• Sailing Adventures: Joining a crew to explore the oceans by sailboat. This offers a unique perspective and the chance to experience the ocean’s vastness, beauty and marine ecosystems and wildlife first-hand.
• Crossing the ocean by boat? Minimise your packing. You’ll need everything you can think of without stops for days or even weeks, but you won’t have much space for luggage either.
• Embrace sustainable travel practices to minimise your impact: even more than usual, ensure you take your waste with you and recycle when you disembark.
• Learn before you go: learn to spot the wildlife you might see
• Research and support local marine conservation efforts.
• Sea sickness? Be ready with medications: just in case!

Weather conditions can be quickly changeable, can vary significantly across different ocean regions and are influenced by numerous factors, including local climates, currents, and seasonal changes.

Ocean Weather Variations

For detailed and current weather forecasts for specific ocean areas, it’s best to consult a dedicated weather service or marine weather report.

Oceans and Climate Change Trends

The oceans both impact and are impacted by the planet’s climate, influencing temperature, precipitation, and atmospheric patterns worldwide.

Oceans absorb a large amount of the Earth’s heat, moderating global temperatures. As greenhouse gases increase, oceans absorb more heat, leading to higher sea surface temperatures. This can enhance the intensity and frequency of tropical storms and hurricanes, affecting climate patterns globally.

Warmer ocean temperatures cause seawater to expand, contributing to rising sea levels, which can lead to coastal flooding and erosion.

Climate change can disrupt ocean currents, which are crucial for distributing heat and nutrients around the globe. Changes in currents can affect weather patterns, such as the Gulf Stream’s influence on European climates. Disruptions can lead to more extreme weather events in affected regions.

Recent studies have shown that ocean weather systems, like swirling eddies, interact with climate scales, influencing global atmospheric circulation. This interaction is mediated by atmospheric bands like the intertropical convergence zone, which affects global precipitation and ocean turbulence.

Oceans act as a major carbon sink, absorbing about 30% of human-produced carbon dioxide. This leads to ocean acidification, which can impact marine ecosystems and biodiversity such as coral bleaching’, further affecting climate regulation.

The melting of sea ice and glaciers due to warming temperatures contributes to sea-level rise and reduces ocean salinity. These changes can disrupt ocean currents and local climates, impacting ecosystems and human communities reliant on marine resources.

Overall, the intricate relationship between ocean weather and global climate underscores the importance of understanding and mitigating climate change to preserve oceanic and atmospheric balance.

Whilst the Oceans don’t have a ‘population’ of their own, they do have dependent communities:

Coastal Communities: Approximately 37% of the global population lives in coastal areas, which are crucial for livelihoods, culture, and food security. About 2.4 billion people (around 40% of the world’s population) live within 100 kilometres of the coast, indicating a strong human connection to ocean environments.

Dependence on Marine Resources: Many communities rely on oceans for food, with fish providing a vital source of protein for over 1 billion people, particularly in developing countries.

Species: In addition to population in the human sense, the ocean host an estimated 230,000 known species, with potentially millions more yet to be discovered. The Census of Marine Life, a significant research initiative, highlights the vast diversity of marine organisms, ranging from large mammals to microscopic life.

Ocean Culture

We might say the culture of the oceans is the diverse ways humans have interacted with and been inspired by the sea throughout history. This cultural relationship encompasses arts, mythology, and conservation.

The sea has been a profound source of inspiration across various art forms, including literature, art, poetry, film, and music. For centuries, artists have depicted the sea as both a powerful and serene force, often symbolising the unknown or the unconscious. Notable works include Homer’s epic poem “The Odyssey,” which explores the sea as a setting for adventure and struggle, and Katsushika Hokusai’s iconic print “The Great Wave off Kanagawa”.

In mythology, the sea is often portrayed as a mysterious and sometimes dangerous realm, inhabited by mythical creatures like the Leviathan and the kraken. It symbolises both the personal and collective unconscious in psychological interpretations, reflecting its depth and mystery.

