Steering Towards A Greener Horizon: Eco-Friendly Boating Tips
Adapting environmentally-conscious boating techniques for a sustainable future.
July 16, 2023
If you have a passion for being on the water and a deep appreciation for the marine environment, it's important to prioritize its health and cleanliness. Boating is an exciting year-round activity, but it can harm marine life and the environment if not done responsibly. By making conscious choices such as practicing earth-friendly boat maintenance techniques, we can all contribute to the conservation of our aquatic ecosystem and mitigate the impact of our watercraft on our much-cherished waterways. Here we round up some tips for staying eco-conscious on the water.
Above: a family collects trash from the water onboard their boat. Image created with DALL·E 3.
Trash And Waste Management
It is worth noting that plastic waste can take up to 1,000 years to decompose, which has detrimental effects on marine life and the environment. Annually, the world produces 380 million tons of plastic, with 10 million tons ending up in oceans. This pollution is present in almost every part of the ocean, impacting diverse marine ecosystems and wildlife. Millions of marine animals die each year due to ingestion, entanglement, or suffocation caused by plastic. Corals in contact with plastic have an 85% higher disease risk. To ensure a positive impact while boating, it is essential to fulfill our responsibilities to the environment we all enjoy.
Here are some tips for how to handle garbage and waste aboard your vessel:
- Equip your boat with trash receptacles and encourage fellow travelers to utilize them (reusable mesh bags with cinch ties are a great option, such as Trash Trappers by SeaSense™).
- Ensure that none of your passengers dispose of any plastic materials in the water and secure all trash bins prior to getting underway to prevent litter from being carried away by the wind.
- Whenever possible try to eliminate single-use plastics aboard and encourage passengers and guests to do the same (instead use reusable water bottles, canteens and glass)
- Opt for reusable items like plates, utensils, cups, and glasses to minimize waste onboard.
- Remember to keep all trash on your boat at all times and avoid tossing cigarette butts, fishing line, or any other garbage into the ocean.
- Take advantage of recycling facilities available onshore to properly recycle plastic, glass, metal, and paper materials.
Toxins & Pollutants
Above: Eco-friendly green boat cleaner. Image created with DALL·E 3.
Boaters should exercise caution when it comes to the chemicals they utilize, as improper management can have detrimental effects on marine life. These types of chemicals are found in obvious places, but also not-so-obvious places, so be sure you check and understand all the ways in which you may be affecting the delicate ecosystems that your boat passes through.
Here are a few important areas to check for potential unwanted leaks and pollutants:
- Anti-fouling And Ablative Paints - some of the paints commonly used on boat hulls may contain metals like copper and mercury that can be highly toxic to wildlife (known as biocides). Check with your boatyard to see what they are using or check the paint can label if you're painting it yourself. Many newer brands have eliminated many of these toxins with alternative substances. For example, Adaptive Surface Technologies (ATS) has developed SLIPS® Dolphin Bottom Paint to create an ultra-smooth, slippery surface that organisms can’t attach to, as well as SLIPS® Foul Protect™—a blend of proprietary surface-active polymers—that can significantly improve the biofouling performance of other marine hull paints without biocides. You may also consider products like MacGlide, a biocide-free, self-adhesive film which is attached to the hull below the waterline. Additionally, opting for dry storage can minimize the need for antifouling paints and provide cost savings.
- Cleaning Agents - when cleaning your boat, choose detergents without chlorine, ammonia, and phosphate. Rinse the boat with freshwater, use non-toxic and biodegradable cleaners in recyclable containers, and clean the boat on land to ensure proper disposal of debris and chemicals. Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner is a robust multi-purpose household cleaner made with plant-based surfactants and natural fir needle and spruce essential oils (no cheap, harsh pine stump oil), without any synthetic dyes or fragrances. Thetford Boat Wash is a notably eco-friendly option that has low toxicity while offering great biodegradability. It cleans boats quickly and easily and is affordable.
- Wastewater - There are two different types of wastewater on a boat: blackwater and gray water. Blackwater is sewage waste while gray water is leftover water from onboard sinks, washer and showers and is discharged directly into the water without any treatment. It is important to inform all of your guests and passengers not to discard any harmful chemicals or toxins down the drains of any sinks, toilets or showers to prevent polluting the water. There are two methods of dumping blackwater, the first is to travel three miles offshore and empty, while the second is to come to a fuel dock with a waste pump out. Whenever possible, the latter is more environmentally friendly.
- Suntan And Body Lotion - Studies suggest that sunscreen ingredients, particularly oxybenzone and octinoxate, may be harmful to marine life such as coral reefs, aquatic plants and fish. These endocrine disruptors, can leach into the water and disrupt coral growth and reproduction, leading to bleaching. As a result, consider using "reef-safe" sunscreens to protect marine ecosystems.
Fuel Discharges
The fuel discharged by your boat creates a barrier on the water's surface, obstructing the entry of fresh air. This can have severe and fatal consequences for marine life in the vicinity. To prevent such situations, it is crucial to ensure that none of the fuel from your boat's engine comes in contact with the water.
Adopt the practice of filling fuel tanks slowly and take measures to capture any drips or spills. Refrain from overflowing your tank by leaving space to accommodate fuel expansion as it warms up.
Ensure proper maintenance of your boat to avoid fuel wastage, and remember that operating at slower speeds consumes less fuel. If possible, use biodiesel, the renewable, non-toxic fuel that burns much cleaner with reduced air emissions.
Prop Scars
Above: Prop scars depicted in this illustration of a boat crossing shallow water. Image created with DALL·E 3.
Running through shallow waters can not only damage boats and engines but can also harm vital shallow water habitats, crucial for valuable recreational fisheries. Striking seagrass meadows can leave "prop scars" that take four to seven years to heal and reduce the shelter the meadows offer fish species from predators, thereby reducing the overall fish population. Prop scars are often seen as a sign of irresponsible boating, where operators either unintentionally or carelessly allow their propellers to damage the seabed. To mitigate this issue, many areas enforce boating regulations that include designated paths and speed limits to protect shallow water habitats.
There's a recent emphasis on educating boaters about the importance of avoiding sensitive areas and the potential long-term impacts of their actions on aquatic ecosystems. Obeying no wake zones and running at lower speeds in very skinny water can alleviate some of the potential risk. Depth finders and sight monitoring with a premium pair of polarized sunglasses can reduce the risk of impacting the seabed below and lower the cost of engine repair.
Wildlife
Witnessing marine wildlife is among the countless pleasures of boating. Nevertheless, interactions with boats can pose dangers or even be fatal to these exquisite creatures. Maintain a respectful distance from wildlife to prevent unintentional harm to their habitats and minimize stress. Be mindful of and steer clear of known breeding areas. If fishing, do so only in permitted areas and refrain from targeting endangered species.
If you are ready to embrace sustainable boating, remember that even the smallest steps matter. Each meaningful action contributes to a collective effort aimed at making boating more environmentally friendly—a vital endeavor for the well-being of our oceans, our planet, and the generations to come.
