Recreational boating and the environment

The dreaded "sea vomit" has been found in Norway – this is how you can help prevent its spread.

The alien species Didemnum vexillum, also known as sea vomit, is found along the coast of Norway. The species settles like a blanket on the seabed, suffocating species that lie beneath.

In several places in the world, it has caused major problems for the marine environment and the marine industry.

If you have a recreational boat, you can help with a few simple measures:

• Check if there is sea vomit where you have your boat
• Clean the boat often, and make sure that sea vomit does not get back into the sea. It must be put on land to dry and die.
• Check that the hull is clean before you go out and travel in new areas

More information can be found on the State Administration of Rogaland's website

Scrap deposit - subsidy for the return of discarded recreational boats

Discarded recreational boats may contain parts that can harm the environment, and there may also be hazardous substances in the boat, for example from antifouling in the hull. Most lrecreational boats in Norway are made of composite materials. Dumping such boats into the sea will lead to degradation that over time leads to microplastics in the sea.

By collecting and treating boats that are to be discarded, we prevent people and nature from being exposed to hazardous environmental toxins and microplastics from boats that are put away. In addition, material recycling and energy recovery of the boats will result in reduced greenhouse gas emissions and other positive environmental effects.

The Norwegian Environment Agency provides grants for the handing in of discarded leisure boats for legal reception. The person who delivers the leisure boat will receive NOK 1000 per leisure boat.

Read more on the Norwegian Environment Agency's website (miljodirektoratet.no)

Marine litter

Recreational boaters are good at cleaning up after themselves. Nevertheless, the sea brings with it a lot of plastic and waste that remains on beaches, bays and islands, where boaters usually enjoy life. Did you know that 6 out of 10 Norwegians go boating every year? Imagine if everyone who was out on a trip with a recreational boat could take some marine waste home with them. That would have been of great use. We love nature, love the sea and want to keep our beaches clean and neat. Will you join the volunteer effort? Take a bag of waste home with you every time you are out on a trip.

Read more about marine waste and where you can drop off your waste Sortere.no

Environmental Advisor

The Royal Norwegian Yacht Club has produced a guide that addresses many environmental issues related to both maintenance and use of leisure boats. It can be read on the KNBF's website.