The recreational boating industry is misleadingly often regarded as a main source of marine pollution because of its high visibility near coasts.
But in fact leisure sailing has minimal impact on the marine environment according to an independent study commissioned by the European Confederation of Nautical Industries (ECNI).
The study concluded that land-based human activities account for 77 per cent of all marine pollution. Dumping at sea accounts for a further 10 per cent with another 1 per cent coming from offshore oil exploration and drilling.
Only 12 per cent of marine pollution can be attributed to sea-based activities — namely maritime transport, transporting hydrocarbons and other hazardous products, port activities and accidents such as oil spills, degassing and other releases.
Small craft - less than 24m (78ft), and including commercial/fishing vessels - account for just 2 per cent of oil pollution of the marine environment. Within this segment recreational craft represent only a small fraction.
The report also highlights the fact that engine emissions from recreational craft are constantly reducing in the face of increased legislation and technological advances.
The report concludes that the visibility of boating makes it an easy target within public perception of polluters: “It is frequently easier to blame the visible recreational activities rather than the unseen but far more insidious land-based and commercial marine practices,” the report states.
It concludes: “Despite the lack of concrete date, it is estimated that recreational marine activities amount at most to a fraction of one per cent of the total (of marine pollution).”
ECNI was founded in April 2004 to represent the European interests of the French, German and Belgian marine industry at EU and international level.
It says: “The future of the recreational marine sector is dependent on the quality of the marine environment. In addition, this study demonstrates that recreational marine activities are only a minor source of marine pollution. The majority of people, who practise nautical activities, be they boaters, windsurfers or divers, have a deep affinity with their environment and a respect for nature.
“For these people, enjoying a well-preserved natural environment is vitally important. If the sustainability and long-term future of nautical activities is to be guaranteed, the environment must continue to be protected from pollution and pressures on its ecosystem.”
To download the full report visit www.ecni.org
