September 2026 WATERLINE | 17 FEATURE ENVIRONMENT, DECARBONISATION & SUSTAINABILITY In 2024, the marina became the first marina in Australia to achieve Sustainable Tourism Certification through Ecotourism Australia, recognising its commitment to responsible business practices, visitor experiences and community engagement. Education has become a key pillar of that commitment through the launch of the Coral Sea Academy, a platform delivering environmental education for marina guests and the broader community. Working alongside environmental organisations, Traditional Owners and conservation partners, the Academy has hosted events including Seagrass Nursery Tours, Immersive Reef Stories and Protecting the Great Barrier Reef presentations. To further support responsible boating, the marina developed its Better Boating Guide – A Sustainable Guide to Recreational Boating, distributed electronically to every guest and freely available online. Practical guidance helps visitors minimise their environmental footprint while cruising the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. This message has been reinforced through the marina's Cruising the Whitsundays documentary series, with dedicated episodes exploring sustainability on the Great Barrier Reef, reef protection and responsible boating practices. By combining inspiring storytelling with practical advice, the series encourages visitors to become active participants in protecting the places they have come to enjoy. For Coral Sea Marina, sustainability is not defined by a single project or certification. It is reflected in everyday operational decisions, investment in long-term partnerships and a workplace culture where every member of the team understands their role in protecting one of the world's most extraordinary marine environments. As marinas increasingly recognise their role as custodians of coastal ecosystems, Coral Sea Marina demonstrates that meaningful environmental leadership is not achieved through one major initiative, but through a sustained commitment to continuous improvement. By integrating conservation, education, science and community engagement into daily operations, the marina is helping ensure that future generations can continue to experience the natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef while providing a practical model that other marina operators can adapt within their own destinations.
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