On the Water

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At the marina

Prevent spills during fueling by not over filing the tank, using pads or vent attachments to capture spills, installing a fuel-air separator, listening to the fill pipe and not relying on the guage.
Keep your engine leak-free and well-tuned to minimize discharge of fuel and oil into the water.
Use an oil absorbant pad or pillow in the bilge to absorb oil as needed.
Use biodegradable, environmentally safe detergents to clean your boat.
Use pumpout stations to dispose of waste

On the water

Keep your boat off the bottom! Everytime you hit bottom, you risk damaging important habitats for fin fish and shell fish and for underwater grasses that shelter and provide nursery areas for these species. Stay clear of areas where there are underwater grasses.
Observe speed limits. Slow down in areas where your wake could erode shorelines.
Respect the islands. We know…the islands look like they were made for a beach party, but look closer. The islands in the bays are nesting areas for many birds, most of them ground nesters. They use these islands for nesting because they are safer from predators such as fox, cats and racoons and dogs. The nests are nearly invisible on the sand. If you do set foot on an island, watch where you put it. And keep your dog on the boat or at least on a leash. Click here to read more about bay islands and nesting birds.
Carry out your trash. Properly dispose of scrap fishing line, garbage, cigarette butts, and items for recycling ashore. Birds are often entangled in abandoned fishing line and sea turtles mistake plastic bags for jellyfish.