Advanced Eco Certification

Three Sea Darwin products have achieved advanced eco certification.  Sea Darwin is proud that all experiences can identify as ecologically sustainable tourism with a primary focus on experiencing natural areas that fosters environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation.

Eco Initiatives 

Embracing the concept of sustainable tourism, all tour practices on Sea Darwin tours have been developed and are managed with the aim of conserving the top end salt water environment and the habitat and cultural environment of Bare Sand Island.  For Sea Darwin, the journey of sustainability continues.

On board the MV Snubfin

The MV Snubfin is powered by efficient four stoke engines which have the lowest emission rating relative to power output for outboards. Strategies are in place to optimise efficiency in fuel usage.

There in an onboard sewerage treatment system within a holding facility that was designed to International Standards.

All hospitality services are managed within a sustainable framework.  There are no disposable containers or cutlery used in food service;

All rubbish from the boat is bagged and returned to Darwin for appropriate disposal.

The island and coastal environment

Temporary mooring facilities are used between Bare Sand Island and its surrounding reef, and serves both to protect the reef from the impact of anchoring, and reduces fuel usage and emissions associated with anchoring;

In 2009 Sea Darwin guides initiated a ritual of rubbish collection during the first beach walk of every tour.  Each tour rubbish was weighed and bought back to Darwin for disposal.  From April 2010, arrangements have been made with a Duke of Edinburgh participant to conduct proper marine debri collection on the island in association with WWF.   Check out the results here.

On all tours, all verified sightings of marine mammals are recorded and forwarded to the Coastal Dolphin Research Project .  Identification information is provided to all tour participants through interpretation sheets situated on each seat of the MV Snubfin. 

The Turtles

On all tours, information is recorded in regard to location and identification of nesting turtles and forwarded to the Austurtle Research Project;

From 2010 a portion of every turtle tour ticket sold is contributed to Austurtle . 

Interpretative turtle information is provided in hard copy to all tour participants through interpretation sheets situated on each seat of the MV Snubfin;

Turtle watching protocols have been developed and implemented.  These are based on the national code of practice.  Additionally specific initiatives in 2009 for Sea Darwin include reduced use of lighting, providing tour participants with a red glow bangle for safety and instituting photography protocols;

All tours include guiding by a qualified turtle guide who has individual qualifications, and who is fully familiar with Sea Darwin turtle watching protocols;

A professional photographer from Untamed Outback Images travels on most  tours and uses specialised low light diffusing equipment which lessens the impact of photography on the turtles.

Marketing

Sea Darwin's key on board marketing tool is a survival kit which is contained within a reusable calico bag, and the majority of the marketing material has been produced by local artists.

Sea Darwin has commissioned the production of a children’s story book for use as merchandise.  “Mimih the Mindil Beach Mermaid” was written and illustrated by Darwin locals, and includes an environmental message.  The story is set on Bare Sand Island and features a flat back turtle that is threatened by marine pollution, but assisted and saved by Austurtle researchers.  See www.mimih.com.au

Cultural and Social Environment

Sea Darwin acknowledges the Larrakia asTraditional Owners of Bare Sand Island and respects their requests that passengers stay on the sand dunes, light no fires  and do not visit the sacred site.  Written interpretative information about this request is kept within reach of each seat on the MV Snubfin, and this is supported on arrival at the island by verbal story.

Turtle Tracks is included as part of Sea Darwin's Educational Encounter in an effort to provide young people the opportunity to have an interactive experience at one of Australia’s most important flatback nesting grounds.