While marine pollution can be obvious, as with the marine debris shown, it is often the pollutants that cannot be seen that cause most harm. What can we do as users of the sea to reduce the impact we have on the places we sail?

Recreational sailing is a popular activity on the coast line of Britain and often concentrated in major centres, such as the Solent. The large number of boats using our waters can have a major impact on the seas and the life that depends on it. How can we do our bit to minimise the effect we have on our playground?

An organisation which has made this its main focus is The Green Blue, a joint environment programme created by the British Marine Federation and the Royal Yachting Association. It lists a number of main areas where boat users can reduce the impact of their activities.

Antifouling

Whilst antifouling does a great job of keeping our hulls clean, and even has some environmental benefits such as improving fuel efficiency and preventing the spread of non-native species, it is toxic to aquatic life. Since the banning of TBT in 1987, most antifouls are now copper or zinc based. Some of the compounds found in these antifouls can accumulate in marine organisms, and can find their way into marine wildlife further up the food chain. To reduce the impact of their use

  • Avoid antifoul scrapings from entering the water by collecting in a tarpaulin
  • Dust from sanding paint and antifouling coatings is toxic. Using a dustless vacuum sander will protect your health as well as the environment
  • If you use scrubbing piles, only scrub off the fouling and not the underlying paint – be careful not to let old or new paint enter the water
  • Select a marina, club or boatyard which has a ‘scrub-off' or closed loop washdown facility which collects residues and wash down, such as Sea Lift 2
  • Use the A to Z of Antifoul to select the right type of antifouling for your area and boat usage – take advice from your chandlery. Use water-based paints where possible, or low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds)
  • Look into using less damaging bottom paints, such as vinyl, silicone or Teflon, which are suitable for in-water hull cleaning systems
  • Apply the right amount of antifouling required and do not spill it – when applying use a sheet to collect drip
  • Dispose of used brushes, rollers and trays and empty cans of antifoul as hazardous waste.

 

Cleaning & maintenance

Whether you clean your boat in the water or on land, your cleaning products will often end up in the water. Products used on boat hulls and decks often contain chlorine, ammonia, potassium hydroxide and solvents, all potentially harmful to the aquatic environment. To stop harmful cleaning products from entering the water from your boat

  • Choose more environmentally sensitive products, avoiding chlorine and bleach which are toxic to flora and fauna, and phosphates which encourage algal growth
  • Check out The Green Directory to find greener boat cleaning products
  • Use fresh water or non-toxic solutions to clean your boat wherever possible
  • Minimise the use of soaps and detergents used in onboard sinks, showers, and washing machines
  • If using a washing machine onboard, switch to a detergent free wash ball, or use less ecologically damaging washing powders.

 

Oil & fuels

The fuel and oil used by recreational craft is lighter than crude oil and although these lighter fuels do not have the catastrophic effect of smothering marine life, they are toxic to fish and many other water species. Prolonged exposure can affect reproduction, growth and feeding, even in low concentrations. These toxins can build up in the food chain and eventually find their way into us. To reduce the amount of oil entering the marine environment from your boat

  • Install inline bilge filters to catch oil and fuel before it gets pumped over the side
  • Check your bilge before pumping as oil and fuel can leak from the engine and gather in the bilge.
  • Use a drip tray under the engine to catch leaks (this is a legal requirement on many inland waterways).
  • Use a bilge sock to absorb oil and fuel in the bilges.
  • Use a funnel when pouring fuel or oil.
  • Use a fuel collar to catch drips when refuelling
  • Avoid overfilling your tank to reduce the risk of fuel overflowing from vents.
  • Allow room for expansion in the tank.
  • Maintain fuel lines, connections and seals to help avoid leaks
  • Transfer oil and fuel in proper containers
  • Dispose of waste oil at appropriate facilities
  • Dispose of all oily or fuel-soaked materials in hazardous waste containers
  • Avoid using oil and fuel on the pontoons, other than on those dedicated to refuelling
  • If possible, on land do not use oil and fuel within ten metres of the shore
  • Contact the relevant environment agency to report any oil spills or call the 24 hour pollution hotline on 0800 807060 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            0800 807060      end_of_the_skype_highlighting
  • Never use detergents to deal with spills. Detergents may disperse the fuel or oil but they can be more toxic to aquatic life than the oil itself
  • Carry a spill kit on board and learn how to use it
  • Consider using biofuels (but be aware of potential engine problems).
  • Find out where you can dispose of or recycle old oil at the oil bank line.
  • Never store oil and fuel in areas which are prone to flooding, extremes of wind or tide.

