Elite sportspeople are joining the fight against invasive species, highlighting the potential for major sporting events to leave a positive legacy for biodiversity.
Windsurfer Alice Read, gliding across the glistening surface of Portland Harbour, embodies the exhilaration of water sports. The air hums with the quiet buzz of her hydrofoil as she effortlessly carves through the water. This idyllic scene, however, is set against a backdrop of concern for the health of our waterways.
The Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, home to the British Sailing Team, pulsates with excitement. Children erupt in laughter as they row in teams, while miniature windsurfers bob precariously in the shallows. This bustling hub of aquatic activity is a testament to the nation's love affair with water sports.
Yet beneath the surface, a silent battle is brewing. Invasive non-native species, identified as a leading cause of global biodiversity loss, are silently infiltrating our waters, outcompeting native species and disrupting delicate ecosystems.
Read, a passionate advocate for marine conservation, is acutely aware of this threat. Her love for windsurfing led her to pursue a degree in ocean science and marine conservation at the University of Plymouth. Now, she serves as an ambassador for The Green Blue, a programme promoting sustainable boating practices.
Portland Harbour, a training ground for Olympic hopefuls like Read, is particularly vulnerable to invasive species. The harbour's sheltered environment and the constant influx of boats provide ideal conditions for these unwelcome invaders to thrive.
"The 'clean, check, dry' procedure is vital to minimise the introduction and spread of invasive species," explains Read. "I always ensure my gear is thoroughly washed down after every session. It's not just about protecting the environment, it's about making sure my equipment is in top condition for performing."
The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) highlights the urgent need for action. Their 2024 report warns that invasive species pose a significant threat to people and nature across the globe.
The increase in water sports participation, while bringing joy and health benefits, also increases the risk of invasive species introductions. As more boats and equipment take to the water, responsible practices become even more crucial.
Olympic athletes like Read and Paralympic rower Gregg Stevenson are taking this responsibility seriously. Stevenson, a mental health practitioner for veterans, emphasizes the importance of individual action. "We all have a role to play in protecting our waterways. It's about being mindful of what we're bringing into and taking out of the water."
The 2012 London Olympics offers a powerful example of how major sporting events can be leveraged to promote environmental conservation. The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, transformed from a polluted industrial wasteland, now boasts a thriving urban ecosystem.
"The Olympics provided an opportunity to address long-standing environmental challenges," says Tom Bellamy, biodiversity manager for the park. "Through extensive soil remediation and waterway restoration, we created a haven for native species."
The legacy of the Olympics extends beyond the immediate physical transformations. The focus on sustainability and the actions of elite athletes inspire the wider public to engage in conservation efforts.
As Read returns to the water, her determination to protect this precious resource is evident. "The water offers a unique sense of freedom and connection with nature," she reflects. "It's our responsibility to safeguard this privilege for generations to come."