In nautical language, a ‘polywog’ is a sailor who has not yet crossed the equator, a ‘shellback’ a sailor who has. This crossing is often celebrated with a ceremonial rite known as the “line-crossing ceremony,” which includes various traditions, rituals, even completion certificates and sometimes embarrassing challenges for the pollywogs, who must prove their worthiness to become shellbacks. Crossing the equator and becoming a shellback is considered a significant rite of passage for sailors. It symbolises their experience and acceptance into the community of seasoned mariners. This tradition has deep historical roots reflecting the camaraderie and shared experiences among sailors, as well as the superstitions and lore associated with the sea. Overall, being a shellback is a badge of honour among sailors, signifying their journey across the equator and their acceptance into the ranks of experienced mariners.

The sea has also played a significant role in the cultural practices of maritime nations. It is central to myths and legends, maritime proverbs, and folk songs. Ships and the sea are integral to initiation ceremonies, mortuary rites, and community gatherings at ports. The sea has also facilitated trade and cultural exchange, contributing to the advancement of civilisations bordering the Mediterranean, India, and Southeast Asia.

In contemporary times, the cultural relationship with the ocean extends to conservation efforts. Organisations emphasise the importance of storytelling and art in advocating for ocean conservation and raising awareness about the challenges facing marine environments. They engage communities in creative practices to promote sustainable development and ocean stewardship.

Overall, the culture of the oceans is a multifaceted concept that reflects humanity’s deep and enduring connection with the sea, influencing our art, beliefs, and efforts to protect this vital resource.

The Earth’s oceans have major currents which large-scale flows of water that circulate, driven by factors such as wind, the Earth’s rotation, and differences in water density:

The Gulf Stream: A warm and swift Atlantic Ocean current originating in the Gulf of Mexico, flowing along the eastern coast of the United States and across the Atlantic Ocean towards Europe.

Labrador Current: A cold current flowing southward from the Arctic Ocean along the east coast of Canada, meeting the Gulf Stream.

North Equatorial Current: An east-to-west flowing current located in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans between 10°-20°N.

North Equatorial Counter Current (NECC): A west-to-east flowing current found between 3°-10°N in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans.

South Equatorial Current: An east-to-west current flowing between the equator and about 20°S in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans.

Kuroshio Current: A warm north-flowing current off the coast of Japan in the Pacific Ocean.

California Current: A cold, southward-flowing current off the west coast of the United States, part of the North Pacific Gyre.

Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC): Also known as the West Wind Drift, it flows clockwise from west to east around Antarctica and is the largest ocean current in terms of volume.

Humboldt or Peruvian Current: A cold, low-salinity current flowing northward along the west coast of South America, known for its rich marine ecosystem.

Benguela Current: A cold, nutrient-rich current flowing northward along the southwest coast of Africa, part of the South Atlantic Gyre.

These currents play a significant role in regulating the Earth’s climate by redistributing heat and influencing weather patterns. They also impact marine ecosystems by transporting nutrients and organisms across vast distances – as well as plastic pollution.

In certain places, gyres – large systems of rotating ocean currents – form, by:

• Global Wind Patterns: Winds drag on the ocean surface, causing water to move in the direction of the wind. This movement is a primary driver of ocean currents.
• Coriolis Effect: Due to Earth’s rotation, moving water is deflected, creating circular patterns. In the Northern Hemisphere, this deflection causes currents to move in a clockwise direction, while in the Southern Hemisphere, they move counterclockwise.
• Landmasses: The presence of continents and islands can alter the flow of currents, helping to shape the boundaries and paths of gyres.

Ocean gyres are generally categorised into three types, each formed by multiple currents:

Subtropical Gyres: These are the largest and most well-known gyres, located between the equator and the polar regions. They include the North and South Pacific Gyres, North (includes the Gulf Stream) and South Atlantic Gyres, and the Indian Ocean Gyre (includes the Agulhas Current). Subtropical gyres are characterised by a high-pressure center and are driven by trade winds and westerlies.