 

Resource efficiency

To improve your energy efficiency (and help to keep costs down!)

  • Change to low energy kit such as LED lights, particularly for mast head lights used when sailing or at anchor
  • Invest in solar or wind generators to reduce the need to turn on your engine to top up batteries
  • Consider using biofuels or electric engines
  • When purchasing an outboard engine, choose CE marked engines to increase fuel efficiency and reduce noise
  • When victualling, choose locally produced groceries
  • Keep your hull clean, engine running efficiently and trim the engine to minimise fuel consumption, or even sail!
  • Good use of throttle on motor boats will dramatically reduce fuel consumption
  • Choose products made from recycled materials
  • Choose products made from FSC certified wood
  • Recycle as much waste on board as possible
  • Recycle your second hand kit such as old sails and oilskins at boat jumbles, freecycle or on eBay rather than throwing it away. You might even make some money out of it
  • Ask about the environmental policies of businesses or manufacturers that you buy from
  • Do not leave the hose running unnecessarily when filling up your water tanks or washing down your boat
  • Encourage your club, marina or harbour office to install water saving devices.

 

Sewage & waste

Untreated sewage from boats can spread gastroenteritis; contaminate shell fish beds and mussel ropes and use up vital oxygen in the water. Human waste also contains phosphorous and nitrogen which increase the levels of algae and reduce water clarity. Chemicals such as chlorine, formaldehyde, ammonium and zinc compounds used as disinfectants, breakdown and deodorise waste are toxic to marine life.

  • Do not dispose of waste overboard, particularly plastics as these are lethal to marine live.
  • Use marina/shore toilet facilities whenever possible
  • Use environmentally friendly toilet cleaners on board
  • Use your holding tank if fitted or consider fitting one if you haven’t. This is now law in many European countries
  • Encourage your local marina/harbour authority to provide waste recycling facilities
  • Educate your crew on board.

 

Coastal specific advice

  • Use holding tanks or a portable toilet if you regularly sail in poor tidal flushing areas such as estuaries, inland waterways, inlets and crowded anchorages
  • Only empty holding tanks at pump out stations or when more than three miles offshore in the open sea where waste will be quickly diluted and dispersed by wave action and currents
  • When visiting new sites give consideration to the environmental sensitivity of the area before using your sea toilet
  • Fit a holding tank in your boat, it is law to have one in some European countries.

 

Inland specific advice

  • Find out the regulations of the waterways you visit before leaving
  • When using chemical toilets plan ahead where you will empty these as they use toxic substances that only a few pump out facilities will accept. Never empty down a drain, always dispose of into an appropriate sewage system.

 

Wildlife

Central to our enjoyment of boating is being out in the fresh air and amongst the elements - taking in the beautiful scenery or catching a glimpse of the varied and wonderful wildlife that our rich waters provide. However some of our actions as boaters can have a detrimental effect on this wildlife. Just follow The Green Blue’s top tips to make the most of your encounters with wildlife. It is their world after all!

  • Small craft can reach shallow, more sensitive areas. Avoid stirring up the bottom unduly or disturbing vegetation and wildlife
  • Take care where you anchor, there may be restrictions in place. Check pilot books, charts and any local guides for information on places to avoid. If a spot is suspiciously quiet, look about for any signs which may indicate a No Anchoring Zone
  • When going ashore use recognise landing places
  • Keep your distance when you spot wildlife. Use your binoculars to get a close up look
  • Never separate mother and young (particularly if they are crew!)
  • Slow down if you are creating excess wash
  • Be aware that flapping sails can present a flash of colour and loud noises which can disturb wildlife
  • Find out if the areas you visit are protected and why. There may be vulnerable seabed species or habitats
  • Keep a record of your wildlife sightings and report them to MarLIN, Seawatch Foundation or the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society.

 

Phew!!!

A lot to take in, but lots of small things can make an impact and add to our enjoyment of boating wherever we sail.

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