Yamaha Rightwaters Removes 264 Tons of Marine Debris in Latest Annual Cycle

Yamaha's Rightwaters conservation programme marked its seventh anniversary on World Oceans Day 2026, reporting removal of more than 264.2 tons of debris from U.S. waterways in the past 12 months. Over the same period, the programme supported the re-establishment of more than 155 million oysters in critical marine environments.

Over the 12 months through June 2026, Yamaha Rightwaters removed 264.2 tons of debris from U.S. lakes, rivers and coastal waters through partnerships with conservation organisations including Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful, Keep the Golden Isles Beautiful and the Chattahoochee River Keeper. The programme also removed 20,512 invasive lionfish during the Emerald Coast Open 2026 and restored 224,000 acres of coastal land through relationships with Ducks Unlimited and Coastal Conservation Association Maryland.

Scientific research and education activities included a new 5-year agreement with the University of Georgia's Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant programme, providing multiple outboards to support coastal research and community engagement. The programme also sponsored a Davidson College student-led project to repower a pontoon vessel with an electric outboard motor, and expanded its partnership with Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute through a renewed three-year agreement. A total of 31,752 students were engaged in research and restoration activities during the year.

New research published in the journal Diversity from a Yamaha Rightwaters and Georgia Southern University project found that restored oyster reefs significantly enhanced salt marsh growth and shoreline stability along the Georgia coast, with restored sites on exposed shorelines increasing by more than 50 square metres while control sites experienced a net loss. The programme operates across four pillars: habitat restoration, scientific research support, invasive species management and marine stewardship education, reinforcing Yamaha Marine's sustainability positioning in the U.S. recreational boating market.

Key figure — 264.2 tons of debris removed from U.S. waterways in the past 12 months