Environment
At Mayflower Marina we are keen to promote good environmental practice. We work closely with our employees, tenants and berth holders to raise awareness of environmental issues to help minimise the impact of our collective activities.
Our environmental policy highlights that we are committed to complying with current legislation and seek continuous improvement in our environmental performance.
The Marina provides comprehensive recycling facilities for waste oil, oil contaminated waste, antifouling tins and accessories, batteries, metal, glass, food waste, cardboard, plastic, tins, foil, aerosols, newspapers and magazines. The Marina also has special waste reception for the disposal international catering waste and a sewage holding tank pump-out facility.
Here’s a list of some of the measures we have in place:
- We employ Clean Coast Services to keep the water of the marina free of debris.
- We have installed solar electric, solar PV and an air source heat pump to help reduced our reliance on mains electricity and gas.
- We buy ‘100% Green’ electricity.
- We have substantially phased out non-LED light bulbs.
- We provide comprehensive recycling facilities.
- We provide facilities for the disposal of most hazardous waste streams arising from boat maintenance.
- We have put stop taps on our water hoses to help conserve water.
- We collect anti-fouling washings in an interceptor tank beneath our hoist dock.
- We have spill kits available and procedures in place to contain and clean up after a spill.
- We have a portable sewage pump to empty onboard holding tanks.
- We have facilities for the disposal of international catering waste. Please ask for assistance.
- We will properly dispose of time expired flares.
Plymouth Sound and Tamar Estuaries Marine Protected Area
The Plymouth Sound and Tamar Estuaries Marine Protected Area (MPA) encompasses a number of National and International designations that recognise the importance and value of habitats and species within the area. It is the responsibility of competent authorities to ensure that activities within the MPA do not adversely impact on the features of the site.
Not all features lie beneath the waves or below a boat’s hull. Intertidal mudflats and sandflats are home to incredibly rich in faunal communities (animals that burrow into the substrate) that provide rich feeding grounds to wading bird populations, including avocets and little egrets. The saltmarshes within the estuaries are nationally important again providing an important habitat for birds.
You do not have to go far into the depths to find a myriad of species inhabiting the reefs and seagrass meadows. The latter are a vital resource as they produce oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide and provide shelter for juvenile fish. The reefs, especially those along the deep-water channel at Firestone Bay are home to diverse communities of sponges, hydroids and anemones.
The Green Blue
Please do look at The Green Blue website for more information on good environmental and sustainable practice. The Green Blue is the joint environment programme created by the Royal Yachting Association and British Marine to reduce the impact by boat users and businesses on coastal and inland waters and to keep them in great shape now and for the future.
To help safeguard the marine environment we ask that you follow advice from The Green Blue:
- Overboard is out - never allow rubbish to go overboard.
- Recycle if you can - please recycle everyday waste in the marina’s recycling facilities.
- Check your engine for leaks - Ensure oil and fuel do not enter the water. Install a bilge filter and mop up any spills.
- Please don’t flush in the marina - use the shore-side toilets and showers, unless your boat has a holding tank fitted. Navigate carefully around wildlife - to minimise the risk of disturbance that can disrupt feeding, breeding or resting patterns.
- Clean Green - use low phosphate, environmentally friendly cleaning products.
- Clean up hazardous waste - safely dispose of hazardous waste arising from maintenance activities in the marina’s hazardous waste bins.
- Save water - use the stop taps at the end of marina hoses to save water when washing.
