Sustainable boating in the Blekinge Archipelago - a biosphere reserve designated by UNESCO

Biosphere area Blekinge Archipelago is the only biosphere area in Sweden with a focus on the Baltic Sea. Large parts of the biosphere area lie in the water and the Blekinge archipelago has incredibly high natural values ​​- a basis for the UNESCO designation. Prosperous, shallow and wave-protected areas are valuable for the entire Baltic Sea. Therefore, it is important to take care of hazardous waste and boat toilet, use environmentally friendly equipment, drive smart and not use toxic boat bottom paint. Here you will get concrete tips for a sustainable boating life.

• Choose fossil-free fuels if possible. Did you know that the fossil-free boat diesel HVO100 is now available at the marina in Hällevik?
• Empty your boat toilet at an emptying station, it is forbidden to empty boat toilets in water since 2015. See here in the ARK56 app some toilet emptying stations in Blekinge
  
• Drive slowly and carefully when shallower than 2 m, avoid sharp turns and changes in speed that stir up bottom sediments.
  
• Do not disturb people or animals. Avoid cuttings with nesting or resting birds, as well as seal and bird protection areas
  
• If possible, choose a place with an anchor depth greater than 6 m.
  
• Do not drag the anchor along the bottom, reverse and lift it straight up.
  
• Use a toilet if there is one, or a boat toilet. Do not pee in the water, dig a hole to poo and take the paper in a garbage bag.
  
• Follow the Swedens right of public access for nature rules: Take the rubbish home and recycle it. Do not cause damage to vegetation. Never fire directly on the cliffs. Do not disturb grazing animal - close gates, do not feed the animals, leash the dog!
  

Following simple rules we can live in harmony with nature and enjoy the beauty of the archipelago together!