Subpolar Gyres: Found at higher latitudes, these gyres circulate around low-pressure areas and are associated with upwelling, which brings nutrient-rich waters to the surface.

Tropical Gyres: These are generally smaller and have a more east-west orientation, influenced by the trade winds.

Ocean gyres are integral to the “ocean conveyor belt,” or oceanic thermohaline circulation, essential for regulating the Earth’s marine ecosystems and climate by distributing heat and nutrients globally.

However, gyres are also known for accumulating debris, including plastic waste, due to their circular motion, leading to environmental concerns such as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

Understanding and studying ocean gyres is crucial for comprehending global climate patterns. Experiencing them and their plastic pollution in the vastness of the ocean is an experience never forgotten and life-changing on attitudes to consumption, plastics and sustainability.

The oceans also have diverse environments known as marine ecosystems, which vary based on factors such as depth, temperature, salinity, and proximity to land. Here are some of the major ocean environments, many of which impact and are impacted by tourism:

Open Ocean (Pelagic Zone): comprises the

• The Epipelagic “sunlit” Zone, from the ocean surface to about 200 metres deep. This zone receives enough sunlight for photosynthesis, supporting a wide range of marine life, including plankton, fish, and marine mammals.
• The Mesopelagic “twilight” Zone, 200-1,000m deep. Light diminishes with depth, and organisms here often have adaptations like bioluminescence.
• Bathypelagic Zone: The “midnight” zone, extending from 1,000 to 4,000 meters deep, is completely dark, and life here relies on detritus falling from above or specialised adaptations.
• Abyssopelagic and Hadal Zones: The deepest parts of the ocean, including the ocean floor and trenches, where extreme conditions prevail.

Coastal and Intertidal Zones

• Estuaries: Areas where freshwater from rivers meets the ocean, creating nutrient-rich environments that support diverse ecosystems. Estuaries are crucial for many fish and bird species.
• Salt Marshes and Mangroves: Coastal wetlands that provide habitat for a variety of wildlife and act as buffers against storm surges and erosion.
• Coral Reefs: Often called the “rainforests of the sea,” biodiverse ecosystems found in tropical waters. They provide habitat and food for numerous marine species.

Deep Sea and Benthic Environments

• Deep Sea Water Column: Encompasses the vast, dark waters beyond the continental shelves. It includes unique ecosystems like hydrothermal vents, which support life through chemosynthesis rather than photosynthesis.
• Seafloor (Benthic Zone): Includes the ocean floor and is home to organisms adapted to high pressure and low light. It features environments like sea mounts and abyssal plains.

Special Habitats

• Kelp Forests: Found in cold, nutrient-rich waters, these underwater forests provide shelter and food for many marine species.
• Polar Regions: Characterised by ice-covered waters and unique ecosystems adapted to cold temperatures, such as those found in the Arctic and Antarctic Oceans.

These environments are integral to the Earth’s biosphere, supporting a vast array of life and playing crucial roles in global processes like carbon cycling and climate regulation.

Coastal and marine tourism accounts for over 50% of the global tourism industry, playing a fundamental role in the economies of coastal communities.

The ocean’s economy, often referred to as the “blue economy,” encompasses a wide range of economic activities related to oceans, seas, and coasts. It is a concept that promotes the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystems. Here are some key aspects of the ocean’s economy:

Harvesting of Living Resources: This includes fisheries and aquaculture, which provide a significant portion of the world’s protein intake. Aquaculture is increasingly important as traditional fish stocks face overfishing pressures.

Extraction of Non-Living Resources: Oceans are used to extract energy and mineral resources, including offshore oil and gas, seabed mining, and renewable energy sources like wind and tidal energy.

Maritime Trade and Commerce: Oceans facilitate global trade, with about 80% of global trade by volume carried by sea. This includes shipping, port operations, and related logistics.

Tourism and Recreation: Coastal and marine tourism is a major economic activity, especially in tropical and subtropical regions, contributing significantly to local economies.

