TheYachtMarket.com Southampton Boat Show to be most eco-friendly yet

Southampton Boat Show 2017 © Southampton Boat Show

British Marine, organisers of TheYachtMarket.com Southampton Boat Show 2018, has announced a long-term commitment to marine conservation to mark World Oceans Day (8 June 2018).

Celebrating its 50th Show this year, British Marine is taking steps to minimise the environmental impact of the event and raise awareness of the plight of the world's oceans among its thousands of visitors and exhibitors.

Working with the Marine Conservation Society, the organisers have launched a dynamic three-year pledge which includes moving away from single use plastics, serving only sustainable fish, continuing to recycle waste wherever possible and encouraging environmentally responsible behaviour by visitors, exhibitors, staff and other stakeholders

By 2020, British Marine aims to have the individual engagement and signed commitment to marine conservation from of all exhibitors and contractors through its Exhibitor and Contractor Environment Charter.

Greg Munford, Acting British Marine President, comments: "As an industry which lives for being on the water, we see first-hand the effects humanity is having on our seas, rivers and inland waterways. It is important to no one more so that this wonderful and unique resource which we rely on is protected.

"As Britain's biggest festival of boating, attracting an international audience of over 106,000 visitors and 500 marine businesses, TheYachtMarket.com Southampton Boat Show provides an ideal platform to drive change and get sailing enthusiasts and boatbuilders alike to take notice."

TheYachtMarket.com Southampton Boat Show takes place at Mayflower Park/Town Quay, Southampton from 14-23 September 2018. Early Bird tickets are now on sale, with two children under the age of 15 going free with each adult. For more information visit southamptonboatshow.com.

TheYachtMarket.com Southampton Boat Show Marine Conservation Pledge

Year One

• No plastic (including polystyrene) straws, cutlery, plates, stirrers or food or drinks containers available at onsite catering outlets. In addition where possible, an alternative to plastic bottles will be used and an emphasis will be placed on investigating future substitutes, particularly in the sale of water
  
• All seafood sold at the Show will be of a sustainable nature according to Marine Conservations Society's Good Fish Guide, with a rating of 3 or above
  
• The continuation of all onsite waste to be sent to an accredited recycling plant for proper processing
  
• Raise awareness of marine conservation among exhibitors and visitors through a number of initiatives both in the run up and during the Show, including the launch of the Exhibitor and Contractor Environment Charter
  
• Actively encourage environmentally responsible behavior by our staff, visitors, exhibitors and other stakeholders
  
• Encourage travelling to and from the Show by public transport where viable

• Water bottle refill areas available at the Show
  
• No plastic cups available at onsite catering outlets
  
• First year of sign ups of the voluntary Exhibitor and Contractor Environment Charter
  
• A sea clean up regime at the Show

• Intention to sign up all exhibitors and contractors to the Exhibitor and Contractor Environment Charter