Fish death numbers a blow to the image of Tasmania's farmed salmon industry

Think you are eating clean and green when you buy Tasmanian farmed salmon, or order it in a restaurant?

You are actually supporting foreign-owned companies whose business model involves multiple large-scale fish deaths.

Data released by Tasmania's Environmental Protection Agency today shows reveals over 9,000 tonnes of salmon mortalities in first three months of 2026, amounting to around 12% of annual production, Peter George, Independent MP for Franklin, reported in a media statement.

"Mortalities in salmon pens in Tasmania have reached astonishing levels, revealing mass deaths and disease are now just “business as usual” for the multinational industry," George said. 

"The attrition rate has reached at least one in every four fish at even the most generous estimate and has probably been far higher. This is a level of animal mortality that no real farmer would tolerate.

"This is a deeply disturbing outcome and clear evidence the industry is unsustainable as Tasmanian waters warm rapidly and disease becomes endemic."

George reported figures for 2025 suggest an even worse outcome, with at least 4 million (21,133 tonnes) died in the 12 months, peaking at around 1.2 million (6,300 tonnes) alone in February of that year.

"By dumping thousands of kilos of the now-banned antibiotic, florfenicol, in diseased pens, the industry may have reduced the number of mortalities in the first months of this year – but those numbers remain totally unacceptable," George said.

"The industry has been spared even worse outcomes because waters have been cooler than expected so far this year.

"However, meteorologists predict super heating of waters next spring and summer which will inevitably result on far more disease and many, many more deaths.

"This is an industry facing crisis levels of mortalities in which untold numbers of fish will continue to suffer and die, regional jobs will grow more insecure, and Tasmania’s reputation as a clean, green haven will continue to slide."

Rosalie Woodruff MP, leader of the Tasmanian Greens, slammed the state Liberal Government for poor oversight of the industry, which is accused of environmental vandalism and is dominated by Brazilian-owned Huon Aquaculture and Canadian-owned Tassal.

"The Liberals and the industry claimed florfenicol would stop fish die-offs, but that hasn't happened - even with a cooler summer," she said.

"These figures are yet another reason why the Government needs to rule out supporting the salmon industry’s push to use this antibiotic again.

"Instead, the Liberals need to introduce basic measures like reducing fish density levels, and to empty those pens where disease takes hold."

Image: Bob Brown Foundation

Drink well; help the environment during April

Yalumba's Y Series wine range, drinks retailer Endeavour Group, and 4 Pines Brewing Co will combine to celebrate World Earth Day on April 22. 

The trio will aim to transform everyday purchases into making a tangible national impact on the environment. 

The Our Power, Our Planet campaign will see every purchase of 4 Pines Pacific Ale cans or Y Series wines directly fund the planting of native flora and the restoration of vital bushland across the country.

Dan Holland, Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer at Endeavour Group, outlined said that Earth Month across April serves as a powerful reminder of the collective action needed to protect the planet. 

“At Endeavour Group, we believe that when our customers, trade partners and our team act together, we can make a difference with even a day-to-day choice of which drinks to enjoy,” he said.

Throughout April, 4 Pines Brewing Co. has committed to planting one native tree, shrub, or groundcover for every carton of 4 Pines Pacific Ale sold. This initiative contributes to a multi-year partnership with Landcare Australia. 

Simultaneously, Y Series is ramping up its conservation efforts. It is pledging to regenerate 10,000

square metres of koala habitat from proceeds raised throughout April in partnership with Greenfleet.

"Through our Y Series Earth Month campaign, we aim to make a tangible and positive impact on the environment by planting vegetation in areas that need it most," says winemaker Sam Wigan.

"Sustainable practices go beyond our winemaking. It’s about our community, its people and future 

generations.”

Recent Y Series releases ($15-16) include Y Series Lighter Cuvée, Y Series Pinot Grigio 2025, Y Series Lighter Pinot Grigio 2025, Y Series Riesling 2025, Y Series Chardonnay 2025 and Y Series Lighter Shiraz 2024.

I’m working through the wines right now: the chardonnay is very good value and pinot grigio is fine. The lighter shiraz and pinot grigio didn’t work for me. They tasted like they’d been diluted with water. 

Products can be purchased during April at any Dan Murphy’s or BWS outlet, or via their online stores. 

