Environment & Sustainability

Environment & sustainability hub

RYA advice and guidance on sustainable boating best practice and environmental issues.

Our policy

The RYA recognises that the protection of the environment is an integral part of our business. We believe that environmental damage is avoidable so will do everything reasonably practicable to prevent.

Anchoring and Mooring

Applying a few simple rules when anchoring and mooring can minimise damage to the seabed, follow guidance in line with the RYA.

Electric boating

The future of many forms of boating is electric. Therefore, how we store electric energy to make them work is a key question.

An image of Inveraray Loch Fine Argyll Scotland

Planning and licensing

Find out more on how the RYA supports members and affiliates with planning and licensing issues, and how we respond to marine licence applications.

Non-Native Invasive Species

While some non-native species are completely harmless, others can cause damage to the environment, economy, and way we live.

Guidance notes

Environmental and Planning related guidance notes and RYA position papers.

man hosing his dinghy whilst on shore on wheels

Antifouling

Antifouling involves applying protective paint to the bottom of a boat. Unlike regular paint, antifoul paint is specifically designed to protect the hull from marine growth.

Taking action for clean water

RYA forms an alliance with six other sports to promote clean open water

man spraying down bottom of boat to remove barnacles and unwanted stuff

Greener Boating

There are lots of actions we can take onboard that protect the environment and don’t reduce our enjoyment of the water.

Man antifouling his boat with protective gear and paint

Protect, Collect, Dispose

Protect Collect Dispose Week is back, and the industry needs your input to continue to explore the use of DIY antifouling

Resource Efficiency

From solar panels to wind turbines and LED light bulbs to bio-fuel, there are plenty of easy and practical steps you can take to save energy on your boat.

Children bringing dinghy down Bartley Slipway

Cleaning slipways

It's common to need to clean a slipway to remove fouling and algae. However, you should be aware that what you use to clean a slipway is regulated.

An European pond covered a lot of cyanobacteria, green biofilm grows on the water

Dealing with Blue-Green Algae

If the toxins from algae are ingested in large quantities they can present risks to human health. Therefore, its essential to protect yourself and others.

Dealing with Weed

Advice for dealing with large growths of aquatic weed on inland lakes, gravel pits, reservoirs and rivers which can cause problems for racing and recreational boating in the summer months.

Fuel tanker truck unloading the new 100% renewable diesel fuel called HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil).

HVO

Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil, HVO, is a biofuel derived from waste materials. Its use results in around a 90% reduction in CO2 emissions.

5 Ways To Help Protect Our Waters

Our waterways and coastline provide incredible habitats to an array of birds and animals that we’re lucky enough to share our time afloat with.

Navigate Safely Around Marine Wildlife This Summer

When spending time on the water, we must do our bit to navigate safely and responsibly around approaching wildlife.

RYA Orca Guidelines

Stay informed about incidents of intentional collisions between Orcas and recreational craft in the Spanish and Portuguese waters.

5 Creatures That Call Seagrass Home

Seagrass is a key seabed habitat, and acts as an important breeding, feeding and resting ground for a variety of protected species.

Anchoring with care

The Green Blue share some best practice tips on anchoring with care and protecting sensitive seabed habitats.

Create Your Own Wildflower Seed Balls!

Simply throw and watch it grow. Wildflower seed balls are not only fun to make but filled with flower power potential.