DENARAU ISLAND, FIJI – June 25, 2024 – Port Denarau Marina, Fiji’s premier superyacht marina located in the South Pacific, and The International SeaKeepers, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that facilitates oceanographic research, conservation, and education through direct involvement with the yachting community, announce a partnership to advance marine conservation efforts by engaging private vessels in the South Pacific.
As a testament to its dedication, Port Denarau Marina has made notable progress in reducing its carbon footprint with the installation of a new solar energy system. This initiative, along with its accreditation as a Level 3 Clean Marina and Fish Friendly status by the Marina Industries Association (MIA) – the first of its kind in the South Pacific – highlights the marina’s leading role in environmental sustainability. Furthermore, Port Denarau Marina has pledged to become a Plastic Free Marina by 2025, reinforcing its ongoing commitment to marine conservation.
“At Port Denarau Marina, our partnership with SeaKeepers and their sustainability efforts aligns perfectly with our mission to offer exceptional value to our guests while championing environmental stewardship. We are excited to support the Seabed 2030 Project’s goal to map the entire seafloor by 2030,” says Cynthia Rasch, CEO of Port Denarau Marina.
Port Denarau Marina will integrate a kit designed by SeaKeepers, featuring specialized hardware data loggers for bathymetric data collection, enabling privately-owned vessels to gather crucial information. These vessels, often operating in remote areas where data is scarce, play a vital role in this global effort. This initiative enhances our understanding of the oceans and underscores our dedication to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #14, aimed at conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas, and marine resources, as well as supporting the “Ocean Decade” flagship program. Together, we are making significant strides towards a sustainable future for our marine environment.
This partnership marks a significant milestone for Port Denarau Marina as the first marina in Fiji to join the SeaKeepers DISCOVERY Yacht Program. Melissa White, Director of the South Pacific for SeaKeepers, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Port Denarau Marina as our first marina partner in Fiji. Their dedication to the environment makes them an ideal fit for our program, and we look forward to advancing our understanding of Fiji through collaborative research initiatives.”
Since its establishment in 1998, SeaKeepers has expanded from its headquarters in Florida, USA, to include locations in Singapore, the South Pacific, and Europe. The DISCOVERY Yacht Program fosters partnerships with organizations, academic institutions, and government agencies through ScientistLed Expeditions, Citizen Science, Educational Outreach, and Community Engagement. By working with yacht owners, SeaKeepers customizes research and outreach initiatives to align with their unique ocean interests, amplifying their contributions to conservation, research, and education worldwide. Vessels are encouraged to join the program, offering them the opportunity to engage in these impactful activities as they navigate the seas.
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