Airalo makes staying in touch overseas easier than ever

Remember the old days when you used to brace for massive overseas roaming charges each time you travelled overseas?

Then came the trend of installing a new local SIM card into your mobile device every time you switched countries.

Now, eSIMs are the way to go - a few clicks on your phone and an eSIM is installed for your destination. Land, click and you are away, at a cost of just a couple of dollars a day.

Running out of data? Easy. A couple more clicks, a couple more bucks, and stay in touch.

I tested out the Airalo eSIM on a 10-day trip to Bali - including some remote locations - earlier this month. I was impressed both with the ease of signing up, and the ability to stay connected in places where I had no wifi access.

Airalo, founded in 2019, came highly recommended by a couple of travel writing colleagues and its PR operative helped set me up on the service. I'm an instant convert

Airalo, which promotes itself as the world’s leading eSIM provider, celebrated a major milestone recently: 20 million users have embraced its fully digital eSIM technology.

The outdated, traditional SIM card industry relies on a plastic-heavy, high-emission supply chain, producing billions of single-use SIMs each year - equivalent to 20,000 tonnes of plastic.

An eSIM emits 46% less CO2 throughout its product lifecycle than a single SIM card.

By eliminating the need for physical SIM cards, Airalo's eSIM technology is helping to reduce the telecom industry's environmental footprint at scale, while offering a more efficient and eco-friendly way to stay connected.

“Reaching 20 million users is more than a business milestone - it’s a clear signal that the world is ready for a more sustainable way to stay connected,” said Ahmet Bahadir Ozdemir, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer at Airalo.

“Every eSIM activation represents less plastic waste, fewer carbon emissions, and a step toward a greener planet." 

Unlike traditional SIM cards, which require swapping and often get lost or discarded, eSIMs are fully digital and easily manageable through your own device.

This flexibility allows travellers to switch between eSIM plans and countries effortlessly, without worrying about physical cards or compatibility issues.

Current offers include unlimited data for 10 days in 42 countries in Europe with Airalo Eurolink for $58.50.

To learn more visit www.airalo.com.

New owner, new experiences on Picnic Island

Tasmania's exclusive Picnic Island retreat will re-open later this year as all-inclusive luxury private island experience with a private chef. 

Located off Tasmania's east coast, the retreat is just 800 meters offshore from Coles Bay near the beautiful Freycinet National Park. It is only accessible by water. 

Revamped Picnic Island expects to welcome its first guests in November after a major transformation.

Picnic Island boasts of offering "a rare combination of complete privacy, bespoke luxury service, and refined accommodations for up to six guests". 

An additional host suite will soon to be added, increasing total capacity to eight guests). The island's distinctive copper-clad lodge will be completely renovated in the months ahead. 

"We've created something truly exceptional that showcases the wild beauty of Tasmania while providing the comfort, style, and service that discerning travellers expect," said Mark Israel, the new owner of Picnic Island. 

"We aim to deliver highly personalised, transformative experiences that can't be replicated elsewhere -high impact for guests, low impact for the environment. Our vision is a luxury retreat where visitors can disconnect from the ordinary and reconnect with something extraordinary."

The experience will include private boat transfers, a personal chef who will tell a story of place in each meal, and customised daily activities ranging from guided Freycinet walks to oyster farm visits, wine tastings, whisky distillery tours, and marine adventures. 

Guests will share the island with a colony of Little Penguins and other seabirds that return to their burrows each evening. 

"This isn't just luxury accommodation; it's a fully immersive experience in one of Australia's most pristine environments," said Israel. 

"We've reimagined what service means in this extraordinary setting. Whether it's a sommelier-led tasting of Tasmania's finest wines, a private yoga session on the deck at sunrise, or a chef preparing your freshly foraged seafood, every moment is designed to create lasting memories."

For more information about Picnic Island Tasmania and to inquire about bookings, see  www.picnicisland.com.au.

Images: Olly Gaspar

Cruise giant orders more ships as industry booms

The cruise industry is an unstoppable force.

No matter how many crises it confronts, the simple truth is that a lot of people are happy to spend good money to be at sea on huge ships.

MSC Cruises, one of the industry heavyweights, this week announced a firm order for two new ‘World Class’ series ships.

