Increasing numbers of privately-owned yachts – from the very smallest to some of the world’s most prestigious superyachts - are signing up to carry out marine citizen science projects with the International SeaKeepers Society’s DISCOVERY Programme.
One of the most recent to join is Captain Jon Amtrup, renowned as an expert sailor, author and environmentalist.
Jon signed up his 45-foot Danish-built aluminium-hulled sailing yacht “Njord” to become a DISCOVERY Yacht, and to ensure his yacht would not be adding to any marine pollution, he first installed a Wavestream bilge filter system onto his yacht. This removes all traces of oil, diesel, paint particles, microplastics and microfibres from his bilge and ensures only clean water is emitted overboard.
“I needed to know that my own vessel would not be creating pollution while we undertake citizen science projects for SeaKeepers,” says Amtrup. “You can see how easy it is to fit the Wavestream bilge filter here”
The first project Jon will support is ORCA OceanWatchers Citizen Science whale and dolphin monitoring programme. With a planned sailing schedule for 2025 which includes sailing trip through the North Sea to Hamburg, and as far north as the Lofoten Islands, the Faroe Islands and Norwegian archipelago, the data Jon collects will help further monitor important habitats and identify hotspots so researchers can drive policy and help create protected areas to safeguard these animals for the future.
Wave International is a UK-based manufacturer of environmental protection products and provides systems that ensure no pollution is created from vessels including bilge filter systems, grey water and oily waste separators.
“Many of the larger Discovery Yachts are in fact legislated to have to have such systems on board,” says Wave International’s MD Paul Gullett. “Our mission now is to help the myriad of smaller yachts all over the world to take collective responsibility and prevent any form of pollution getting into the oceans and waterways. Working with Jon and his 45-foot yacht, we can demonstrate how easy these low-cost, maintenance free filter systems are to install.”
Gill Rodrigues, Director of International Relations at SeaKeepers says: “Through the DISCOVERY Programme, we are delighted to strengthen our relationship with Wave International as we work to advance marine sciences and raise awareness of critical ocean issues. Our shared commitment to real-world solutions is essential in addressing the challenges facing our oceans today. Captain Jon Amtrup’s support for research in the Arctic and along the North Norwegian coastline will be invaluable, and we are grateful for Wave International’s dedication to our mission. We look forward to a remarkable year ahead and warmly welcome DY Njord to SeaKeepers fleet.”
About The International SeaKeepers Society
The International SeaKeepers Society is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that facilitates oceanographic research, conservation, and education through direct involvement with the yachting community. Providing educational resources and hands-on marine science experiences to students is the primary focus for ensuring the wellbeing of our planet. SeaKeepers enables the yachting community to take full advantage of their unique potential to advance marine sciences and raise awareness about global ocean issues.
Founded in Monaco in 1998, The International SeaKeepers Society has been supporting ocean conservation through direct involvement with the yachting community for more than twenty-five years. What started as a data collection program aboard select luxury yachts, has evolved to engage thousands of participants annually with at-sea and coastal programming. Today SeaKeepers’ mission is focused on the DISCOVERY Yacht Program which is comprised of Scientist-Led Expeditions, Citizen Science, Educational Outreach, and Community Engagement.
As a catalyst working with governments, scientists, institutions, and other marine organizations to further its mission, SeaKeepers supports sensible, achievable marine protection and restoration. Activities take place globally through the efforts of headquarters based in the United States with offices located on the east and west coast, and international representation in Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the South Pacific.
About Jon Amtrup
Recipient of the 2020 and 2024 Brian Black Memorial Award, Jon recently skippered Greenpeace’s high-latitude expedition yacht documenting the ecosystems of whales and dolphins in the Arctic and North Norwegian coastline, in an area threatened by Norway’s proposals for deep-sea mining.
