In an inspiring collaboration to protect marine environments, the EcoMarines Foundation has partnered with Manly-based Freedom Boat Club to conduct a waterway cleanup initiative in Moreton Bay.
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Students from a local Bayside school recently participated in an environmental conservation effort, boarding a Bayliner Trophy centre console boat to remove floating waste between Manly Boat Harbour and Lota housing canals. The expedition was part of the EcoMarines Foundation’s educational program, which currently engages over 200 Queensland schools in environmental stewardship.
Brett Bolton, owner of Freedom Boat Club – Brisbane, said: “We are so proud to be one of the first EcoMarines Corporate Crew partners and help students put their classroom learnings into real-world practice out on the water.”
“Our boat club members understand the value of maintaining pristine waterways so it was great to team up with some budding young environmental custodians to keep the bay clean,” he added.
Mr Bolton highlighted the marine life’s activity, noting, “Marine life has been unbelievably active this year with turtle, dolphin and dugong sightings a regular occurrence on every member boating trip. Whales have also been out in force with hundreds of sightings deep in the Bay between Green and Moreton Island.”
He emphasized the importance of conservation, stating, “It is our duty to protect this world-class environmental playground and all our members are educated on the protection of wildlife and the environment during their compulsory induction training. We need to protect this sensitive ecosystem so our children and their children can also enjoy what we have today.”
EcoMarines Foundation CEO Angela Massy said: “Our collaboration with Freedom Boat Club aligns with our long-term vision to care for and preserve the environment.”
“Clean waterways are essential not just for aesthetics but for the health of our ecosystem and the survival of all living beings. Partnerships like this offer students meaningful, hands-on experiences that show them the tangible impact of their actions. Together, EcoMarines and Freedom Boat Club are making a lasting difference in preserving Moreton Bay’s natural beauty and biodiversity,” she added.
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The initiative provides students with a unique, hands-on experience that demonstrates the direct impact of environmental conservation efforts, combining educational outreach with practical action to inspire a new generation of environmental custodians.
Published 28-November-2024