‘Sailors for the Sea is a leading conservation organization that engages, educates and activates the sailing and boating community toward the worldwide protection of the ocean. Through Clean Regattas, Kids Environmental Lesson Plans (KELP), Ocean Watch and the Green Boating Guide – Sailors for the Sea sends a vibrant message of hope and empowerment. These pragmatic, useful tools and programs enable boaters to take individual and collective action.
As recreational sailors and boaters, it is our duty to help keep our waterways clean and healthy for generations to come. And despite the fact that most boaters act independently of each other, it is important for the group as a whole to have a voice in ocean planning. In 2012, a survey authored by SeaPlan estimated that in the area between Maine and New York, recreational boaters accounted for almost 27,000 jobs and $3.5 billion in economic activity every year. An impact to recreational boating in this area could have a significant economic impact.
Over 40% of the ocean is strongly affected by humans in various ways, such as fishing and shipping. Recreational boaters need to be aware that the waters they rely upon are also being utilized by other people with different motives. Keeping up-to-date on who uses what part of the ocean and how is important knowledge to have as we adaptively learn to best conserve our ocean.’