The great outdoors is…well–great. The trouble is, human exposure to these often delicate ecosystems can lead to damage, pollution and even full-stop extinctions if not carefully monitored. Your favorite waterway to boat or fish in is no different. For that reason, it is important to know the easy ways you can enjoy eco-friendly boating without sacrificing the fun of getting out on the water with friends and family.
Five Easy Ways to Implement Eco-Friendly Boating Techniques
- See the Signs: Many waterways, especially near vulnerable flora and fauna (manatees, seagrass, coral, etc.), will post “no wake” signs that warn boaters to slow their vessels. High-speed boats can cause wakes that damage shorelines and make it more difficult to maneuver around seagrasses and slow-moving wildlife. Just as you should in a car, follow posted speed limits and heed all warning signs.
- Don’t Spill: Fuel and oil are both awful for the environment. Though you may be extra careful when filling your oil and fuel tanks on the water, you may not be able to avoid a spill. Add to that, the risk of your engine or tanks leaking these pollutants and you can see why it is so important to report any incidences of oil or gas leaks to the Environmental Protection Agency as soon as possible. If you come across a vessel leaking or dumping pollutants, it is your responsibility to report it as well.
- Maintenance and Mess: Always ensure that your engine is up to snuff before hitting the water. It is especially important to check all hoses, which can become brittle after months of exposure to the sun and water.
- Trash Troubles: Do your part to ensure that no one on your boat is throwing garbage overboard. It is tempting to simply toss that soda can or potato chip bag into the open water, but this has an immediate and terrible impact on the entire ecosystem, no matter how little the litter.
- Overfishing: If you’re new to fishing, you may not realize that there are strict regulations on both saltwater and freshwater fishing to avoid overfishing or the capture of protected species. Follow these rules to stay on the right side of the law and preserve the delicate ecosystem.
If you love boating, you must also love and respect Mother Nature. Do your part every time you hit the water by following waterway speed limits and warnings, reporting oil and fuel spills, maintaining your engine and never littering. As boating and fishing enthusiasts, we are also the guardians of the waters we love spending our time on.
Smart, eco-friendly boating has come a long way since the “save the manatees” days (a campaign that actually accomplished just that). With more awareness, there is no excuse for leaving our waterways worse for future generations of boaters, fishers and anglers.
