Date: 12 May 2022
For Immediate Release
CORAL SEA MARINA SHINES A SPOTLIGHT ON WORKING TOWARDS CLEANER OCEANS
Coral Sea Marina is an accredited Clean Marina/ Fish Friendly marina with an unwavering mission to protect the natural environment in which they live and work. Through the marina’s Coral Sea Academy platform, this mission is supported by educating vessel owners, visitors and operators on how they can take action to affect positive environmental change and work towards ensuring cleaner oceans.
For the first time, the marina hosted an Environmental Week (9 – 13 May 2022) to offer awareness, education and inspiration to both the boating and wider community.
“Commitment to good environmental management practices is a key priority for our business”, Joscelyn O’Keefe, Marketing, Sales & Service Manager, explains.
“As a destination marina, in the heart of the world-heritage listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, we understand the importance of educating vessel owners and visitors to the region to ensure that environmental awareness remains top of mind as they spend time in the Whitsundays. Many of the events we host through our Coral Sea Academy have a sustainability focus, so Environmental Week offered an opportunity to combine some of the events for greater impact.”
Environmental Week included a sustainability information session with leading industry professionals in the environmental sector, who presented on current initiatives in place at the marina and across the region. From Tangaroa Blue’s ReefClean program to energy and waste reduction advice from EcoBiz and the Whitsunday Climate Change Innovation Hub on their dedication to decarbonising tourism in the region.
Tangaroa Blue Foundation, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the removal and prevention of marine debris, presented on their ReefClean program and on how every individual or business can contribute.
“If all we do is clean-up, that’s all we’ll ever do! Tangaroa Blue Foundation was excited to be able to present a range of practical actions that everyone can take through our ReefClean program that reduces our plastic footprint on the marine environment.” explains Heidi Tait, CEO of Tangaroa Blue Foundation.
In addition, attendees were invited to visit the newly installed seagrass nursery at Coral Sea Marina, in partnership with the Coastal Marine Ecosystems Research Centre at CQ University, as well as receive a practical training opportunity on what to do in the event of an emergency oil spill.
As the tropical winter months approach, the Coral Sea Academy will provide multiple events over the season with topics designed to educate and inspire locals, visitors and guests on the natural environment, sustainability and preserving the Great Barrier Reef.
The next event, on Saturday 21st May, from 10am, will be an introduction to “Cruising the Whitsundays”.
This event is suitable for anyone visiting the region for the first time, those returning to enjoy a winter in paradise, or for those who simply have not had the opportunity to get out and explore the islands and reef in quite some time.
Guest speakers include Robert Congoo, Cultural Educator at Giya Ngaro Cultural Services, Fiona Broadbent from Queensland Parks and Wildlife, Jessanie Johnsen – Australia’s only Master Reef Guide and Savannah Guide, and Master Reef Guide Crystal Lacey on behalf of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.
All are welcome to attend this free event featuring presentations from guest speakers who will be shining a light on the Whitsunday Islands, local marine life, the health of the reef and what to expect when out on the water this season.
Discover more about the Coral Sea Academy and other upcoming events HERE.
About Coral Sea Marina Resort
Coral Sea Marina is an award-winning 520 wet berth marina located in the heart of the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef. As the first 5 Gold Anchor Platinum accredited marina in Queensland, Coral Sea Marina offers premium marina facilities and a range of concierge services for vessels up to 80m.
Coral Sea Marina is part of Coral Sea Marina Resort, a tourist destination that also includes a 77-room waterfront boutique resort, two vibrant marina villages, an inspiring calendar of events and is home to 80% of the region’s on-water tourism products, making Coral Sea Marina Resort the ultimate place to stay, play, explore the Whitsundays.
Media Enquiries: Joscelyn O’Keefe, Coral Sea Marina – 0488 049 807 | Joscelyn@csmr.com.au