5 Ways Boaters Can Help The Environment

Boating sustainability illustration New England Boating & Fishing made with AI assistance.

Boating and a love for the environment go hand-in-hand. After all, boating is all about fresh air, clean water, beautiful beaches, and healthy fish. Nobody wants to boat in a cesspool or worry if it’s safe to eat that huge striped bass you just reeled in. We want beaches of shells, sand and driftwood, not plastic bags and cigarette butts.

So it’s in every boater’s best interest to do their part to help the environment. Here are a few tips you can follow to be a more environmentally-friendly boater.

♦ Keep your boat maintained. Performing routine inspections and maintenance can keep your boat running efficiently and prevent harmful leaks. Check that your prop is the right pitch and isn’t damaged to maximize fuel efficiency. Regularly change your oil and check your fluids.

♦ Use safe cleaning practices. When possible, try to perform any maintenance, cleaning and painting on land to limit the chance of products entering the water. Make sure to use biodegradable cleaning products and appropriate bottom paint to minimize environmental impact.

♦ Recycle and properly dispose of trash. Nobody wants to swim and waterski through plastic sandwich bags or dirty napkins. Never throw your trash overboard. Stow it and take it back to land to dispose of properly. And be sure to recycle everything you can, such as batteries, antifreeze, and paint.

♦ Properly manage your sewage waste. Never discharge your sewage near the shore. Check local guidelines and regulations, and be sure to use a pumpout station or local facility.

Recycle your fishing line. Monofilament fishing line can be extremely harmful to marine life. Properly dispose of it at a recycling station or marine store. To find a recycling location, visit www.fishinglinerecycling.org.