If you’re looking for opportunities to make a difference or give back, there are a myriad of ways
to do so in the yachting and boating industry. The International SeaKeepers Society, better
known as SeaKeepers, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year as a non-profit organization
that supports marine science education, research, and conservation by working with privately
owned vessels as platforms for oceanographic research, educational outreach, and marine
conservation. Their efforts permit scientists to maximize research potential and provide the
yachting community with a way to advance marine science and raise awareness about global
ocean issues.
With the emergence of new technology and projects, vessels can participate in Citizen Science
from anywhere in the world. From captains to the crew to yacht owners and their families,
participating in our Citizen Science programs with no prior knowledge of instrument
deployment or marine science is not an issue, and collecting scientific data has never been
easier. Citizen Science offers a valuable opportunity for vessels to get involved in smaller-scale
marine research initiatives.
Participate in the Seabed 2030 Project
As part of the effort to map the world’s oceans by 2030, SeaKeepers has partnered with the
Seabed 2030 Project, along with the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) Data Center
for Digital Bathymetry (DCDB) at the National Centers for Environmental Information, Boulder,
Colorado. This collaboration provides and manages small hardware data loggers that are used
to collect bathymetric data from volunteer observer vessels. Any boat can get involved by
relaying information collected on board from data loggers. These loggers can be easily installed
and integrated into the boat’s existing mechanical system. As vessels travel the world and visit
remote areas, participants offer the rare ability to map zones most vessels or people will never
see and where information may be scarce. Learn more about this project here.
Collect Samples by Towing a Net
The Neuston Net Research Collective unites the academic world and the international yachting
community in an effort to conserve and understand our oceans through research with net tows.
Citizen Science kits allow crews and owners to conduct plankton survey-style transects related
to one of our partner research projects. These Nets are made with fine mesh and towed by
vessels to collect samples of neustonic organisms, algae, plastics, plankton, seawater, and
more. Nets are provided to vessels around the world depending on the location required for
research. Learn more about this project here.
If you wish to join the DISCOVERY Yacht Fleet, fill out the application on the SeaKeepers
website today to get started. For more information, contact [email protected] to learn
more.
