3 minute read
Be a Better Boater
By Erin Weeks Media and Communications Coordinator SCDNR Marine Resources Division
Summer is the busiest time of the year on our coastal the waterways. With so many of us out there, everything from the boat cleaners we use to how we throw away fi lleted fi sh has a serious impact on the health of our waterways. So, before you head out to enjoy the sun and salt, consider these eight ways to be a smarter, cleaner, safer boater.
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Be Smart About Fueling
Careless fueling of your boat presents a risk of leaks and spills that can pollute our waterways. • Stay nearby while actively fueling. • Do not top off tank. • Catch drips/spills with fuel bibs or oil-absorbent pads. • Gas-soaked bibs and pads can be air-dried and reused; diesel or oil-soaked pads should be doublebagged and thrown in trash.
Watch for Wildlife
Wildlife watching is one of the most enjoyable parts of boating on our coast. But animals such as manatees and sea turtles are at particularly high risk of being killed by boat strikes – in fact, it’s the most common cause of death for sea turtles. In 2017 alone, over 100 sea turtles were killed by collisions with vessels in Ga. and S.C.. • Go slowly in shallow coastal areas. • Always keep a lookout for anything moving/ swimming nearby. • Report injured sea turtles, manatees, dolphins or other protected sealife at 1-800-2-SAVE-ME.
Dispose of Fish Remains
It's illegal to fi llet any fi sh or shark with size restrictions until you've returned to shore. • Don't throw bones or entrails into swimming areas, marinas or on oyster beds. • In Georgia, many marinas have freezers for depositing remains as part of the GADNR carcass recovery project. A list of these marinas can be found here: coastalgadnr.org/MarineCarcass. • If throwing away remains at home, freeze until the day of trash pick-up, and/or double bag to reduce odor. • Better yet, freeze remains and use for bait, cook down for fi sh stock, or compost for use in your garden.
Recycle
Antifreeze, oil, and lead-acid batteries can (and in some cases must) be recycled in both South Carolina and Georgia. But did you know you can recycle fi shing line and oyster shells, too? • Monofi lament deposit bins at many boat landings and marinas off er a place to recycle your used fi shing line and keep it out of the water. • Recycled oyster shells leftover from oyster roasts are used to rebuild oyster reefs in both states.
Use Green Cleaners
Your choice of cleaning products can have a dramatic impact on water quality and wildlife. Luckily, fresh water and a sponge can go a long way toward reducing your need to use harsh cleaners on your boat. • A good coat of wax will keep surface dirt from becoming engrained and requiring detergents to clean. • When detergents are needed, use phosphate-free, biodegradable and nontoxic cleaners. • For a list of natural alternatives for cleaning up your boat that are water- and wildlife-friendly, visit: bit.ly/ boat_green_clean.
Stash Your Trash
We’ve likely all seen it – the boater going so fast they don’t notice the trash fl ying from the stern. Don’t be that boater. • Bring food & drinks in reusable or recyclable containers. • Buy/use products without excessive packaging (or remove packaging at home). • Secure all trash so it doesn't fl y overboard (if it does, go back and get it!). • Practice "plus one boating" and bring back every piece of trash you take out, plus something extra.
Keep Sewage Out of the Water
Being smart about sewage is a no-brainer for anyone who appreciates clean water. Sewage discharge into the water is illegal and can transmit diseases and cause rashes in humans, infect shellfi sh (which may then make oyster lovers sick), and cause algal blooms that kill fi sh. • Never discharge sewage into coastal waters. • Use restrooms ashore. • Use a well-maintained head/marine toilet. • Regularly pump out and rinse tanks. • For a list of pump-out stations in S.C., visit gis. dhec.sc.gov/marinamate/. A list for Ga. is in development at print time.
Pass it On!
Even one person can make a diff erence! • If you’re an experienced boater, share your wisdom with other boaters. • Encourage your marina to provide amenities like trash cans, recycling bins, and pump-out stations. • Write to us and share your ideas for being a smarter, cleaner, safer boater!
