Introduction to Econavigation:

Eco-Navigation is a protocol for environmentally sustainable boating practices, developed by Archipelagos. It aims to minimise the trace left on the marine environment by all boats including yachts, merchant navy and ferries, in order to create a safer environment for all. Econavigation encourages all water users to be responsible for maintaining a symbiotic relationship with the environment and ensure their impact on it is a positive one.

The Greek Seas:

The Greek Seas have a very rich biodiversity, with a total of 12000 recorded marine species. Even though most seas in the world are degraded daily, the Greek seas still support important populations of rare and protected species. This natural wealth still survives in our seas purely by chance, since no management or conservation measures are in place. Especially important for the productivity of marine ecosystems, are the Posidonia meadows, in which over 300 species of flora and 1000 species of fauna can be found. This habitat is protected under international and national legislation.
The Greek seas also support populations from 8 species of marine mammals, some of them being the last remaining populations in the Mediterranean. Species such as the Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachus monachus) and the Short-Beaked Common Dolphin (Delphinus delphis) are considered highly endangered.

 

Posidonia and Anchoring:

Posidonia Oceania is a species endemic in the Mediterranean and Aegean seas. It forms extensive seagrass beds up to a depth approximately 30m or 40m. These beds form a unique habitat, providing food and shelter for fish and crustaceans. Posidonia also plays an important role in combating coastal erosion and loss of beaches. Seagrass beds sit offshore from beaches and as the waves attempt to carry sand away from the shore, the seagrass beds trap the sand and prevent it from being carried away.

Studies have shown that anchoring in Posidonia Seagrass beds can cause damage to and even kill certain sections of the beds. In the Aegean Sea, these beds are located in many different areas.

• If you intend to anchor in a bay or harbour, do some advanced research as to whether there are seagrass beds present in the bay.

• If they are present, ensure you avoid the beds when anchoring. Choose to anchor in sandy or rocky seabed areas

• If possible, use public mooring or marina facilities .

 

Holding Tanks:

Untreated sewage and other waste water produced by yachting and boating activities can be harmful to the environment and other water users when dumped overboard in the coastal zone. Bilge water can also be considered waste water but is generally not as harmful to the environment. There are two main types of waste water on board boats:

Black water
Black water is raw sewage. Although the effects of black water generated by pleasure craft are small compared to sewage treatment plants, it can potentially damage water quality in a number of ways:

• It can introduce bacteria and viruses into the water that can pose a health risk to other water users (e.g. swimmers and divers.)
• Filter feeding micro-organisms and shellfish feed on the waste and can become contaminated, impacting on both humans and biodiversity in the coastal zone.
• Sewage introduces nitrogen and phosphorous into the coastal environment, encourage overproduction of plant species such as Algae and impacting on biodiversity.
• Legislation varies between countries on how black water should be disposed of but generally it is assumed that the use of a holding tank in all coastal areas is the best solution. Sailors can do their bit to help by following the steps below:

1. Holding tanks should be discharged at suitable pump out facilities.
2. Where this is not possible, tanks should be discharged only in open sea, 3nm from shore.
3. When in a port, always use the local facilities and ensure all the crew is instructed to do the same.

A useful table of basic legislation relating to holding tanks in various European countries is presented below.

Grey Water
Grey water is the bi-product of everyday living on a boat. It includes all sink and shower water and the cleaning products contained in this. This water can often be more harmful than black water as some cleaning products can be highly damaging to the environment. It can increase phosphates in the water and can also introduced toxic substances like formaldehyde and bleach into the marine environment. There are a number of things that sailors can do to reduce their discharge of grey water:

• Ensure that all cleaning products used on board are eco-friendly
• Reduce use of cleaning products altogether
• Create a link between grey water outlets and the holding tank or, if possible, install a dedicated grey water holding tank.

Basic Guide to European Holding Tank Legislation:

Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products:

Traditional cleaning products can contain ingredients that are extremely harmful to the environment. As mentioned above, these can be discharged into the marine zone through sink and shower waste water. Where possible, use eco-friendly cleaning products such as Ecover. Below is a table of natural alternatives to traditional cleaning products.

Antifouling:

While in the water, the hull of a boat provides a perfect habitat for many marine organisms such as algae and molluscs. If a build up of these organisms occurs it can severely slow the movement of a vessel and increase fuel consumption. Anti-fouling paint is used to prevent these organisms from attaching to the hull.

In the1970’s, antifouling paint was made using the compound Tributylin Tin (TBTs). The use of this material was seen as a step in the right direction for the environment as previous anti-fouling paints generally consisted of copper and DDTs, a highly poisonous substance. Although this was an effective antifouling material, it was soon discovered to be toxic.
It is extremely harmful to marine micro-organisms and mammals and evidence has shown that it particularly damaging to shellfish. Studies conducted on dog whelk populations have shown that exposure to TBTs in the environment can alter the reproductive system of the female, rendering them infertile. TBTs have also been shown to be immuno-suppressants. High levels of the substance have been found in the livers of stranded otters and dolphins, indicating that the creatures may have developed diseases due to a reduced immune system capacity.
In recognition of these harmful effects, new legislation has been introduced in the last 10 years to discourage the use of anti-fouling containing TBTs. The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) adopted the Convention on the Control of Harmful Antifouling Systems on Ships (AFS Convention) in 2001, phasing out the use of antifoulants containing TBTs.

Minimise your impact:

• Prevent anti-fouling from unnecessarily entering the water. Skirt the hull and use a tarpaulin.
• Dust from sanding paint and antifouling coatings is toxic. Using a dustless vacuum sander will also protect your heath.
• If you use scrubbing piles, only scrub off the fouling and not residue paint – be careful not to let old or new paint enter the water.
• Select a marina, club or boatyard which has a ‘scrub-off’ facility which collects residues and wash down.
• Select the right type of antifouling for your area and boat usage – take advice from your chandlery. Use water-based paints where possible, or low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds). Ensure there are no TBTs
• Look into environmentally friendly bottom paints, such as vinyl, silicone or Teflon, which are suitable for in-water hull cleaning systems.
• Apply the right amount of antifouling required and do not spill it – when applying use a sheet to collect drips.

Sailing near Marine Mammals and Turtles

If you come across a pod of dolphins, or a lone sperm whale, turtle or seal, you need to follow these guidelines to ensure that your presence does not disturb them.

• Maintain vigilance whilst travelling. Many marine mammals, and especially turtles rest on the warm surface waters and they are often killed after collision with speedboats.
• Admire marine mammals and turtles from a distance.
• Maintain a constant speed
• Don’t pester marine mammals and turtles: Leave them lots of space to manoeuvre. Make sure there is an ‘escape route’ for them so they don’t feel trapped
• Don’t chase them, let them come to you
• Don’t get in the water with them, wild animals are unpredictable
• Don’t try to feed them
• If there is a baby in the group take care to not get too close and NEVER get in between a mother and her calf
• If you see an animal that appears to be in distress or injured, do not attempt to rescue it. The best thing to do is to contact Archipelagos or the nearest authorities who will determine the most suitable course of action for the animal.

Simple Checklist