Ways Sailors Can Support Marine Conservation Efforts

More and more sailors are pitching in to help promote marine conservation, and for good reason—even small actions can make a large impact. This article lays out a few ways you can protect the sea through ecotourism and sailing best practices. Learn more about how to help marine conservation before booking a bareboat with Go Sail Virgin Islands below!  

How Can You Support Marine Conservation?

There are lots of ways to support marine conservation, including eco-tourism, volunteering, and doing your part to promote environmentally and socially responsible sailing. Let’s take a better look at a few ways you can help. 

Work With a Local Organization

Green VI 

Green VI has worked in the British Virgin Islands since 2009 to promote safer conditions for the land and people in the BVI. How can you help? You can volunteer with the organization and pitch in firsthand by participating in a beach cleanup. 

The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy has protected the 25-acre Estate Little Princess on St. Croix in the USVI since 1991. They recently started a marine conservation project, designating it as one of their Coral Innovation Hubs. The organization studies how to preserve the coral reefs around the VI. You can donate to this and other projects directly with the organization.

University of the Virgin Islands

The University of the Virgin Islands does a lot for the local community and nature around it. One option for younger USVI residents is the Youth Ocean Explorers Summer Program. The annual event teaches local students more about wildlife and what they can do to preserve it. You can also donate to the program to support the marine conservation effort for young children.

Visit the Virgin Islands on an Eco-Tour

Sailing responsibly is another way you can help with marine conservation. Learning to sail is a great green travel option, and there are itineraries for beginner to advanced sailors. You can book a British Virgin Islands eco-adventure or an eco-tour of the US Virgin Islands. 

British Virgin Islands

Travel around the British Virgin Islands on a sailboat on a BVI eco-tour. By visiting destinations such as The Baths and North Gorda Sound on a sailboat, you can help reduce carbon emissions while enjoying the pristine coastal beauty up close. To help support marine conservation on your visit, be sure to:

• Visit eco-friendly restaurants, like Beach Club Restaurant. The hotel restaurant uses solar power and sustainable business practices to help reduce its impact on the nearby Caribbean Sea. 
• Don’t disturb the wildlife while snorkeling or beachcombing. The delicate ecosystem is vulnerable and should be left alone
• Be respectful of the local infrastructure. Pack out any trash you bring, and ask locals for advice on how you can preserve the coastal shores. 

US Virgin Islands

Another option for an eco-tour itinerary takes you island hopping through the US Virgin Islands. One of the highlights, Virgin Islands National Park, accounts for well over half of the land on the US Virgin Islands. The park makes an enormous impact in preserving the wildlife, land and ocean. Visiting makes a direct financial impact on the program and community. When you visit, remember to: 

• Know where you can anchor or moor. 
• Purchase the relevant permits before visiting.
• Pay attention when snorkeling and swimming to avoid damaging coral reefs and other wildlife. 

Practice Safe and Sustainable Sailing

You should also practice safe and sustainable sailing on an eco-tour. Some tips include:

• Never drop anchor in a mooring area.
• Check that your boat is free from leaks and damage.
• Double-check your vessel for any invasive species before sailing your boat.
• Wear eco-friendly sunscreen and bug spray.
• Avoid carrying single-use plastic.

Plan Your Sailing Trip

Now that you’ve learned how to support marine conservation, it’s time to start thinking about sailing! Book an eco-trip with GSVI!