This will take the number of MSC ships in the class to six.

The new vessels are currently being referred to as World Class 5 and 6 prior to being named and are expected to be delivered for service in 2029 and 2030.

The pair will be built at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard outside Nantes in Frabce and will be powered by alternative fuel sources including LNG, travel portal Travel Mole reports.

The 6,700-guests ships will join MSC World Europa and MSC World America (above), which have already launched, and MSC World Asia and MSC World Atlantic, which will be delivered over the next two years.

“The confirmation for the two new World Class ships marks a new milestone and the continuation of our long-term industrial plan,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Cruises.

“The highly successful World Class platform combines the very best in environmental technology with the latest advancements in guest experiences.”

The new ships will also have shore power plug-in capability and advanced wastewater treatment systems.

Bali bans small plastic water bottles

Bali has taken a major stop towards reducing plastic waste.

The holiday island's governor, Wayan Koster, has banned the production and manufacture of water in small plastic containers, newsletter Bali Update reports.

All plastic containers with capacities of less than one litre are included. The decree effectively ends the use of plastic cups of water, small drinking bottles, or half-litre water containers.

The Provincial Government of Bali said the move represented "a collective, systematic, integrated, and culturally based action to alleviate the growing trash problem".

The memorandum is intended to dramatically reduce plastic waste across six sectors: offices, traditional villages, businesses, hotels and restaurants, educational institutions, marketplaces, and places of worship.

The includes severe enforcement provisions. Sanctions include revocation of company permits and licenses and suspension of financial aid to traditional villages.

Conversely, community members who consistently support the program to eliminate one-time-use plastics will be given government incentives and rewards.

Governor Koster said the move would apply across the armed forces, the Indonesian police, village chiefs, community leaders, and community organisers.

“We must stop using single-use plastic and process waste starting from the source," Koster said. "Use compost, maggots, animal feed, or other modern systems. This is a collective movement, not just a campaign.

“Green hotels, green malls, green restaurants - that’s the future of Bali. If a destination is not environmentally friendly, don’t expect to be visited by international travellers.”

Tourists will now need to provide their own stainless steel drinking bottles.  

New Zealand wine businesses promote sustainability message

New Zealand has been promoting its clean and green wine image for 30 years now and despite turbulent global trade winds, the New Zealand wine industry's reputation for high-quality, sustainable wines remains a constant.

Released mid-April, the 2025 New Zealand Winegrowers Sustainability Report takes the pulse of the industry’s progress with sustainability.

The report highlights empirical data collected from its members that are certified by Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ) - comprising 98% of vineyard area, and around 90% of wine produced.

The industry’s sustainability goals remain : Climate Change, Water, People, Soil, Waste, and Plant Protection.

“While we may be here for a short time, our impact can last longer than a lifetime. To our industry, sustainability means growing grapes and producing our world-famous wines in such a way that we can do so for generations to come”, the report says.

The report notes that climate change is the biggest long-term challenge facing the industry. The New Zealand Wine Roadmap to Net Zero 2050 released in 2024, highlights the need for change across key areas of the value chain to set the path to a net zero future.

“We can see from the data, that more of our members are implementing specific initiatives to minimise their carbon footprint,” says . Dr Edwin Massey, general manager for sustainability.

“Once you start measuring your emissions, you can then make informed business decisions around future changes and investment.

"SWNZ members submit data on their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. An individualised report is provided to each member, giving comparative data over time. In addition, there are also regional and national reports providing a macro benchmark for progress."

With the goal to be world leaders in water use and the protection of water quality, Dr Massey says the report shows that “100% of wineries and 92% vineyards are optimising their water use through conservation and reduction.”.

With 90% of New Zealand wine currently exported, advancing sustainability through research is paramount to the future success of the industry.

Bragato Research Institute (BRI), is a wholly owned subsidiary of New Zealand Winegrowers and bridges the gap between science and industry, focusing on and delivering research that fills knowledge gaps specific to New Zealand’s current and future grape growing and winemaking needs.

The commitment to sustainability remains a key differentiator for New Zealand wine and is central to its premium brand proposition, NZ Wine says. The report highlights the ongoing efforts by grape growers and winemakers in putting sustainability first.

