Since 2014 SeaKeepers has completed over 150 scientific expeditions aboard DISCOVERY Yachts, directly engaged more than 2,700 students in ocean conservation issues, and indirectly impacted over 85,000 students by research and educational outreach efforts. This could not have been achieved without the direct support of vessels from around the world, which are the platform for SeaKeepers’ programming.
The Marina Partner Program is designed to create an association of cooperating facilities that partner with The International SeaKeepers Society in promoting marine conservation and education to their constituents. Marinas are uniquely positioned to encourage participation in ocean conservation programs and best boating practices in protecting the environment.
Programming opportunities which address marine research and education are promoted to marinas and their clientele. Vessels that are interested in learning more can participate by signing up online as a potential DISCOVERY Yacht. Once a vessel profile is added to the SeaKeepers database, program opportunities that match the owner’s interest and vessel capabilities are offered on a regular basis and the vessel owner can opt-in to learn more if an agreeable date and type of activity for participation is identified.
Program engagement ranges from multi-day expeditions to citizen science opportunities which can be done independently on the vessel owner’s schedule. Vessel owners who generously donate time on their yachts may qualify for tax benefits to the extent allowed by law and will be recognized at SeaKeepers events, featured on the SeaKeepers website, and acknowledged in the SeaKeepers newsletter. In addition to mobilizing more vessels to engage with ocean conservation, research, and education, the Marina Partner Program is key to promoting best boating practices and protecting the ocean by adopting responsible measures as a vessel owner.
Doral Academy’s Builders Club joined SeaKeepers for a floating classroom aboard DISCOVERY Vessel Bayripper and DISCOVERY Yacht Isabel.
SeaKeepers conducting field research with Beneath the Waves in the Bahamas aboard DISCOVERY Yacht Mystique.
SeaKeepers hosts students from the Changkat Changi Secondary School aboard DISCOVERY Yacht Sun One.
SeaKeepers’ ‘A Green Guide to Boating’ is a practical guide offered to all boaters and is essential reading for common sense tips on boating responsibly. The Guide is offered as part of the Carbon Impact Program that addresses carbon emissions and the measures we can take to reduce them. We also welcome the opportunity to showcase marinas that are striving to implement best management practices and are ensuring a more environmentally responsible approach to vessel storage and maintenance.
DISCOVERY Yacht YSI Greenline 48’, a coupe hybrid yacht that was able to participate in a mini-ROV deployment on electric propulsion.
* Benefits may differ for international partners and are defined directly with each participant.
DISCOVERY Yacht SAM deploying a genome plankton sampling net across the North Pacific.
DISCOVERY Yacht Paraffin collecting water samples enroute from Singapore to Redang Island along the east coast of Malaysia.
Tony Gilbert, Chief Programs Officer
Cell: 305-281-1497
Office: 786-924-6209
Email: [email protected]
Gill Rodrigues, Director of International Partnerships
Cell: +44 7458 368245
Email: [email protected]
Melissa White, Program Development Manager
Cell: +1 817 690 0116
Email: [email protected]