Economic Value

The worldwide ocean economy is valued at approximately $1.5 – $6 trillion per year, making it the seventh-largest economy globally, and providing over 30 million jobs. It is projected to double by 2030 (OECD).

The total value of ocean assets, or natural capital, is estimated at $24 trillion, with an annual value of goods and services at $2.5 trillion (GEF).

Overall, the ocean’s economy is a vital component of global economic development, with significant potential for growth and innovation if managed sustainably

Ocean Conservation

The blue economy emphasises sustainable exploitation and stewardship of ocean resources. This involves balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability and social equity. Key strategies include:

• Implementing conservation measures to protect marine biodiversity and ecosystems.
• Promoting sustainable fisheries and aquaculture practices.
• Encouraging the development of renewable energy sources.
• Developing economic instruments like blue carbon credits and blue bonds to finance sustainable ocean management.

Ocean waste, which gather in the gyres and washes down water courses and up on beaches far from its source, particularly plastics, has become a significant issue for the world’s oceans:

Early plastics , like Parkesine, celluloid and Bakelite were invented in the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries, which quickly became popular due to their durability and versatility.

The mid-20th century post-war era saw an explosion in plastic production, fuelled by industrialisation and consumerism when plastics became integral to modern life. In 1955, the concept of “throwaway living” was popularised, promoting the convenience of single-use plastics. This shift significantly increased plastic waste.

Ocean Pollution First Signs

The first recorded instance of marine plastic litter was in 1965, with a plastic bag found off the Irish coast. By the late 1960s, researchers began documenting plastic waste in oceans, including its ingestion by wildlife.

The 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill and the subsequent rise of the environmental movement in the 1970s brought attention to ocean pollution, leading to the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and legislative actions like the Clean Water Act.

Scientific Studies: Over the decades, research has expanded to understand the sources, fates, and effects of plastic pollution. Studies have shown plastic debris is ubiquitous across ocean basins and affects marine ecosystems and food webs. Garbology is what the Galapagos has called their study of foreign waste arriving on beaches.

Growing awareness of plastic pollution has led to policy initiatives at various levels, aiming to reduce plastic waste and its impact on the environment.

Ongoing Pollution: Despite efforts, plastic pollution remains a pressing issue, with millions of tons of plastic entering the oceans annually. This pollution poses severe threats to marine life and ecosystems.

There is increasing momentum towards sustainable practices and reducing plastic waste. Public awareness and policy changes are crucial for mitigating the impact of plastic pollution and protecting ocean health.

The blue economy also plays a significant role in advancing climate goals. It can deliver 21% of the greenhouse gas emission reductions needed to meet the Paris Agreement targets by 2050.

Sustainable food production from the oceans, often referred to as “blue food,” can meet the demands of a growing global population and reduce pressure on land-based food systems

The blue economy faces such challenges such as pollution, over-exploitation of resources, and climate change. However, it also presents opportunities for innovation, such as marine biotechnology and new technologies for environmental protection and the sustainable use of ocean resources. Collaboration across borders and sectors is crucial for achieving sustainable ocean management and addressing these challenges.

Regenerative Travel & Tourism and the Oceans

The term “sustainability” actually began in the 18th century in the forestry industry. Later in the 1960s, it was associated with mitigating the environmental impacts of industrial processes. But it was really The World Commission on Environment and Development 1987 report “Our Common Future,” (the ‘Brundtland Report’) that weaves together social, economic, cultural, and environmental issues and global solutions; and popularised the term “sustainable development.”

By the late 20th century, sustainability became a key focus in tourism, addressing the depletion of resources and the environmental consequences of high consumption rates.

In the context of marine and coastal environments, sustainable tourism emerged as a way to balance economic growth with environmental preservation and social inclusivity. This involves minimising the negative impacts of tourism activities on marine ecosystems while maximising their positive contributions.

