A clean environment is as important to boating as open water and sunny skies. Nobody wants to swim, fish or wakeboard in polluted water. So it’s important for boaters to do their part to protect the boating environment. Here’s how you can help.

  1. Use biodegradable cleaning products and legal bottom paints to minimize your impact on the environment. Also, try to perform any cleaning, painting or maintenance on land to prevent any materials from getting into the water.
  2. Never discharge sewage anywhere near the shore. Always check local regulations and use pumpout facilities.
  3. Try to limit washing dishes and taking showers to land. If you must do them on your boat, use phosphate-free biodegradable soap to lower the impact of greywater.  
  4. Monofilament fishing line is extremely harmful to marine life. Properly dispose of it at a recycling location onshore. To find a location, visit www.fishinglinerecycling.org.
  5. Never throw your trash into the water. Pack it up and take it back to land, where you can dispose of it properly.
  6. Recycle anything you can – batteries, paints, antifreeze, etc.
  7. Routinely inspect and maintain your boat’s equipment. This will keep it running smoothly and efficiently and help prevent burning unnecessary fuel and leaking fluids into the water.
  8. Take care not to spill fuel into the water when gassing up.