To read the 2025 Sustainability Report visit: nzwine.com

Image: Marlborough vineyards

How Oxford Landing is endeavouring to do its bit for the environment

 

Australia’s leading liquor retail group has teamed up with Oxford Landing as part of a campaign to plant more trees during Earth Month.

Endeavour Group is working the Oxford Landing brand to support native revegetation efforts across Australia throughout April. 

Oxford Landing will commit to regenerating one square meter of bushland for every bottle of its One to One brand sold during April.

Centred around Earth Day on April 22, Earth Month is a global celebration, with more than one billion people advocating for the environmental health of the planet.

Dan Holland, director of corporate affairs and sustainability at Endeavour Group, said: “Earth Month is a powerful reminder for us all to consider the collective action needed to protect our planet.

“We’re proud to be teaming up with Oxford Landing, a supplier committed to leading change.

“Partnering together, will help us talk to our customers about the impact small, individual choices can make collectively.”

This initiative invites Endeavour customers to be part of the change by purchasing select One to One products at Dan Murphy’s or BWS, online or in-store.

Oxford Landing has been devoted to the replanting and regeneration of native flora and fauna at its Riverland home, to date planting over 200,000 native trees and shrubs on 6.6 million square metres of dedicated conservation area. 

At the time of launching One to One in 2023, Oxford Landing partnered with Greenfleet to plant the One to One Bushland, allowing customers to directly track the impact of their wine purchase.

Louisa Rose, head of sustainability at Oxford Landing, said: “Every bottle of One to One sold has a positive impact on the planet. Restoring and enriching habitats and regenerating ecosystems with one square metre of bushland for every one case sold - that’s our One to One promise.

“We love working with Endeavour Group on our Earth Month campaign, as we know customers are looking to support planet-positive initiatives.” 

I'm working through some of the wines right now, and the 2022 Merlot is a standout with its bold favours and smooth finish. Recommended. I also very much enjoyed the very quaffable shiraz.   

See oxfordlanding.com and greenfleet.com.au

Austria rides organic wine wave

 

Austria, known for some stellar white wines, is one of the nations leading the way in terms of environmentally-conscious viticulture. 

Around 12,000 hectares of Austrian vineyards are now cultivated in compliance with the independently controlled viticulture program Sustainable Austria (Nachhaltig Austria), corresponding to 27% of Austria’s total area under vine. 

That's big progress given the certification program was only launched 10 years ago. 

Austria has impressive figures when it comes to organic viticulture, with 25% of the country’s area under vine being certified as organic, as of November 2024.

The figures were issued this week by the Austrian Wine Marketing Board (Austrian Wine). 

More than 1 in 10 organic vineyards are also cultivated using biodynamic methods. 

“The Sustainable Austria certification is a recognised sustainability label on the global wine stage," says Chris Yorke, CEO of Austrian Wine. "It plays a significant role in Austrian wine being perceived as particularly environmentally friendly. 

“It’s not just the environment that benefits from this. Environmentally conscious certification is a key selling point in many markets, including Scandinavia, Canada and the USA. Some of our wineries even hold several certifications, e.g. ‘Sustainable Austria’ and ‘organic’.”

The global organic wine market has been gaining traction in today’s health-conscious society. 

A recent report by InsightAce Analytic Pvt. Ltd showed the market was valued at US$9.84 billion in 2021 and is set to reach an impressive US$25.07 billion by 2030. 

Sustainable Austria was launched in 2015 after being developed over a number of years by the Austrian Winegrowers’ Association (Österreichischer Weinbauverband) in association with a group of scientists.

Image: Ried Heiligenstein, Kamptal. © ÖWM/Robert Herbst

Tahbilk celebrates a century of family custodianship

For 100 years, five generations of the Purbrick family have been major players in the evolution of the Australian wine industry.

While you may not have heard of the Purbricks, you have certainly heard of the winery that their family has guided for a century; the beautiful and historic Tahbilk in Central Victoria.

The Purbricks got together recently to celebrate their 100-year stewardship, and invited a few media along to taste some wines produced over several decades.

Established in 1860 Tahbilk is one of Australia's most beautiful and historic family owned wineries. Located in the Nagambie Lakes region (120kms north of Melbourne), one of the nation's premium viticultural areas.

