars above to search the database or view details about our student research programme.
To make the best use of all information that currently exists, the first phase of our research involved a desk study that collated all the existing knowledge from studies that have already been conducted in UK waters, and relevant information from further afield.
This resulted in the report ‘The Interactions of the Recreational Boating Sector and the Environment’. This was undertaken by independent consultants ABPMER on behalf of Green Blue and was published in spring 2006.
The report included gap analysis which revealed where current knowledge gaps currently exist, and particularly where quantifiable data is lacking. This analysis will now inform the Green Blue research programme in years 2 and 3. Fact sheets will be produced on the main impact areas.
A database of 550 scientific and regulatory papers collated as part of the initial desk study is now freely available for all to use.
The Green Blue is now working towards commissioning primary research where the gaps in knowledge have been identified.
The Green Blue has developed a list of suggested research topics for M.Sc. and post-graduate students to consider. These are posted under our Student Research page, together with details of how to apply to work with The Green Blue. Click here to see the full list.
Students undertaking quantitative research into these areas are welcome to apply online for funding. To do so, please complete an online application form giving more details of your proposed research and send to Sarah Black, Project Manager
The Green Blue is also interested in research conducted by industry, and working with the boating industry as part of this programme.
In order to address the environmental impacts of the recreational boating users and industry, it is necessary to determine exactly what these effects are.
Existing research on the environmental impacts of our target audiences does not include comprehensive quantifiable data. Much research indicates that there is a potential for impact, but without quantifiable data and evidence to indicate the severity of this impact, it has been difficult to ensure a common understanding of what action needs to be taken. This is true in areas such as:
Recreational boating also has positive impacts, for example better stewardship of local areas and renovation of disused waterways. We need a better understanding of the effective mitigation measures which can alleviate environmental impact.
Here are details of other organisations offering Awards to students who wish to research into the environmental interactions of recreational boating.
Hamble Estuary Student Research Fund
There is a wealth of information captured in The Green Blue's research database. Here are links to some other major studies known to The Green Blue:
National Clean Boating Campaign
The US's National Clean Boating Campaign has an extremely useful research database of scientific papers and guidance documents, albeit relating to American ecosystems and patterns of boat usage.
UK Marine SACs
Information on Special Areas of Conservation
CMS Coastal Management
Hub for research and information about ports
Institute of Estuarine & Coastal Studies, University of Hull
Searchable research database
UK CEED
The UK Centre for Economic and Environmental Development undertakes research on sustainability
