Gold standard
Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard is the first shipyard in Australia and the second marina to form a partnership with International SeaKeepers.
27 September 2023
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Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard (GCCM) has partnered with the non-profit organisation International SeaKeepers Company to promote oceanographic research through direct involvement with the yachting community.
GCCM is the first shipyard and the second marina in Australia to form a partnership with SeaKeepers, which supports marine science and ocean conservation by utilising privately owned yachts as platforms for oceanographic research, educational outreach and marine conservation.
“GCCM’s commitment to continued environmental improvement has set the benchmark for marinas worldwide, and we are very excited to partner with SeaKeepers,” says Andrew Chapman, chief operating officer at Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard.
“As an accredited Clean Marina and Fish Friendly Marina, GCCM is very committed to this goal. By partnering with SeaKeepers, we can help raise awareness of the importance of ocean conservation to our boaties.”
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GCCM, which is located mid-way between Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef on Australia’s east coast, says its customers can help SeaKeepers map the global seabed by participating in the Discovery Yacht Program or by donating to SeaKeepers.
The Discovery Yacht Program is an initiative that provides yacht owners with the opportunity to collect valuable oceanographic data while cruising and send it to SeaKeepers for research purposes.
Vessel involvement ranges from participating in concise seabed mapping, as part of the Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2023 Project, to monitoring manta rays in Australian waters, as part of Project Manta.
“Located between Sydney and the Whitsundays, we are the chosen refit stopover for many yachts and superyachts migrating south and north,” says Chapman. “We will suggest they participate in this program; these big travellers will increase the data about the seabed tremendously.”
Melissa White, program development manager at SeaKeepers, adds: “We are excited to have GCCM as a partner in our Marina Partner Program. GCCM is a well-respected marina and shipyard, and they share our commitment to protecting the marine environment.
“By working together and considering the number of vessels coming to GCCM for their refit needs, we can reach a wider audience and raise awareness of the importance of ocean conservation.
“In addition to mobilising more vessels to engage with ocean conservation, research and education, the Marina Partner Program is key to promoting best boating practices and protecting the ocean by adopting responsible measures as a vessel owner.”
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