Environmental News (Sustainability in Boating)

Basalt and bio-resin: the bid to replace the hull that won’t die
A $1.9 million Australian research partnership is investigating whether basalt fibre and bio-resin could replace fibreglass a...

Two giants, seven brands, one electric future
Groupe Beneteau and Fountaine Pajot Group, global leaders in sailing, create E-LEKTRA MARINE. An unprecedented stra...
Diesel sheen detected at sunken Thames vessel
The Waikato Regional Council is investigating a diesel sheen at Shortland Wharf, Thames, after a 12-metre steel boat sank th...

Electric boating awards highlight real progress
The 2025–2026 Association Français pour Le Bateau Électrique (AFBE, French Association for Electric Boats) Awards were presen...

Shellfish closure renewal proposed for Marsden and Mair Banks
Boaties fishing the Marsden Point area near Whangārei should be aware that a further two-year temporary closure to all shellf...

U-turn on fish sizes not enough for some
Advocacy groups are supporting the government's U-turn on minimum size limits for commercial fishers, but still want the gove...

Weather Thursday 26/03 AM: Severe weather warning for boaties across New Zealand
Heavy rain, gale-force winds, and dangerous swell conditions set to impact the entire country today

Winston Peters backs down on snapper size limit proposal
Government signals rethink after strong response from recreational fishers over proposed commercial catch rule changes

Vehicle to grid technology could transform electric boating
A recent US demonstration has confirmed the real-world potential of vehicle to home and vehicle to grid technology, a develop...

Elvene unveils high-performance solar electric boat AMY at Nice Boating Tomorrow
Finnish boatbuilder Elvene has unveiled its latest solar electric vessel, AMY, at Nice Boating Tomorrow (March 19 to 22, 2026...

Ban on harvesting marine life from rockpools goes into force
Ban on harvesting marine life from rockpools comes into force

Hauraki Gulf fisheries closure confirmed: rockpool harvest banned for two years
From 12 March 2026, parts of Ōmaha Bay, Kawau Bay and Whangaparāoa go off limits for shellfish and seaweed gathering.

Aotearoa Ocean Racing links offshore sailing with marine restoration in New Zealand
An offshore racing team with global ambitions has partnered with a New Zealand based ocean charity, tying international saili...

Raymarine on board to help map 100% of world’s ocean floor
Raymarine has entered a strategic collaboration with The Nippon Foundation and GEBCO (General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans...

Commercial fishers pelagic shark landing rules open for public submissions
Fisheries New Zealand is consulting on whether to retain a long-standing exception that allows commercial fishers to return p...

Maritime Law: Cable Protection Zones and Marine Protected Areas
Recreational boaters regularly stray into marine restricted areas, for which the penalties can be harsh. New high protection ...

Red rain warning issued for Coromandel Peninsula as severe weather sets in
People across the Coromandel Peninsula were shocked this morning by a direct Civil Defence alert as MetService issued a red s...

Feisty Westland petrel defies the odds
Defying the odds in a country where 90% of seabirds face extinction, the resilient Westland petrel thrives in its colony near...

Fisheries NZ investigating report of illegal fish dumping
The spearfisher who discovered a number of dead fish near Great Barrier Island says there needs to be tighter limits for comm...

Two global logistics heavyweights move ocean freight toward lower emissions
An agreement between a cargo organiser and a ship operator shows how shipping is cutting emissions with the tools available t...

Pure Salt named Sustainability Leader of the Year semi finalist for Fiordland conservation
The Fiordland based operators behind Pure Salt are recognised for long running conservation work in Dusky Sound.

Boat spotted fishing in marine reserve
A boat has been seen fishing in a marine reserve off the coast of the Abel Tasman National Park as newly released data shows ...

Another Mahurangi spill raises serious questions for Watercare
Second overflow in just over a month leaves harbour users frustrated and oyster farmers angry and financially exposed.

Aotearoa Ocean Racing and KiwiFibre Partner will Pioneer Harakeke based Composites in The Ocean Race...
As Aotearoa Ocean Racing builds toward the next Ocean Race, a new partnership with KiwiFibre puts regenerative composites mad...

Hauraki Gulf fisheries decline: why one man says the system must change
Veteran skipper and fisheries advisor Barry Torkington explains how the Gulf unraveled, and what it will take to bring it bac...

Solar power afloat: From DIY dreams to plug-and-play reality
How modern marine solar panels are transforming onboard energy — from experimental pioneers like Sailing Uma to off-the-shelf...
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Ngāti Wheke propose drop in fishing quota in Lyttelton Harbour
Proposed bylaws for Rāpaki and Whakaraupō mātaitai reserves aim to protect kaimoana and restore balance in Lyttelton Harbour....

Proposed Puketeraki mātaitai reserve near Dunedin open for Fisheries submissions
Fisheries New Zealand is inviting public feedback on a proposal to establish the Puketeraki mātaitai reserve near Karitāne, j...

Rolls-Royce tests world’s first pure methanol marine engine
Breakthrough marks major step towards CO₂-neutral propulsion at sea

Wave of support for restricting commercial fishing in Coromandel
Locals, business leaders and interest groups unite against destructive fishing methods

Why wait?
Every year I attend major boat industry trade events like METSTRADE and technology showcases like CES to learn about emerging...

Gustave Trouvé Awards 2025: the rise of electric boating
The Gussies return for 2025, honouring innovation in electric boating with diverse global nominees already announced.

Methanol and hydrogen yacht engines face infrastructure delays
Yacht builders have methanol and hydrogen engines ready, but fuel infrastructure remains years behind the technology.

DockPro wins sustainability award at Sydney Boat Show
Gold Coast innovators recognised for eco-friendly dry-docking solutions that reduce antifoul use and protect our oceans.

Lucietta: Venice’s first electric water taxi leads a quiet revolution
In a city built on water, the hum of diesel engines has long been part of Venice’s daily soundtrack. But on a warm summer mor...

Monaco Energy Boat Challenge 2025: Engineering change at sea
The 12th edition of the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge proved that clean, capable propulsion isn’t just the future of yachting—...

Porsche-powered electric boat, the 850 Fantom, breaks Monaco speed record
With a drivetrain from the Porsche Macan Turbo and a hull from Austrian builder Frauscher, the 850 Fantom averaged nearly 50 ...

Singapore launches first 100% biodiesel harbour ship with Weichai power
The President 100 begins 1,000-hour trial to test B100 biodiesel viability in real-world port conditions.

Rising quietly: Inside Vessev’s hydrofoiling revolution
From a bustling boatyard on Auckland’s waterfront to a silent, airborne glide across the Waitematā Harbour—Boating New Zealan...