In recent years, the integration of ocean energy into sustainable tourism has gained attention. Ocean energy, derived from waves, tides, and currents, offers renewable energy solutions for coastal destinations, helping reduce their environmental footprint. This approach aligns with the principles of the blue economy, which seeks to sustainably harness ocean resources for economic development.

Environmental and Social Considerations: While ocean energy presents opportunities for sustainable tourism, it also poses challenges, such as potential disruptions to marine ecosystems and local communities. Balancing economic benefits with environmental impacts requires careful planning and stakeholder engagement.

The sustainable tourism sector continues to evolve, with recent trends emphasising the reduction of tourism’s environmental impact through renewable energy adoption and the promotion of the blue economy. This includes fostering collaboration between different sectors and encouraging sustainable development practices.

The integration of ocean energy in sustainable tourism holds significant potential for coastal destinations. Continued innovation in ocean energy technologies and the development of hybrid systems combining different renewable sources could enhance the sustainability of these areas.

Overall, the history of sustainable tourism in the oceans reflects an ongoing effort to balance economic development with the preservation of marine environments, ensuring the long-term viability of coastal destinations and communities.

The history of clean energy in relation to the oceans involves the development and utilisation of various technologies to harness the power of oceanic forces, such as waves and tides, for sustainable energy production. This journey has evolved significantly over time, marked by key milestones and technological advancements.

Early Developments

The concept of using ocean energy dates back to ancient civilisations, which utilised tidal mills for mechanical tasks. These early innovations laid the groundwork for understanding the potential of ocean energy.

20th Century Advances

The late 1800s saw the first patents for wave-powered devices, with significant research and development occurring during the 20th century. The oil crisis of the 1970s renewed interest in alternative energy sources, including wave energy.

Tidal energy technology also progressed during this time, with the development of tidal mills and other mechanisms to harness the gravitational pull of the moon and sun.

Modern Era and Ocean Energy Renaissance

2000s marked the establishment of the first commercial wave and tidal energy projects. Notable examples include the world’s first tidal turbine system at Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland and the Aguçadora wave farm in Portugal. These projects demonstrated the feasibility of ocean energy on a commercial scale.

Technological Innovations: Recent advancements have improved the efficiency and reliability of ocean energy devices. Innovations include floating offshore wind turbines and new wave energy converter designs, which have made ocean energy more viable and scalable.

Current Trends and Future Outlook

Ocean energy is increasingly being integrated with other renewable sources, contributing to a diverse and sustainable energy mix portfolio. This integration is essential for meeting global energy demands while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

While ocean energy holds significant promise, it faces challenges such as high costs, technical hurdles, and environmental concerns. Addressing these issues through continued research and development is crucial for the long-term success and sustainability of ocean energy projects.

Overall, the history of clean energy and the oceans reflects a growing recognition of the potential of oceanic forces to contribute to a sustainable energy future. This journey highlights the importance of innovation, collaboration, and sustainable practices in harnessing the power of the oceans.

Marine Conservation Programs: Many coastal tourism operators have implemented marine conservation programs to educate visitors and promote the protection of marine ecosystems. These programs often involve collaborations with local organisations and experts to offer educational activities and promote responsible tourism practices, such as sustainable diving and non-extractive interactions with marine life. An example from our partners includes in South Africa,

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): These are designated regions where human activity is restricted to protect marine ecosystems and biodiversity. The Marine Conservation Institute emphasises the need for well-designed MPAs to meet conservation goals, as currently less than 3% of the ocean is effectively protected. Our partner in Tanzania is a special example, and a UN model.

The “30×30” initiative aims to protect 30% of the Earth’s oceans by 2030. This ambitious goal fits into sustainable ocean tourism by advocating for the expansion of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and enhancing the management of existing ones. By setting aside significant portions of the ocean for conservation, the initiative seeks to preserve marine biodiversity, support ecosystem resilience, and provide sustainable tourism opportunities that align with conservation goals.

