Page 59 - SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2016

SEA ENVIRONMENT 59

Unique ecosystems to be preserved
and support for scientifi c research

Around the world, the ships in the At the same time, Costa Cruises has to study and monitor the state of health For this reason we carry out an ongoing 11 Italian National Research Council.
Costa fl eet operate in or near numerous adopted several specifi c precautionary of the marine environment. review of the impact of our tour 12 Institute of Marine Sciences.
environmentally sensitive regions, where measures – requirements stricter The Isola del Giglio site remediation and programs with the planning of numbers
nature’s balance is particularly delicate. than those laid down in the relevant environment restoration project not only in order to ensure minimal disturbance;
Accordingly, minimization of the impact international standards – regarding constitutes an example of integrated this assessment is conducted in
on the Earth’s biodiversity and on the restrictions in marine-protected areas management of such programs, it has also collaboration with local stakeholders and,
diff erent ecosystems wherever Costa’s and protection of marine mammals and turned into an internationally unique, in- when required, with the consultancy of
ships sail is one of the cornerstones of the other species in danger of extinction. depth study of the local fl ora and fauna. independent experts.
Company’s environmental responsibility In addition, Costa has always been The nature of Costa’s business means
strategy. Special attention is paid to the at the forefront of scientifi c research that it operates in areas that are typically
sea and the coasts: the top priorities are eff orts, projects and partnerships aimed heritage sites treasured not only locally
reduction of air emissions and water at protecting the sea. Our alliances with but internationally. Consequently, the
consumption, and the correct disposal of the CNR and, more particularly, with Company works to ensure that the
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wastewater and solid wastes produced ISMAR are examples of the way in presence of ships and guests is as
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on board. which we contribute to activities designed benefi cial and non-intrusive as possible.

ACTIONS TO PROTECT MARINE FAUNA

HULL CLEANING SEQUENTIAL BALLAST WATER PLANNING OF ROUTES TAKING SIGHTING OF WHALES
EXCHANGE AND PREVENTION ACCOUNT OF THE MIGRATION AND OTHER MARINE MAMMALS
Hull clearing operations are carried out OF INADVERTENT INTRODUCTION PATTERNS OF WHALES
as part of regular scheduled maintenance OF NON-INDIGENOUS SPECIES At sea, Offi cers, who take part in the
during dry docking. The removal of the When defi ning routes, Costa takes into Whale Protection Training Program,
fouling that accumulates on the most Pre-empting a requirement that has not account the seasonal migration patterns conduct regular monitoring so as to
exposed parts of the hull (bulbous bow yet entered into force and is mandatory of marine mammals and diverts traffi c facilitate sightings and, if necessary, they
and sea chests) enables the elimination only in certain countries, Costa has to other shipping lanes in order to avoid carry out specifi c maneuvers to avoid
of invasive species. introduced a sequential ballast water interfering with migrating cetaceans. This whale strikes in accordance with the
exchange system fl eetwide. Ballast water is because, in close proximity to ships, relevant procedures and notify the port
is required to stabilize a ship but these whales may become disoriented with authorities.
tanks may also carry harmful marine tragic consequences for certain species In July 2016 Costa Cruises was the fi rst
organisms. To limit the risk of aquatic already facing the threat of extinction. shipping company to join the Whalesafe
invasive species impacting biodiversity Protocol of Conduct to protect sperm
and consequently the local economy, the whales. Other project partners are the
ship discharges ballast water in the open Università degli Studi di Genova, Genoa
sea (over 200 nautical miles from the Maritime Directorate, Savona Harbor
nearest land) before reaching the new Master’s Offi ce and Softeco Sisma.
area of destination.