By D. W. G. Kalani Tharanga, JadeTimes News
Athletes on the Frontline of Biodiversity Preservation
Pumping the sail to gain speed, windsurfer Alice Read soars across the sparkling blue expanse of Portland Harbour. The wind and the quiet hum of her hydrofoil are the only sounds as she gracefully navigates the water. Her movements are fluid, and she appears to be one with the elements, reaching out to touch the water as she glides by. After a thrilling ride, Reed comes to a stop, taking a moment to catch her breath.
"On the water, I'm just having so much fun it's only when I come off the water I realise actually how much work I've done," she reflects.
At the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, the atmosphere is vibrant under the rings of the Olympic flag. Children laugh and shout as they row and windsurf, while the shore is lined with sailing boats ready to set off. Team GB, which leads the Olympic sailing medal table, is abuzz with excitement and a shared passion for water sports. However, beneath this enthusiasm lies a deep awareness of the threats to our waterways.
Invasive species are infiltrating oceans, rivers, streams, and canals, often outcompeting native flora and fauna and driving global biodiversity loss. Athletes like Read, alongside sailors and rowers, are stepping up to combat these destructive invaders.
One of Reed's earliest memories is of windsurfing on her dad's board across an Oxford reservoir. "It's something else. It's such a great feeling," she says. "There's something about being able to work with the elements. It's just you, the water, and the wind." Now training for the 2028 Olympics, Reed calls Portland home and is committed to protecting its waters.
Her training regime is intense, focusing on speed and manoeuvres six days a week. "We're always trying to go as fast as we can in every direction," she explains. "We do tuning runs and jibe attacks to improve our performance." But Reed's concern extends beyond the water's surface. With a degree in ocean science and marine conservation, she is an ambassador for The Green Blue, promoting sustainable boating practices.
In ports and harbours, invasive species thrive due to the movement of boats and sheltered environments. In Weymouth Harbour alone, 18 non native species were found in 2023. Reed emphasizes the importance of the "clean, check, dry" procedure to minimize their spread. "After every session, wash down the gear completely with a hose everything," she advises. "I hope that when I travel from one place to another, there's actually nothing on my gear."
A 2024 report from the Intergovernmental Science Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) highlights the severe threat invasive species pose to ecosystems and human livelihoods. Prevention and containment measures are crucial to controlling these species, and sporting events like the Olympics can spotlight these issues, showcasing athletes as role models for environmental stewardship.
Uniting Sports and Environmentalism for Future Generations
The upcoming Olympics provide a unique opportunity to raise awareness about invasive species. Phil Horton, the Royal Yachting Association's sustainability manager, believes that athletes can set a powerful example. "Environmental best practice is absolutely critical because these are people who are held in high regard by the public," he says. "At the elite end of the sport, people keep all their equipment clean for both performance and invasive species control."
Water sports have surged in popularity, with millions of people engaging in activities like paddleboarding and kayaking. This increase in participation also raises the risk of spreading invasive species. However, the benefits of spending time in or near water for human health are well documented.
Paralympic rower Gregg Stevenson and his partner Lauren Rowles train intensely for the 2024 Paris Paralympics, spending up to three sessions a day on the water. Stevenson describes the experience as "spiritual," particularly during early morning training sessions. "You have to deal with the weather or the situation that's in front of you. That's the challenge, and that's what I enjoy," he says.
Stevenson, who suffered a double leg amputation while serving as a Royal Engineer Commando, found solace and strength in rowing. "Rowing gave me back the things I used to enjoy. I was back outdoors, and I was able to push myself," he shares. Now a mental health practitioner, Stevenson advocates for the mental health benefits of being around water.
However, he has noticed the increasing presence of invasive species in rivers and canals. "After some sessions, it's obvious that your boat needs to be cleaned," he notes. Athletes take responsibility for maintaining clean equipment to protect waterways for future generations. "I've got two children, and I want them to experience outdoor swimming and not be scared of entering our waterways," Stevenson says. "We need these spaces to have fun and be with nature."
Sporting events like the Olympics have also contributed to environmental improvements. The 2012 London Olympics transformed Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park from an industrial wasteland into a biodiversity hotspot. Tom Bellamy, the Royal Society for Protection of Birds' biodiversity manager, highlights the significant ecological benefits, including the introduction of native wetland plants and the restoration of waterways.
Back in Portland, Reed is determined to protect the harbour from invasive species so future generations can enjoy it. She meticulously cleans her equipment after every session, knowing that this simple act can make a significant difference. "The water is a dynamic, changing environment," she says. "Every day you learn something new. It's a moment to be free, to be with nature."