The property comprises some 1,214 hectares of river flats with a frontage of 11km to the Goulburn River and 8km of permanent backwaters and creeks.

The story begins in London in the early 1920s with an offer to Reginald Purbrick MP of a glass of Chateau Tahbilk brandy, accompanied by the words ‘This might be of interest to you, Purbrick."

Reg decided to purchase the property sight unseen in 1925.

Reg’s son Eric, who inherited Tahbilk as well as his father’s love of wine, returned to the estate in 1932 amid the Depression, forgoing a law degree.

His son John quietly rebuilt the marketing arm of the business whilst encouraging his son Alister (below) to become the first formally trained winemaker in the family. Alister talks of "mid-weight elegance", a signature of all the family's wines.

Now it is the next generation, led by Alister’s daughter Hayley, who have brought the winery into the 21st century, ensuring the family leaves a sustainable legacy for future generations.

This is a business about family, about the environment and about making wines that sing, rather than shout. 

Brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, sons and daughters: they are the world's largest single producers of the Rhone Valley white variety marsanne, some of the vines of which dates back to 1927. 

Marsanne can be enjoyed young or mature - maybe try a bottle over Christmas.

On our recent visit we sampled wines ranging from 1962 to current releases. They included the Estate and 1927 Marsanne Ranges, the Estate/Bin/Reserve and ESP (Eric Stevens Purbrick) shirazes, the 1860 Vines shirazes, Old Vines Cabernet Shiraz blends and Estate, Bin, Reserve and ESP Cabernet Sauvignons. 

These are wines with a serious sense of place, that are made to be enjoyed with family, friends and good company. 

I took copious notes, but will share that the honesty of the wines, and the deft winemaking shone through vintages and varieties. 

Today, Tahbilk is a leader in sustainable winemaking, having been certified net carbon zero 12 years ago. 

You can visit its historic and atmospheric cellar door, dine in the impressive restaurant and walk the eco wetlands. Maybe try, or buy, some of the family centenary special releases.

The oldest family-owned winery and vineyard in Victoria retains a very special charm - and offers a family welcome. 

See www.tahbilk.com.au.

The writer was a guest of Tahbilk    

   

Fjord fiesta: Norway clamps down on cruise ships

Norway is the latest nation to clamp down on polluting cruise ships.

The Norwegians have flagged strict zero emissions regulations to help protect their pristine fjords.

Starting from 2026, small vessels up to 10,000 gross tonnage must have zero emission technology fitted to sail the fjords and other coastal routes, Travel Mole reports.

But Norway has given large cruise ships a more generous deadline of 2032 to install zero emissions tech.

The government acknowledges it will take time for the largest ships sailing in Norway to become compliant.

“The goal is to preserve the spectacular fjords and create sustainable tourism,” said Andreas Bjelland Eriksen, the climate and environment minister.

“The zero-emission requirement will drive technology development, reduce emissions, and ensure the World Heritage fjords remain attractive tourist destinations.”

The requirements include the use of alternative fuels, including biogas for smaller vessels, and the ability to hook up to shore power.

Norway has several fjords listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Image: Visit Norway 

Jim Barry adopts lightweight bottle for 2024 rieslings

Even small steps are good steps when it comes to helping protect the environment.

Leading Clare Valley wine producer Jim Barry Wines has launched a new proprietary lightweight riesling bottle, which is says reflects the company’s commitment to sustainability.

Its reasons: to reduce the overall environmental impact of the business, and significantly lower the company’s carbon footprint.

Beginning with the award-winning Watervale Riesling, which celebrated 50 vintages in 2023, the new bottle is 48 grams lighter than a standard riesling bottle.

The winery says that although this seems minimal, it equates to a total reduction in glass usage of 48 tonnes per year.

“As the market leader for premium Australian riesling, we are excited to be the first to produce a proprietary light-weight riesling bottle,” says sales and marketing director Sam Barry,

“This bottle plays a critical role in the future sustainability of the sector.”

The Clare Valley, of course, has a history of innovation.

The region was the first in Australia to collectively embrace the screwcap in 2000 and the new lightweight bottle is billed as the next evolution of that innovative thinking.

“Our family have always worked to minimise our environmental impact," Sam Barry says.

"This bottle in just one way we are reducing our carbon footprint and ensuring our business is sustainable for future generations.”

