Sustainability, Climate Action & Care for Country
Protecting Moreton Bay and Mulgumpin through responsible tourismWhy It Matters
Tangatours operates in the extraordinary marine environment of Moreton Bay and Mulgumpin (Moreton Island). Everything we do is shaped by the need to protect the wildlife, habitats, and cultural significance of this place, while creating memorable nature-based experiences for our guests.
We operate within Tangalooma Island Resort, while remaining an independent company in our own right, and this unique position allows us to deliver our own experiences in close connection with this remarkable destination.
ECO Certification
Tangatours is proud to hold both ECO Certification and Climate Action Certification through Ecotourism Australia. Our ECO Certification recognises our commitment to sustainable nature-based tourism, conservation and responsible environmental management. Our Climate Action Certification specifically recognises our efforts to measure and reduce emissions and plan for the impacts of climate change.
For our guests, this means choosing a tourism business that has been independently recognised for its commitment to sustainability. For us, it means continuously improving how we operate and how we care for the place where we work.
Caring For Our Marine Life
The waters around Moreton Island support dugongs, turtles, dolphins, rays, fish, and seasonal whales. Much of this biodiversity depends on the seagrass meadows and reef habitats around the Tangalooma Shipwrecks.
These ecosystems are sensitive, and climate change places them under increasing pressure through changing ocean conditions, habitat stress, and impacts on marine biodiversity.
That is why we build environmental care into our tours through:
- Eco briefings before activities
- Responsible snorkelling, diving, and wildlife interaction guidance
- Catch-and-release fishing practices
- Beach and dive clean-ups
- Proper waste handling and return-to-shore disposal
- Ongoing review of how we operate
Climate Change and Our Region
Climate change is affecting marine environments across the world, including Moreton Bay. Local impacts may include pressure on seagrass habitats, changes to coral growth on wreck structures, shifts in marine species distribution, changing weather patterns, and altered coastal conditions.
We believe tourism businesses have a role to play in helping guests understand these issues in a practical and positive way. Our aim is simple: to help people enjoy this environment, understand what is changing, and feel part of protecting it.
During our tours, we share information about these challenges and encourage guests to make simple, sustainable choices such as minimising waste, respecting wildlife, and supporting responsible tourism practices.
We currently support climate action through initiatives such as carbon offsetting with Greenfleet. Last year, we offset the emissions from all our marine boat tours, contributing to Greenfleet’s restoration of native forests and the capture of 49 tonnes of carbon. We also actively support marine conservation through initiatives including donating snorkelling equipment to Project Hiu in Indonesia, supporting the PADI AWARE Foundation, and undertaking regular underwater clean-up dives.
How You Can Help
We encourage our guests to help protect the marine environment during their visit so these ecosystems remain healthy for future generations.
Small actions from every guest help keep Moreton Island healthy for the future:
- Do not touch or disturb marine wildlife
- Avoid standing on coral or climbing on wreck structures
- Follow guide instructions when snorkelling or diving
- Dispose of waste responsibly and avoid littering
- Use reusable water bottles where possible
- Practise responsible sun protection, including protective clothing, hats and shade where practical.
- Respect shared natural spaces and cultural heritage areas
Respecting Country
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Mulgumpin and the surrounding Sea Country, and we pay respect to Elders past and present. We are committed to presenting cultural information respectfully and encouraging guests to treat this place with care.
WORKING TOGETHER FOR SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability works best when businesses learn from each other. Tangatours works with Tangalooma Island Resort and local partners to support responsible tourism practices.
By sharing what works and collaborating openly, the tourism industry can help protect the environments that make destinations like Moreton Island so special.