GOLD COAST, QUEENSLANDS – Southport Yacht Club (SYC) proudly announces its partnership with The International SeaKeepers Society (SeaKeepers), a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing marine science, conservation, and education through innovative collaborations with the yachting and boating community. This partnership perfectly aligns with SYC’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship as the club seeks to minimize its environmental impact across its operations.
Located in Queensland, Southport Yacht Club was awarded Clean Marina Level 3 and Fish Friendly accreditation in 2014. Since then, substantial improvements have been made to enhance its sustainability efforts. Recent initiatives include the introduction of a food recycling center in the kitchen to reduce food waste and promote responsible consumption, as well as steps to phase out plastic straws. Additionally, the club is actively exploring new ways to reduce its carbon footprint across all departments.
One of the latest sustainability projects is the introduction of “Trash-Cat,” a specialized vessel designed to clean Southport’s waterways by collecting floating debris such as glass bottles, aluminum cans, and plastic containers. Funded by SYC, this initiative not only helps maintain the beauty and cleanliness of the marina’s surroundings but also significantly reduces landfill waste and recycling costs.
Mark Riddell, Waterfront Manager at Southport Yacht Club, expressed his enthusiasm about the new collaboration: “We at Southport Yacht Club are very excited to partner with The International SeaKeepers Society and look forward to building a great relationship.”
Through this partnership, Southport Yacht Club joins a global network of vessels committed to advancing marine science and conservation. Together, SYC and SeaKeepers are poised to make a significant impact on the protection and sustainability of marine environments for future generations.
Melissa White, Director of the South Pacific chapter of SeaKeepers, also expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership: “We are thrilled to welcome Southport Yacht Club as a partner in our Discovery Yacht Program. Their proactive approach to sustainability and environmental responsibility aligns perfectly with our mission. We are excited to explore new opportunities for research and citizen science that contribute to the conservation of marine ecosystems in Australia and around the world.”
ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL SEAKEEPERS SOCIETY
The International SeaKeepers Society is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that facilitates oceanographic research, conservation, and education through direct involvement with the yachting community. Providing educational resources and hands-on marine science experiences to students is the primary focus for ensuring the well-being of our planet. SeaKeepers enables the yachting community to take full advantage of their unique potential to advance marine sciences and raise awareness about global ocean issues.
Founded in Monaco in 1998, The International SeaKeepers Society has been supporting ocean conservation through direct involvement with the yachting community for more than twenty-five years. What started as a data collection program aboard select luxury yachts, has evolved to engage thousands of participants annually with at-sea and coastal programming. Today SeaKeepers’ mission is focused on the DISCOVERY Yacht Program which is comprised of Scientist-Led Expeditions, Citizen Science, Educational Outreach, and Community Engagement.
As a catalyst working with governments, scientists, institutions, and other marine organizations to further its mission, SeaKeepers supports sensible, achievable marine protection and restoration. Activities take place globally through the efforts of headquarters based in the United States with offices located on the East and West coast, and international representation in Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the South Pacific.
VISIT WEBSITE – SEAKEEPERS.ORG
ABOUT SOUTHPORT YACHT CLUB
Established in 1946, Southport Yacht Club is known worldwide for its exceptional sailing and powerboat fraternities, award-winning boating facilities and exceptional and exclusive waterfront dining.
The Waterfront Restaurant within the Main Beach Clubhouse also went through an extreme upgrade in late 2008, having the western end of the clubhouse knocked down and completely re-built, the waterfront restaurant boasts a relaxing atmosphere complemented with exceptional seasonal menus whilst the Compass Room offers an exclusive setting for corporate, private functions and wedding receptions all year round. We are proud to invite you to visit The Southport Yacht Club which is acknowledged to be second to none on the East Coast of Australia.
VISIT WEBSITE – SOUTHPORTYACHTCLUB.COM.AU