Jim Barry Wines is now a Toitu – carbonreduce-certified organisation. The business is also a member of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia and will undertake the certification audit in October 2024.

The new lightweight bottles will begin appearing on the market in the coming weeks, and will eventually be used for all Jim Barry Wines rieslings for the 2024 vintage.

They shoot horses don’t they?

The Kosciuszko National Park is a wild area of great natural beauty in Australia’s Snowy Mountains. 

You just need to watch where you walk in case you stumble upon the rotting carcasses of wild horses that have been shot from helicopters. 

The environment minister of the state of New South Wales has been given the go ahead by the courts to continue with the culling of the wild horses, known as brumbies. 

The pro-brumby Snowy Mountains Bush Users Group filed a legal action against the NSW environment minister, Penny Sharpe, in the state’s supreme court in June in a bid to stop the aerial culling, which was approved in October 2023.

After a three-day hearing in July, Justice David Davies handed down his judgment this week and dismissed the case.

In its lawsuit, the organisation claimed the decision to use aerial shooting as a means to control brumbies was “infected by error of law”.

Their lawyers told the court aerial shooting without preference for other control methods was “unnecessarily or unjustifiably” inflicting pain upon the horses and was an act of animal cruelty.

Parts of the park have remained closed during autumn and winter as shooting operations took place to reduce horse numbers, which surged when rehoming was favoured under the previous governments.

Previous counts showed there were more than 20,000 wild horses in the park, government estimates show, which officials say pose a risk to the delicate alpine ecosystem.

Austrian wine industry focuses on organic viticulture

We don't see enough Austrian wines in Australia, but the wine industry is booming with a focus on organic farming. 

Austrian organic vineyards have this year exceeded 10,000 hectares for the first time. 

The area under vine certified as organic has risen to 10,432 hectares, the equivalent of 15,000 football pitches or 24% of the total area under vine. 

This makes Austria one of the global front-runners in organic viticulture. More than 1 in 10 organic vineyards are also cultivated using biodynamic methods. Furthermore, 25% of Austria’s vineyards are certified by Sustainable Austria.

The report  The World of Organic Agriculture 2024 shows Austria’s share of organically cultivated vineyards was already 21.5% in 2022, putting it in first place among the major wine-producing countries, even outstripping France (20.7%) and Italy (18.1%). 

“Around the world, Austrian wine enjoys a reputation for being produced in an especially environmentally conscious manner, and with good reason, as the numbers show,” says Chris Yorke, CEO of the Austrian Wine Marketing Board. 

“This is not only good for the environment, but also good for the winegrowers themselves because in many markets, certification of environmentally conscious production is an important selling point, particularly in Scandinavia, Canada and the USA."

Chocolate producer helping the environment

Plant-based, gluten- free organic chocolate producer Pana Organic will be walking the walk on July 28 when it aims to plant up to 2,000 new trees on the Mornington Peninsula.

It will be part of its annual tree-planting initiative, building on the existing Pana Organic forest.

 
Aligned with National Tree Day, Pana Organic will be planting native plants without pesticides to ensure they are helping build habitats for native wildlife in Hastings/Somers.

Pana Organic says it wants the event to bring community together and work together for the greater good of our planet.

The founder of Pana Organic, Pana Barbounis, says events like this are important to him and the entire Pana Organic brand.

Pana Organic has teamed up with Fifteen Trees and the Somers/Hastings Koala Habitat Project for the initiative. 

Coordinated by the Mornington Peninsula Koala Conservation (MPKC), the project sees partners plant trees in existing koala corridors, thereby encouraging koalas out of urban areas and away from the many threats they face. 

‘To achieve our goals, we need funding to purchase trees for the wildlife corridors. All money received goes directly towards bringing our project and goals to life," Dirk Jansen, co-ordinator at The Mornington Peninsula Koala Conservation said. 

“Thank you to Pana Organics and Fifteen Trees for your assistance in purchasing trees on our behalf and, indeed, for coming out to plant too.” 

The revegetation project is also backed by Mornington Peninsula Shire, Parks Victoria and the Department of Defence. 

Dear tourists: Please go away we don't want you here

First Venice took action against over-sized cruise ships, now Amsterdam is cracking down.

