Sunseeker partners with BLUE to launch new marine conservation programme

Sunseeker International has launched a new marine conservation programme on the Balearic Island of Menorca with its longstanding charity partner, The Blue Marine Foundation (BLUE).

Britain’s biggest boat builder has set out to launch its first campaign, titled Project Menorca, which will focus on the island’s marine environment.

UNESCO declared Menorca a Biosphere Reserve in 1993, however, the island still faces increased pressure from unregulated fishing, tourism and pollution, while the current marine protection scheme is proving ineffective.

Working closely with BLUE, a UK-based charity dedicated to creating marine reserves, the new partnership will establish a recognised model of conservation, supported by local partners on the island.

Project Menorca will support local fisheries in creating a model of sustainable fishing, establish a network of eco-moorings to preserve seagrass beds, protect marine reserves by removing plastics and ghost fishing nets, distribute recyclable bags across the island and recruit on-water rangers for various marine monitoring programmes.

The Sunseeker will also be supporting BLUE’s virtual Blue Marine Yacht Club (BMYC). Launched in 2012 by His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, BMYC’s aims to unite the global yachting community in a mission to protect oceans.

With three levels of membership available, all donors will be given the opportunity to have a guided tour of the Menorca project or at the highest level, naming rights to this or other projects. All revenue raised will go directly to supporting BLUE’s work in Menorca.

BMYC has also developed its own eight-point charter to better observe how to reduce the impact of boating. The code of conduct, which is promoted by Sunseeker, includes information on topics such as reducing damage from anchoring and mooring, stopping marine pollution, the recognition of protected areas, as well as diving and snorkelling best practice.

“We are passionate about the marine environment worldwide,” said Phil Popham, CEO of Sunseeker International. “We strive to be global leaders in all that we do and it’s important to us that we also do our part to help protect one of our most valuable resources, so that we – and future generations – can all continue to enjoy our precious time on the water. Our partnership with BLUE provides this focus and will lead to other projects worldwide.”

“We recognise that there has been a real awakening in the leisure marine industry to be even more responsible and we have been at the forefront of this by encouraging everyone to make a positive impact on the health and well-being of our seas…” he continued.

Clare Brook, CEO of BLUE, commented, “Sunseeker’s inspirational and generous support will enable BLUE to enhance existing marine protection and establish new marine reserves around Menorca.”

“We hope that, through this partnership, Sunseeker and its supporters – people who really love and understand the sea – will be able to enjoy its unspoiled beauty for centuries to come,” she added.

For more information, please visit Sunseeker International.