Ensuring the safety of all aboard and minimizing your environmental footprint are essential considerations for preserving the waterways for future generations.
Before setting sail, always check the weather forecast. Sudden storms can turn a pleasant day on the water into a dangerous situation. Inform someone onshore about your boating plans, including your destination, estimated return time, and the names of all passengers. Ensure you have enough life jackets for all passengers and that everyone wears them.
With safety out of the way, let’s take a look at how to boat sustainably:
Reduce Fuel Consumption
- A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently and produces fewer emissions. Regularly service your boat’s engine to keep it in top condition.
- Operate your boat at efficient speeds to reduce fuel consumption. High speeds increase fuel use and produce more pollutants.
- Consider using biofuels or other eco-friendly alternatives that produce fewer emissions than traditional fuels.
Prevent Pollution
- Never throw trash into the water or on the boat dock, including fishing lines, plastics, or other debris. Use designated waste disposal facilities at marinas. When in the middle of nowhere, store your trash in a plastic bag and dispose of it later.
- Be careful when refueling and using chemicals on your boat. Even small spills of oil or fuel can harm marine life.
- Use biodegradable and non-toxic cleaning products (marine cleaners) for your boat. These are less harmful to aquatic ecosystems.
Respect Marine Life
- Observe no-wake zones to prevent shoreline erosion and protect aquatic habitats.
- Maintain a safe distance from marine wildlife. Do not feed or disturb animals, and avoid sensitive habitats like coral reefs and seagrass beds.
- Practice catch and release when fishing. Use sustainable fishing techniques to avoid overfishing and harming non-target species.
Anchor Responsibly
- Anchor in sandy or muddy areas near the plastic dock instead of fragile ecosystems.
- Use anchors that cause minimal damage to the seabed and retrieve them carefully to avoid dragging.
- When available, use mooring buoys instead of anchoring. These buoys are placed in safe areas to protect marine habitats.
Reduce Waste
- Single-use plastics are a significant pollutant in our oceans. Opt for reusable items such as water bottles, cutlery, and containers. Encourage your guests to do the same.
- Discarded fishing lines can be deadly for marine life. Always dispose of fishing lines in designated recycling bins or take them back to shore for proper disposal.
Sustainable Boating Gear
- When painting or coating your boat, choose eco-friendly options that are free from harmful toxins. Anti-fouling paints, in particular, can be highly toxic; opt for non-toxic alternatives to protect marine life.
- Switch to LED lights for your boat’s lighting needs. LEDs are more energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan than traditional bulbs, reducing energy consumption and waste.
Boating is a wonderful way to explore and appreciate our waterways, but it comes with responsibilities. By embracing these principles, you will enhance your own boating experience and contribute to the health and sustainability of aquatic ecosystems.
Be a role model for sustainable boating. Encourage others to adopt eco-friendly habits on the water. For more tips about plastic docks in Manitoba and how to keep the environment clean, visit the Nor Col EZ Dock blog.