The Dutch city plans to start cutting the number of ships that can stop at its main port terminal over the coming years, its municipal government has said.

Starting from 2026, the number of sea cruise vessels that can stop at the Passengers Terminal Amsterdam will be set at 100 per annum, down from 190 today.

Within a decade, cruise ships will not be allowed to stop at the main terminal, and by 2035 the main terminal for cruise stops will be outside the city, travel news portal Skift reports.

All cruise ships will be required to use shore power by 2027.

This means ships will have to get their electrical power from the shore while docked at the port, cutting the use of onboard diesel engines - a contributor to carbon emissions.

“By limiting sea cruises, requiring shore power, and aiming for the cruise terminal to move from its current location in 2035, the council is responsibly implementing the proposal to stop sea cruises,” said Hester van Buren, an alderman for the municipal government.

Both Venice and Amsterdam have concerns about over-tourism and its impact on the environment.

In Venice, the government has limited the number of cruise ships at its industrial port and is building a smaller terminal outside the city centre.

The cruise cap is the latest policy by Amsterdam to combat over-tourism.

In April, the city banned the construction of new hotels. And earlier this year, it launched a new campaign to discourage nuisance party tourists from visiting the city’s red light district.

Meanwhile, the mayor of Barcelona, Mayor Jaume Collboni, revealed this month that his city plans to ban short-term vacation rentals by 2028.

That plan is in response to rising tourist numbers and ever-increasing rents for locals with a large portion of housing stock having been turned into accommodation for visitors.

Spain showcasing its sustainability credentials

Spain is making significant strides in promoting sustainable tourism in a bid to ensure year-round visitation and promote lesser-known regions. 

New cycling paths, electric buses and high-speed train routes are making eco-friendly travel across the country more accessible, and hotel initiatives are revitalising rural regions, contributing to Spain's sustainable tourism movement.

Turespana's Tourism Counsellor for South-East Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Marta Fernandez Martin, says Spain's commitment to sustainable tourism not only enhances the visitor experience but also ensures the preservation of its natural and cultural heritage for future generations.

“We are absolutely committed to leading the way in sustainable tourism,' said Fernandez Martin. “Spain is dedicated and making great progress to making eco-friendly travel both accessible and enjoyable, reflecting our country's deep respect for the environment and our duty to protect it.

“As the country's national tourism board, we're proactively promoting shoulder-season and off-season travel options to Australian and New Zealand travellers, as well as encouraging greater regional dispersal and off-the-beaten-path discoveries.

"This approach is designed not only to help manage tourism's impact on the environment and local communities within Spain, but also to spread the economic benefit of tourism further.”

Valencia has been named as the European Green Capital for 2024, while the European Capital of Smart Tourism for 2024 is Seville. 

Spain continues to innovate in sustainable travel by expanding its Vias Verdes (Green Ways) project, which repurposes old railway lines into non-motorised paths for hiking and cycling. 

With over 117 routes spanning more than 2,900 kilometres, nature enthusiasts have opportunities to explore the country's landscapes.

A remarkable 90% of Spanish trains are powered by renewable electricity, substantially reducing the carbon footprint and a new high-speed line between Madrid and Oviedo launched in November last year. 

For more information on sustainable Spain and conscious travel options see www.spain.info/en/.

Image: Seville. Supplied.

 

Novotel and WWF team up to help protect ocean environments

The sustainability message is an important one in the hospitality industry, as is underlined by a new deal between Novotel hotels and the WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature).

Novotel, Accor's founding brand, will champion the protection and restoration of the ocean through "science-based action and conservation projects".

Under the three-year agreement from 2024 to 2027, WWF France will provide technical expertise to Novotel, helping its 580 hotels worldwide to "have a positive impact on the ocean, challenging and guiding the brand and its properties throughout many aspects of its operations".

The partnership will also see Novotel sponsoring several critical WWF ocean-related conservation projects across the world.

Novotel says it will build a three-year science-based action plan, rooted in three of the United Nations' priority ocean-related actions: reducing marine pollution and ocean acidification, particularly from land-based activities; fighting overfishing and promoting sustainable fishing models; and increasing scientific knowledge and research for ocean health.