Reduction of Single-Use Plastics:

In 2007-2008 the Global Under Water Awareness Association (GUWAA) was established in Croatia, thanks to the passion of its leader Kristijan Curavić, a former world leader and UN diplomat, expert in the environmental and economic sectors and a former world record holder in deep scuba diving. After years of beach and river clean-ups, it launched the Special Protection Ecology Environment Diving Unit (SPEEDU) and White Flag International. The latter, the world’s first sustainable ocean preservation, protection, cleaning, and certification system, gave rise to the Ocean Alliance Conservation Membership (OACM), organisers of the world’s first conference (in Croatia), aimed at solving the immediate danger of climate change and plastic pollution in the world’s seas, rivers, and lakes. OACM intends to globally integrate its Sustainable Oceans Solutions Conservancy Program (SO CP), the world’s only program for minimising the plastic content in the ocean, working with governments and private sector, especially tourism, to help create a sustainable blue economy.

The hospitality industry, particularly hotels and resorts, has made strides in reducing plastic waste by eliminating single-use plastics and promoting sustainable alternatives. This includes replacing plastic bottles with water filtration systems and providing reusable bottles to guests, as well as using biodegradable packaging.

Sustainable Fishing Practices: Encouraging sustainable seafood consumption is another success in ocean tourism. This involves promoting seafood certified by sustainability standards and organising themed events that highlight sustainable seafood cuisine, thereby supporting the health of marine ecosystems. Our partner in Indonesia is one example, complying with sustainable seafood guidelines.

Community Engagement and Empowerment: Sustainable tourism initiatives prioritise the involvement of local communities in decision-making processes. This includes providing economic opportunities and ensuring that tourism benefits are distributed equitably among residents, which fosters positive social change and community development. Our partners in Madagascar help the lobster fishing industry move to better sustainability.

Carrying Capacity Management: Some initiatives focus on understanding and managing the capacity of tourist destinations to prevent environmental degradation and ensure the long-term sustainability of coral reef ecosystems.

High Seas Alliance: A partnership aimed at building a strong constituency for the conservation of the high seas, focusing on international collaboration to protect ocean ecosystems.

Overall, these initiatives highlight the collaborative efforts needed to address the complex challenges facing the world’s oceans and ensure their health and sustainability for future generations.

Holistic Approaches: Countries like Norway have adopted integrated ocean management, which involves managing ecosystems holistically rather than by individual sectors. This approach balances competing ocean uses by incorporating scientific monitoring and collaboration across government, business, and civil society sectors. It aims to support a sustainable ocean economy by preserving marine ecosystems while improving livelihoods and jobs.

Blue Economy Initiatives: Sustainable ocean-based economies focus on harnessing the economic potential of the ocean while ensuring environmental sustainability and social equity. This approach includes promoting innovation, providing economic opportunities, and conserving marine habitats through protected areas. We see no-take-zones for fishing enable more sustainable fishing outside in Indonesia and Madagascar, and our private protected marine area partner in Tanzania, the shift to conservation funded wholly through ecotourism has changed the education curriculum, local work, skills and attitudes.

Global Commitments: The High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy has seen commitments from world leaders to manage 100% of their national waters sustainably. This initiative emphasises the inclusion of Indigenous knowledge and the importance of marine protected areas and climate-smart investments.

Regional collaborations: Various regions, including the Coral Triangle in Southeast Asia and the Seychelles, have implemented successful ocean management strategies that integrate climate uncertainties and protect vulnerable ecosystems. These efforts demonstrate the potential for sustainable development and conservation through integrated management practices.

Cross-Sector: Organisations like the OECD support sustainable ocean management by promoting marine conservation and sustainable use across all sectors of the ocean economy. These efforts aim to mainstream sustainability and ensure long-term ocean health and economic resilience.

These successes highlight the importance of collaborative and integrated approaches to ocean management, emphasising the need for continued innovation and commitment to sustainable practices. By balancing production and protection, these initiatives aim to ensure the health and resilience of marine ecosystems while supporting economic growth and social equity.