Increasing numbers of privately-owned yachts – from the very smallest to some of the world’s most prestigious superyachts – are signing up to carry out marine citizen science projects with the International SeaKeepers Society’s DISCOVERY Programme.
One of the most recent to join is Captain Jon Amtrup, renowned as an expert sailor, author and environmentalist. Jon signed up his 45ft Danish-built aluminium hulled sailing yacht ‘Njord’ to become a DISCOVERY Yacht, and to ensure his yacht would not be adding to any marine pollution, he first installed a Wavestream bilge filter system onto his yacht. This removes all traces of oil, diesel, paint particles, microplastics and microfibres from his bilge and ensures only clean water is emitted overboard.
“I needed to know that my own vessel would not be creating pollution while we undertake citizen science projects for SeaKeepers,” says Amtrup. “You can see how easy it is to fit the Wavestream bilge filter below.”
The first project Jon will support is ORCA OceanWatchers Citizen Science whale and dolphin monitoring programme. With a planned sailing schedule for 2025 which includes sailing trip through the North Sea to Hamburg, and as far north as the Lofoten Islands, the Faroe Islands and Norwegian archipelago, the data Jon collects will help further monitor important habitats and identify hotspots so researchers can drive policy and help create protected areas to safeguard these animals for the future.
Wave International is a UK-based manufacturer of environmental protection products and provides systems that ensure no pollution is created from vessels including bilge filter systems, grey water and oily waste separators.
“Many of the larger Discovery Yachts are in fact legislated to have to have such systems onboard,” says Wave International’s MD Paul Gullett. “Our mission now is to help the myriad of smaller yachts all over the world to take collective responsibility and prevent any form of pollution getting into the oceans and waterways. Working with Jon and his 45-foot yacht, we can demonstrate how easy these low-cost, maintenance free filter systems are to install.”
Gill Rodrigues, Director of International Relations at SeaKeepers says: “Through the DISCOVERY Programme, we are delighted to strengthen our relationship with Wave International as we work to advance marine sciences and raise awareness of critical ocean issues. Our shared commitment to real-world solutions is essential in addressing the challenges facing our oceans today. Captain Jon Amtrup’s support for research in the Arctic and along the North Norwegian coastline will be invaluable, and we are grateful for Wave International’s dedication to our mission. We look forward to a remarkable year ahead and warmly welcome DY Njord to SeaKeepers fleet.”