The partnership will see Novotel supporting essential WWF France conservation projects around the world, including the WWF France's Blue Panda boat (top image), which sails across the Mediterranean carrying out work including scientific dives, protecting cetaceans from collisions with marine vehicles, and protecting endangered species of rays and sharks.

Another key element will be tracking and tracing marine turtles in Asia-Pacific, gathering knowledge on their movements from nesting beaches to migratory corridors and foraging grounds, and mapping critical populations and conservation areas.

Karelle Lamouche, Chief Commercial Officer, Premium, Midscale & Economy Division, Accor (another great job title), said: “We are delighted to announce that Novotel is embarking on an exciting new chapter. Novotel, Accor's founding brand, is a powerful brand, leading the Midscale segment in most of the world. Today, we are starting a bold new ambition, championing a sustainability cause globally.

“Novotel has a long-standing commitment to innovation and balance, and we now take that commitment further, by choosing to help the greatest source of balance on our planet – the ocean."

Yann Laurans, Conservation Director, WWF France, said “WWF aims to restore ocean health for the benefit of people and nature. The oceans are an essential resource of biodiversity that must be protected."

Created in 1967 in France, Novotel is Accor's founding brand. It has over 580 hotels across 65 countries.

Brewer underlines its environmental credentials

Being eco-friendly is a key driver of sales and Melbourne-based independent Bodriggy Brewing Co. has become the first Victorian brewery - and only the second in Australia - to gain carbon neutral accreditation for both its beers and brewery under the Federal Government’s Climate Active program.

It is a major milestone for the Abbotsford brewer when so many craft breweries are struggling in the current economic climate.

Co-founded in 2016 by the same team behind Collingwood bar Dr Morse, and specialty coffee shop Plug Nickel; Peter Walsh, Jon Costello, Anthony Daniels, and Jessica Morris started Bodriggy as their third joint business venture.

Bodriggy is now stocked nationally by Dan Murphy's, BWS and 500 Coles Liquor stores helping the business average a 20% increase in wholesale sales year-on-year since 2019.

 “We’re really proud to be recognised as the first Victorian, and second national, carbon neutral brewery across everything we do including; our production processes, administrational aspects and of course, our froths," says Walsh.

"Having started Bodriggy eight years ago, not only have we grown up, but our customers have, too.

"We’ve evolved as people with different personal values - ones which place importance on protecting the environment more - and we want to reflect that in all that Bodriggy does.”

Bodriggy built its brewery and brewpub with climate-conscious elements in mind, including; sourcing reclaimed materials for the build, installing solar panels, using serving tanks to minimise keg usage as well as using waste minimising methods in its kitchen.

See www.bodriggy.beer.

# For those playing at home, Capital Brewing in Canberra was the first carbon neutral producer in Australia. 

Here comes wine in a paper bottle

How would you feel about enjoying your wine from a paper bottle?

Leading UK supermarket Aldi has announced plans to launch two own-label wines in paper bottles, the first supermarket to do so in that country.

The two wines - a shiraz and a sauvignon blanc from South Africa - will launch on March 18 to coincide with global recycling day, influential industry newsletter the drinks business reports.

And the wines under the Cambalala label will not be super-cheap: retailing for £7.99 (around $15.50 in Australian money).

The bottles are described as fully recyclable and are made from 94% recycled paperboard which is lined with a food-grade pouch that seals the wine.

English company Frugalpac says the packaging is both light in weight and easy to recycle.

It says the bottles have a carbon footprint 84% lower than a glass bottle.

The bottle is also five times lighter than a standard glass bottle.

Julie Ashfield, managing director of buying at Aldi UK, said that shoppers are looking for small ways to make a big difference for our planet and become more sustainable in their daily lives.

“Our buying teams are continuously thinking of how we can evolve our ranges to offer greater value and greener choices," she says. "We are proud to be the first supermarket to launch an own-brand paper bottle, helping to drive sustainable change.”

I have no doubt that Aldi Australia wine buyer Jason Bowyer is monitoring the situation carefully.

Malcolm Waugh, CEO of Frugalpac, said his company was thrilled to be partnering with Aldi UK on the new line.

“Our ambition has always been to allow more people the opportunity to enjoy our paper Frugal Bottles, giving them greener choices,” he said.

“Launching in a major UK supermarket means more shoppers can now drink responsibly and sustainably and we are so pleased to be part of that journey.”