TODAY marks the start of the TheYachtMarket.com Southampton Boat Show.

The event is marking its 50th years and it's never been greener.

Organisers British Marine is taking steps to minimise the impact of the show itself as well as raising awareness of awareness of the plight of the world’s oceans.

Working with the Marine Conservation Society, the organisers have launched a three-year pledge which includes moving

away from single use plastics, serving only sustainable fish, continuing to recycle waste wherever possible and encouraging environmentally responsible behaviour by visitors, exhibitors, staff and other stakeholders

Many of the exhibitors including Sunseeker, with the aid of special guest Simon Le Bon of Duran Duran, and the TheYachtMarket.com will be using the show to announce environmental initiatives.

There's also a hand-picked crew of wildlife celebrities due to appear.

Biologist, trained diver and wildlife TV presenter, Miranda Krestovnikoff, will be helping open show, now celebrating its golden anniversary, on Friday 14 September. As one of Marine Conservation Society’s leading ocean ambassadors,

Steve Backshall, an adventurer and TV wildlife expert will be appearing on the show’s stage tomorrow for Q&As about his adventures.

Lizzie Daly, a wildlife biologist, regular face on CBeebies and presenter for BBC Earth Unplugged, will be at the show on Sunday, September 23 hosting a number of interactive sessions for for families.

The show will also mark the 50th anniversary of the first single-handed non-stop circumnavigation of the globe by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston. His newly restored round-the-world yacht Suhaili on display. Sir Robin will also be on hand to officially open the show with Miranda Krestovnikoff.

This year's event will welcome more than 80 new brands to its 500-plus fleet of exhibitors, as well as seeing around 100 companies increase the size of their stand or number of berths this year.

New interactive features for visitors include attractions from the National Oceanography Centre, a heritage museum and

kayak assault course challenge.

The show’s very own Festival Green, is a brand new foodie and live entertainment area housing the famous Guinness Bar, and a live entertainment stage.