By T. Jayani, JadeTimes News
British windsurfers, sailors, and rowers are actively contributing to the fight against invasive species, demonstrating how major sporting events like the Olympics can foster biodiversity.
Windsurfer Alice Read skims across Portland Harbour, her movements seamlessly blending with the water as she trains for the 2028 Olympics. The Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, home to the British Sailing Team, buzzes with excitement as children and athletes alike enjoy the water. Despite the enthusiasm, there's a keen awareness of the environmental issues lurking beneath the surface. Invasive species are spreading through oceans, rivers, and canals, threatening native biodiversity. British Olympic athletes are taking a stand against this problem.
Read's passion for windsurfing began in childhood, and today she trains rigorously in Portland. She balances her athletic pursuits with her role as an ambassador for The Green Blue, a sustainability initiative by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and British Marine. Invasive species are particularly problematic in ports and harbours, where boat movement facilitates their spread. In Weymouth Harbour alone, 18 non-native species were identified in 2023. Reed emphasizes the importance of the "clean, check, dry" procedure to minimize the spread of these species.
Reed's commitment extends beyond her sport. With a degree in ocean science and marine conservation from the University of Plymouth, she combines her athletic training with environmental advocacy. She meticulously washes her equipment to prevent the transfer of invasive species, highlighting a key finding from the 2024 Intergovernmental Science policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) report: invasive species pose a severe threat globally. The report notes that over 37,000 alien species have been introduced to new areas due to human activities, causing significant ecological and economic damage.
Prevention and control measures, such as strict border biosecurity and import controls, are crucial in combating these invasions. The RYA's sustainability manager, Phil Horton, stresses that high profile sporting events like the Olympics can spotlight environmental issues and inspire action. Elite athletes, revered by the public, play a pivotal role in setting examples of sustainable practices.
Water sports are gaining popularity, with significant increases in participation in the UK and the US. However, this also raises the risk of spreading invasive aquatic species. Gregg Stevenson, a Paralympic rower, underscores the spiritual and mental health benefits of being on the water, while also noting the increasing presence of invasive plants and animals in waterways. Stevenson, who works as a mental health practitioner for veterans, emphasizes the importance of clean equipment to protect these environments for future generations.
The London 2012 Olympics transformed Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park from an industrial wasteland into a biodiversity rich urban oasis. Tom Bellamy of the Royal Society for Protection of Birds highlights the extensive restoration work, including soil cleaning and wetland habitat creation, which now supports diverse wildlife.
Back in Portland, Read is dedicated to preserving the harbour's waters for future generations. She meticulously cleans her equipment after each session, demonstrating that a small effort can have a significant impact on controlling invasive species. For Read, the dynamic environment of the water offers endless challenges and moments of freedom, underscoring the importance of protecting these natural spaces.
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