Sustainability
Sunlover Sustainability Efforts
At Sunlover Reef Cruises, we are committed to operating our business in a manner that is sustainable and environmentally responsible. We recognise the importance of protecting the Great Barrier Reef and its delicate ecosystem for future generations to enjoy. As such, we strive to minimise our environmental impact and promote sustainable practices throughout our operations.
Conservation of the Great Barrier Reef
We are dedicated to the conservation and preservation of the Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We operate in compliance with all relevant environmental laws and regulations and aim to go beyond compliance to ensure the long-term health and vitality of the Reef.
Eco-friendly Operations
We continuously seek to reduce our environmental footprint through responsible practices. This includes minimising waste generation, promoting recycling, and conserving resources such as water and energy. We also prioritise the use of eco-friendly products and materials on our cruises, including biodegradable and reusable items wherever possible.
- Our brochures are printed on paper from responsible sources by standards of the FSC.
- All vessels have water refill stations and refillable water bottles sold on board.
- Guests visiting the region are encouraged to make sustainable choices by bringing refillable bottled water, using recycling bins, using reef-friendly sunscreen, and implementing public transport wherever possible.
- All vessels and offices are cleaned with certified eco-friendly products to avoid toxic chemicals.
- Recycling facilities are in use in all our operations. All trash bins are covered to prevent fly away litter. All tour waste is carried out for disposal at the Cairns Marina facility.
Marine Wildlife Protection
We are committed to protecting the diverse marine wildlife that calls the Great Barrier Reef home. We strictly adhere to guidelines and regulations for responsible marine wildlife viewing and interaction, ensuring that our activities do not harm or disturb the marine ecosystem.
Education and Awareness
Sunlover Reef Cruises believes that education and awareness are key to promoting sustainability. Information and education is provided to our guests and staff about the importance of the Great Barrier Reef, its fragile ecosystem, and how we can all play a role in protecting it. Sunlover also actively engage in outreach programs to collaborate with local communities, organisations, and stakeholders to raise awareness about environmental conservation.
- Marine Bio For A Day Program | Groups of school students experience the Great Barrier Reef and learn about surveying procedures that are marine experts use to monitor the reef. We hope to inspire our youth on the future of reef protection and preservation.
- Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) and James Cook University (JCU) have 2 sites at Moore Reef which have coral lava planting experiments in place.
- All Sunlover guests contribute to the environmental management of the reef through a fee incorporated into each ticket.
- The EMC (Environmental Management Charge) which gets paid to Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) is applied directly to the management of the Marine Park. At the same time, visitation information provided when the environmental management charge is submitted greatly assists the Reef Authority and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) in developing management arrangements for the sustainable use of the Marine Park.
Sustainable Partnerships
Sunlover Reef Cruises strive to work with partners and suppliers who share our commitment to sustainability. We give preference to suppliers who demonstrate environmentally responsible practices and work towards reducing their own environmental impact.
- Sunlover is a proud supporter of Cairns Turtle Rehab and their staff members by providing multiple turtle releases from our Moore Reef pontoon that included tracking and media coverage.
- Sunlover provides transportation and reef access to Reef Restoration to build their coral nurseries and partake in reef studies and training for marine biologists. Since the start of this relationship Reef Restoration has installed 10 coral trees in Feb 2022 and within 12 months were successfully transplanting new coral in depleted areas. They have now expanded to 20 coral trees and are experiencing fantastic results.
Tourism Reef Protection Initiative
Sunlover Reef Cruises employes three Marine Biologists to exclusivley do reef health and impact surverys contributing valuable insights to Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA).
Our crew conduct other activies during thier three-day week including:
- Crown-of-thorns starfish control.
- Drupella snail removal.
- Development of Site Stewardship Plans.
- Photo transects.
All of these initiatives are could possible with the support and guidance of the @gbrmarineparks. We are looking forward to consistently improving our reef stewardship plan. Moore Reef is our backyard and we are committed to look after it for generations to come.
Continuous Improvement
Sunlover Reef Cruises is committed to continuously improving our sustainability practices. We regularly review our operations, set measurable targets, and strive to implement innovative solutions to further reduce our environmental impact and promote sustainable practices.
– THE QUEST FOR CARBON NEUTRAL –
Making significant and impactful changes to reduce our environmental impact is a high priority future focus for Sunlover. In 2023 we will be engaging with Earth Check to track our carbon usage, and then be in a position to make meaningful and lasting changes to our operation.
Sunlover Reef Cruises is dedicated to being a responsible steward of the environment and promoting sustainable practices to protect the Great Barrier Reef. We believe that by operating in an environmentally responsible manner, we can contribute to the long-term conservation and preservation of this unique and precious natural wonder for present and future generations.