Boating Tips to Help the Environment
When it comes to boating, having a clean environment is as important as having a boat itself. After all, nobody wants to boat in polluted water or worry if the fish they catch is too contaminated to eat. So all boaters need to do their part to keep the environment clean. Here are a few tips on how you can help.
- When possible, try to do any cleaning, painting or maintenance to your boat on land to limit the chances of anything getting in the water. Use legal bottom paints and biodegradable cleaners to keep impact on the environment to a minimum.
- Routinely inspect and maintain your boat to keep it working efficiently and prevent leaks. Check your propeller for damage that could hurt your boat’s fuel efficiency. And regularly check your oil and change your fluids.
- Use phosphate-free biodegradable soap onboard to limit the impact of greywater.
- Don’t discharge sewage near shore. Always check local regulations and use pumpout facilities.
- Monofilament fishing line can be dangerous to marine life. Recycle your line onshore. You can find a recycling location at fishinglinerecycling.org.
- Never throw trash overboard. Stow it and take it back to shore, where you can dispose of it properly.
