GAC signs up to Eyesea ocean health initiative

Global shipping, logistics and marine services provider GAC Group has announced its membership of maritime pollution reporting and mapping initiative Eyesea. 

With the support of the shipping and maritime industries, Eyesea have developed a smartphone app through which users can submit geotagged photographs to report hazards and pollution in coastal areas, littoral waters, and the ‘blue water’ ocean.

GAC’s support for Eyesea is in-line with the Group’s recently unveiled Roadmap to Sustainability, which sets out its commitment to adapt, reduce and mitigate its activities. This Roadmap aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goal #14 – Life Below Water, which must be measured by all GAC companies, and also commits GAC to supporting the Ocean Race and UN Environmental Program’s CleanSeas initiative. 

Neil Godfrey, Group Commercial Director for Shipping at GAC said: “Eyesea have developed a simple and effective way for companies involved in the maritime sector to play a critical part in improving the health and conservation of our oceans.” 

“GAC people all over the world care deeply about the sustainability of the seas, which play such an integral part in their professional lives. It was obvious when we were approached by Eyesea that we would support the initiative, which we believe is unique in its unification of many elements of the maritime community to fight marine pollution. We’re excited that the data we collect will play a part in helping them map pollution and formulate plans to address it. It’s so much more than a box-ticking exercise and a perfect fit with our Group sustainability ethos and objectives.”

Graeme Somerville-Ryan, Eyesea’s initiator, added: "As a founding member of Eyesea, GAC has supported us from the start. Neil Godfrey, and Communications Manager – Europe & Africa, Lynne Clarke, are Ambassadors and their time, experience and amplification of the Eyesea message has been key in the acceleration of our progress to date.”

Eyesea is a non-profit organisation which comprises a wide range of representatives of the shipping and maritime community. After successful testing on board commercial vessels and amongst community volunteers and recreational boat users, the app is now available to download to anyone interested in playing a part in effectively tackling maritime pollution.