Responsible Tourism - Sea TREK Ecotours!

Now more than ever, awareness is building about the negative affects that humans can have on our oceans and waterways. With a focus primarily on plastics, companies and individuals are decreasing their carbon footprints by turning away from plastic straws and containers and increasing production of biodegradable and recyclable packaging. In the US, many states have enacted legislation regarding the use of plastic bags.

Additionally, consumers are seeking out more sustainable seafood choices and supporting organizations that work to protect our oceans, such as Ocean Conservancy and Reef Alliance. Websites like 40cean also allow visitors to partake in quick and easy activities that help make a difference.

As humans become more sensitive to ecology and the wellbeing of our planet, an interest in ecotourism has dramatically increased. According to Sustainable Travel International, roughly 105.3 million sustainable U.S. travelers prioritize vacations that are dedicated to giving back to the environment.

Ecotourism is making significant positive contributions to the environmental, social, cultural and economic wellbeing of destinations and local communities around the world. Ecotourism is also an effective vehicle for empowering local communities around the world to fight against poverty and to achieve sustainable development.

WHAT IS ECOTOURISM?
So what is ecotourism exactly? The World Conservation Union (IUCN) describes ecotourism this way:

"Environmentally responsible travel to natural areas, in order to enjoy and appreciate nature (and accompanying cultural features, both past and present) that promote conservation, have a low visitor impact and provide for beneficially active socio-economic involvement of local peoples."

Ecotourism is about uniting conservation, communities, and sustainable travel. This means that those who implement, participate in and market ecotourism activities should adopt the following ecotourism principles:

• Minimize physical and behavioral, and impacts.
• Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect.
• Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts.
• Generate financial benefits for both local people and private industry.
• Deliver memorable interpretative experiences to visitors, that help raise sensitivity to host countries' environmental and social climates.
• Design, construct and operate low-impact facilities.
• Recognize the rights and spiritual beliefs of the Indigenous people in the community and work in partnership with them to create empowerment.

WHAT MAKES SEA TREK AN ECOTOUR?
SeaTREK locations across the globe take extra care to ensure our oceans and sea life remain pristine and protected. Our tours give guests a unique view of the underwater world and provide educational opportunities, while protecting inhabitants. We teach travelers that sea life isn’t scary and that the underwater world needs our help to continue to thrive.

Our operations are built with consideration for marine life, including precious corals and fishes. Our operators in open waters ensure that any elements added to tours are eco-friendly.

Sea TREK trails & walking underwater
Trails are created around coral, not over or through, taking care to create enough distance so that guests can see, but not touch the coral formations. The same trail is utilized for each tour. Studies conducted in California concluded that the impact of TREKKERs walking on a sandy seafloor is comparable to the natural movement of sand due to tidal movement and/or the disturbances caused by marine life such as stingrays and invertebrates.

Railings and Ladders
Railings are put into sandy areas utilizing sand spikes, which do not damage the environment. Ladders in open oceans do not touch the ocean floor and are stored on boats, not left behind. Floating manifolds provide ropes that do not tangle or cause damage to sea life.

Artificial Enhancements
Statues and objects placed into the ocean environment provide more than just fun photo opportunities. Artificial enhancements also create habitats for sea life, giving them “free housing” while taking pressure off the natural reefs. Fish take advantage of the enhancements, allowing them to thrive. Artificial enhancements often reflect local history, providing an additional educational opportunity.

Want to know more about our dedication to the ocean environment?  Check out our program,
Reef Alliance, or join our staff and clean up beaches and reefs during the annual Coastal Cleanup.