Green Boating: Pollution-Free Vessels Exist?

Boats and marinas have a significant impact on the environment, causing water pollution, noise pollution, and physical destruction of sensitive ecosystems. While individual boats and marinas may only release a small amount of pollutants, when multiplied by thousands, they can cause distinct water quality problems in lakes, rivers, and coastal waters. Boat maintenance, sewage discharge, and stormwater runoff from marinas all contribute to water pollution. Additionally, boats can introduce invasive species into new ecosystems, strike and injure marine animals, and cause habitat degradation. However, there are ways to reduce the environmental impact of boating, such as using non-toxic cleaning products, properly disposing of waste, and reducing noise and speed to minimize disturbances to wildlife and the shoreline.

Do any boats not pollute?

Plastic debris from boats

Plastic debris is a major issue for marine life, affecting at least 267 species worldwide, including 86% of sea turtles, 44% of seabirds, and 43% of marine mammals. The durability of plastic is one of its most useful features, but this same durability makes it extremely damaging as marine debris. Unlike natural materials, plastic does not break down over time. Instead, it is exposed to the sun, saltwater, and wave movement, causing it to fragment into microplastics, which are extremely difficult to remove due to their small size. These microplastics may be mistaken for food by marine animals, leading to suffocation or starvation.

Plastic marine debris comes from a variety of sources, including littering, limited trash disposal resources, improper trash collection, and stormwater runoff. A study found that in 2016, the United States was the largest producer of plastic waste, generating 42 million metric tons of plastic waste. The same study revealed that the United States was the third-largest contributor to mismanaged plastic waste through littering, illegal dumping, and exporting waste to countries with improper disposal methods.

Boats and marinas are significant contributors to plastic marine debris. Boat maintenance, sewage discharge, and stormwater runoff from marina parking lots can all introduce plastic pollution into the water. To address this issue, boaters can take several measures to reduce plastic pollution. These include using non-toxic cleaning products, cleaning and maintaining boats away from the water, vacuuming paint chips and dust, properly disposing of used oil and motor parts, and keeping boat motors well-tuned to prevent fuel and lubricant leaks.

Additionally, boaters can help combat plastic marine debris by participating in marina or beach cleanups and properly disposing of trash. It is important to properly secure and stow trash on boats, set up recycling bins, and empty trash cans regularly. By following these guidelines, boaters can play a crucial role in reducing plastic pollution and protecting marine life.

While individual boats and marinas may release small amounts of plastic pollutants, the cumulative impact of thousands of boaters can lead to significant water quality issues in lakes, rivers, and coastal waters. Therefore, it is essential for boaters and marina managers to prioritize managing and reducing plastic pollution to minimize its harmful effects on the environment and marine ecosystems.

Boat maintenance

Other sources of pollution include poorly flushed waterways, sewage discharge, stormwater runoff from marina parking lots, and the physical alteration of shorelines and wetlands during marina construction.

Eco-Friendly Boat Maintenance Practices

To reduce pollution, boaters should adopt eco-friendly boat maintenance practices. This includes using biodegradable and non-toxic cleaning products that are safe for humans and aquatic life. Boat maintenance should be conducted away from the water, and loose paint chips and dust should be vacuumed to prevent them from entering the water.

When refuelling, it is important to carefully handle fuel and recycle used oil to prevent spills. Boaters should also properly discard worn motor parts and dispose of waste, including sewage, in approved receptacles and pump-out stations. Keeping boat motors well-tuned prevents fuel and lubricant leaks and improves fuel efficiency.

Additionally, environmentally acceptable lubricants (EALs) should be used for lubrication. These products are biodegradable and perform as well as, or better than, traditional lubricants. By adopting these practices, boaters can reduce pollution, protect water quality, and promote a healthier marine environment.

Sewage discharge

To prevent this, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set guidelines for sewage discharge from boats. It is prohibited to discharge untreated sewage within three miles from the shore. Within this area, all boat sewage must be treated using a U.S. Coast Guard-approved Type I or Type II Marine Sanitation Device (MSD). These devices treat sewage using a variety of methods, including incineration, recirculation, and composting. Alternatively, sewage may be stored onboard in a Type III MSD, which is a holding tank that does not treat sewage but prevents overboard discharge.

Boat operators must also follow local ordinances and regulations, such as those prohibiting the discharge of greywater and other wastes in certain areas. In California, for example, it is illegal to discharge any treated or untreated human waste in a marina, yacht harbor, freshwater lake, reservoir, or freshwater impoundment.

To ensure proper sewage management, boat owners should regularly empty and clean their holding tanks and install a Coast Guard-approved MSD. By following these regulations, boat owners can avoid costly fines and repairs, while also protecting the environment and public health.

Fuel and lubricant leaks

One common cause of fuel leaks is a problem with the fuel lines. Over time, fuel lines can become cracked or kinked, leading to leaks. It is recommended to replace all fuel lines if there is any sign of a fuel problem, as it can be challenging to locate the exact source of the leak. Fittings, such as fuel line connections, vent lines, and filter connections, should also be checked and properly sealed to prevent leaks.

The fuel tank itself can also be the source of a leak. It is important to ensure that the tank has been pressure tested and is not leaking, especially if it is located in the engine room where higher temperatures can exacerbate the issue. Issues with the fuel pump, fuel filters, water separators, and other components along the fuel line should also be inspected.

Lubricant leaks can occur when an engine is overfilled with lubricating oil. This can be as damaging as operating the engine with insufficient oil. Common culprits for oil leaks include the rocker cover gasket, oil filler cap, dipstick, breather pipes, and oil filter. Breather pipes, in particular, tend to become less flexible with age and can slip off or crack, leading to leaks.

It is important to address fuel and lubricant leaks promptly, as they can have significant consequences. Leaks can degrade engine mounts, create unpleasant odours, and lead to safety hazards such as fires or explosions. Regular engine checks and maintenance are crucial to identify and address potential issues before they lead to leaks.

Invasive species

Boats can introduce and spread invasive species from one body of water to another. These invasive species can be plants, animals, or even microorganisms, and they can have detrimental effects on the native ecosystem.

One example of an invasive species spread by boats is the zebra mussel. Native to the Black and Caspian Sea, zebra mussels were introduced to North America in the ballast water of large ships. They have since spread to numerous lakes, attaching themselves to various objects, including boat hulls, anchors, and trailers. Zebra mussels can clog water intakes and pipes and significantly harm freshwater ecosystems by outcompeting native species for food and space.

To prevent the spread of invasive species, it is crucial for boaters to properly clean their boats, equipment, and trailers after each use. This includes removing all visible vegetation, draining all water from the boat and equipment, and drying the boat and equipment for at least five days before entering a different body of water. Boaters should also dispose of unwanted bait, fish parts, and other organic materials properly, ensuring they do not dump them into the water or on land.

In some areas, such as Minnesota, there are specific laws and regulations in place to address aquatic invasive species. Lake service providers are required to undergo AIS training and obtain permits, and they must ensure their employees are also properly trained. It is important for boaters to be aware of the invasive species in their area and report any sightings or suspected infestations to the proper authorities.

Frequently asked questions