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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.
Anyone who wishes to get involved, or who can advise on potential sponsorship opportunities should contact Julia Chrisite at Julia.Christie@thegreenblue.org.uk or on 0131 317 7388.
07/11/08
Thurday 27 November 2008
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.
The exciting panel of speakers, to help lead discussions are confirmed as:
Wildlife cameraman and BBC Autumnwatch presenter, Gordon Buchanan will inspire everyone with why he thinks Scotland's wild
For more information please visit www.wild-scotland.co.uk
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. Deer, red squirrels and birds of prey are common, with waterfowl and wading birds also found around the loch.
As well as being keen sailors, the members of LTSC appreciate the beautiful surroundings and recognise the need to look after the environment. Everyone is encouraged to take all rubbish home after activities so that cans, glass and paper are recycled. The club has also made efforts to reduce water and energy usage by fitting hippos into toilet cisterns, by having a ‘quick shower’ policy and by using low energy lighting.
Eco Evening
To look at ways the club could improve their ‘green’ credentials an eco event was held for the younger members of the club. The children were asked to think about the environmental impacts of the club and its activities under the following headings:
To read about the childrens findings click here
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.
With increasing berthing capacity, boat usage and use of the Clyde for other watersport activities it is recognised that there is potential for increased pressure on the environment. The watersport industry is dependent on good water quality, so Largs Yacht Haven have taken positive steps to reduce any negative impacts their activities may have on water quality.
Carolyn Elder, Managing Director, has worked hard to improve water quality and to reduce the risk of environmental impact. The major environmental challenges identified include:
Photo copyright Carolyn Elder
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 at the welcome reception, promoting the simple measures skippers could take on board their boats. Attention was also drawn to the fantastic diversity of marine wildlife in and around the Western Isles. Sightings of basking sharks, dolphins, Minke whales and a leatherback turtle were all enthusiastically reported. The requirement for skippers to act responsibly and within the law around these marine animals was emphasised. As always, The Green Blue literature packed full of practical advice proved popular as did the Marine Wildlife Watching Code (by Scottish Natural Heritage). A display of environmentally friendly boating products provided interest for many skippers and crew alike.
For the full report click here
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.
In January 2008 the first community Marine Conservation Area in Scotland, in Lamlash Bay, was announced by the Scottish Government and consultation for this proposal closed on 5th June 2008. The Community of Arran Seabed Trust (COAST) initiated proposals for the marine reserve, which over the last two years has been developed by the Lamlash Bay Working Group, comprising community representatives from COAST, the fishing industry and conservationists. The proposals are intended to protect local shellfish populations and the maerl beds, thereby maintaining and improving marine biodiversity. The proposed Community Marine Conservation Area will include:
Scientific monitoring, especially for scallops will also be carried out.
“the proposals strike a balance between fishing and marine conservation” - Richard Lochhead, Environment Secretary.
Do your bit in Protecting Marine Biodiversity: When sailing in the beautiful waters around Arran or when visiting Lamlash Bay by boat please be aware of these proposals, respect the Marine Reserve and do not fish in the No-Take Zone. Offenders face prosecution and a fine.
For further information on the proposals and consultation visit:
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/04/18144031/0
(1)Maerl is a free living form of some calcified red sea weeds that can form deep beds and reefs. It provides an important nursery ground for young fish and shellfish, offering food and protection from predators. Maerl can support over 600 species, including Queen Scallops which are found in greater numbers on maerl than in other habitats.
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.
In 2002 the MCS published the Good Fish Guide which aimed to educate consumers about how fish were produced and to provide advice on which fish to choose and when. You can still download their pocket Good Fish Guide, but there is now a web based version with information on which fish to eat, which to avoid, minimum landing sizes, maturity and purchasing choices for 150 fish species (www.fishonline.org). Before casting that fishing line though, just check that you are not in a No-Take-Zone first (see below!)
If it is all too much to remember then the Good Fish Guide has been put into song by the Oxford Band, Stornoway. You can listen to this snappy song on www.myspace.com/stornoway and it can also be downloaded from eTunes or iTunes with profits going to the MCS.
For more useful advice and information on minimum landing sizes visit:
www.ssacn.org Scottish Sea Angling Conservation Network - Give Fish A Chance (GFAC)
www.solwayfish.org.uk/downloads Solway Fish - Sea Angling Booklet
Both the websites above list the minimum landing sizes for fish commonly caught in Scotish waters. This is in tabulated form, so easy for quick reference.
No Take Zones
In Scotland, Lamlash Bay has become the UK's first community Marine Conservation Area, with a no take zone proposed on the North side of Lamlash Bay, Arran. This is currently under consultation. For more information visit:
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/04/18144031/0
On the Scottish East Coast the St Abbs and Eyemouth Voluntary Marine Reserve operates a voluntary no take policy.
Since 2003 there has also been a 4 kilometre squared no take zone on the East coast of Lundy Island in North Devon.
For more information visit: http://lundynotakezone.org/
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. Read more..
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
