Six Ways to Reduce and Prevent Marine Pollution

Do your part as a responsible boater and always respect the waterways.

by

Words by Blair Englebrecht/Puget Soundkeeper Policy and Boating Programs Manager

Countless boaters visit the Salish Sea every year to enjoy the incredible scenery and wildlife in the Pacific Northwest. Each season provides ample opportunities to create lifelong memories with friends and family. Unfortunately, there are plenty of opportunities for accidental pollution to occur.  

Many boaters have a vested interest in protecting sensitive ecosystems. By following these six common-sense best practices, you can greatly reduce the impact on the environment for future enjoyment and most importantly, preserve it for future generations.

1. Monitor and Properly Dump your Holding Tanks

If your vessel has a holding tank or a porta-potty, always establish a plan to pump out the blackwater. If you’re boating on Puget Sound, dumping sewage (whether it’s treated or not) is illegal. 

To help you comply with Puget Sound’s No Discharge Zone, there are 150 free or low-cost pump-out stations around the region. For all the details visit www.pumpoutwashington.org or download the Pumpout -Nav App. 

It’s also illegal In Canada to dump sewage within 1.6 km (3 mi) off the shore. To best protect the environment, pump out your sewage regardless. To locate pumpouts near you in British Columbia visit www.georgiastrait.org/work/cleanmarinebc/pumpouts/. 

Additionally, never let your holding tank become more than three-quarters full and plan your pumpouts accordingly. 

2. Always be Mindful of Waste 

Solid waste pollution is common while boating. Think of the chip bag that is discarded with your lunch, the aluminum cans emptied during your sunset cruise, or the packaging from your fishing bait. 

Some of these items can last in the environment for decades and materials like plastics and Styrofoam never biodegrade. It’s incredibly important that you properly store and dispose of solid waste. 

Designate a storage compartment for trash and ensure the latch is secure while underway or keep a tightly lidded bucket on board. Immediately move trash to your designated spot to eliminate the possibility of it going overboard. Also, use a net to retrieve any waste that accidentally enters the environment, whether it's from your vessel or someone else. 

You never know what you might find on an impromptu waterway cleanup. Puget Soundkeeper has found everything from an armchair to a propane tank! When you return to the marina, properly dispose of waste in trash, compost, and/or recycle bins. 

3. Reduce Onboard Waste 

Convenience is often a priority when packing food and drinks for a day on the water. With a little forethought and preparation, you can limit onboard waste. Rather than buying premade sandwiches packaged in plastic, make them at home and store them in wax paper or homemade cloth bags. 

You can also keep fruits and vegetables in produce bags. Another good idea is to buy snacks in bulk and then bring them on board in single-serve reusable silicone bags. Forgo beverages that are served in single-use plastics. Instead, opt for glass or aluminum containers. 

While glass and aluminum may be single-use as well, both are more easily recyclable. Try to find options with more than one serving per vessel or better yet, bring a reusable water bottle. If you prefer to serve food and beverages on dinnerware, use reusable plates, cups, utensils, and napkins instead of disposable items. 

4. Best Practices for Engine Maintenance and Hazardous Waste Disposal 

Boaters are extremely familiar with the maintenance required to keep engines running smoothly. Regular upkeep comes with waste oil and other hazardous chemicals that must be properly disposed of and contained.  

Remember, it’s best to conduct engine maintenance on land in a reputable boatyard. Doing any vessel maintenance over water increases the risk of spills that are extremely damaging to marine life. 

So, be sure to contain any oil or other engine fluids and dispose of them in a designated area immediately. Marinas commonly have hazardous waste disposal programs or information about where to discard it. 

Communities also often have hazardous waste disposal sites and it’s your responsibility to dispose of it in an environmentally friendly way. Never discard hazardous waste improperly. 

The spread of invasive species, like the European Green Crab, poses a threat to many native species. Thoroughly wash your boat and fishing supplies before visiting a new body of water. It’s also helpful to try to use native species for bait if it’s available. 

5. Respect Marine Wildlife 

Noise pollution is a less tangible type of pollution but the sound of your boat engine(s) interferes with an orca’s ability to echolocate and communicate. It can be tempting to take a closer look at this charismatic species, but use extreme care when in the presence of both Southern Resident and Transient orcas. 

The official regulations in Canada state that you must throttle down to 7 knots within 1,000 m (3,280 ft) of orcas and stay 400 m (1,312 ft) away from the closest whale. In the US, you must throttle down to 7 knots within .8 km (.5 mi) of orcas and stay 300 m (984 ft) from the closest whale. 

Researchers suggest that boaters should be as far away as 1,000 m (3,280 ft) from orcas to leave them truly undisturbed. Instead, have a good pair of binoculars on hand to observe them from a safe distance. If your boat is in the path of an orca or whale and they are too close for your vessel to move safely away, cut your engines if possible and wait for them to pass. By no means should you purposefully cruise into the path of an orca for a closer look. For more information visit bewhalewise.org. 

6. Lead by Example

The boating community plays an important role in protecting the waterways from pollution. Leading by example and spreading the word about these practices can make a positive impact on the environment in your community. 

Better yet, speak to your marina about joining pollution prevention programs like Clean Marina in Washington and Oregon or Clean Marine in Canada. Also, consider hosting a beach cleanup with your local boat club or simply go out regularly and pick up trash off your local beach. 

To learn more about pollution and prevention visit www.pugetsoundkeeper.org. 

Puget Soundkeeper is a member of the Waterkeeper Alliance, an international group dedicated to protecting and enhancing Puget Sound through education, policy, litigation, and advocacy.