Green Boating
Clean Boating Suggestions from Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources:
Tips for protecting our waterways
The most significant threat to the health of the Chesapeake Bay is nutrient overenrichment. When present in excessive amounts, nutrients trigger algal blooms. The algae prevents sunlight from passing through the water column. Aquatic plants suffer as a result. Furthermore, when this algae dies and is decomposed, dissolved oxygen levels can be reduced to the point where aquatic life is threatened.
Boat sewage, whether treated by a marine sanitation device (MSD) or not, contains nutrients. Although one flush form one head on one boat may not add a significant amount of nutrients to the water, the effects of nutrient overenrichment are cumulative and boat sewage can present a particular problem in areas of water that do not flush well and where boats tend to congregate (such as marinas and mooring areas).
Raw or poorly treated sewage also contains harmful bacteria which is a potential source of disease transmission to swimmers and others who come into contact with contaminated waters. Also, human consumption of shellfish contaminated with sewage can result in serious illness.
- Use onshore restrooms when docked.
- Report broken pumpout stations to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources at 410-260-8770.
- Choose enzyme-based deodorizers for waste in holding tanks or portable toilets.
- Avoid holding tank products that contain quarternary ammonium compounds (QAC) and formaldehyde. These products may disrupt sewage treatment plants.
- Share this information with another boater.
General Tips
- Do no let trash get thrown or blown overboard
- If trash blows overboard, retrieve it–consider it “crew-overboard” practice
- Pack food in reusable containers
- Buy products without plastic or excessive packaging–plastic is deadly to fish and birds
- Do not toss cigarette butts overboard–they are made of plastic (cellulose acetate)
- Purchase refreshments in recyclable containers
Resources for “Green” Boating:
Images and Sources: Maryland Department of Natural Resources, www.AnnapolisGreen.com, ThinkStock
Do you have any other questions about boating without owning or the Carefree Boat Club Annapolis location?
Let us know via our contact form or on Facebook or Twitter.
#CarefreeBoatClub
