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View the April 10, 2008 Press Release |
| Recreational boaters are not the only contributor to pollution in the water. Nonetheless, the growing popularity of the pastime is increasingly contributing to the pollution problem. As a result, it is important to be aware of the steps we can take to solve the problem and preserve our coastal and inland waterways. By following these simple, environment-safe boating tips, you will protect your boat and your passengers, as well as the environment around you. |
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If you witness any vessel discharging oil or wastes into the water, REPORT IT! Collect relevant information: vessel number, type of boat, location, discharge observations, and if possible, document the discharge on film. Report the violation to the MOEE at 1-800-268-6060 (the Spills Action Centre). |
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 Follow speed regulations and channel markers. Speed zones and channel markers are safety devices used to provide guidance in dangerous areas, prevent boats from running aground, and help protect shoreline from erosion.
Buoys and markers may also indicate areas of ecological or biological importance, such as fish spawning beds or protected areas.
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High speeds in shallow waters can stir up ground sediments. Such turbulence not only affects aquatic plants and bottom-dwelling organisms, but also impairs your ability to see sandbars, submerged obstacles, or dangerous shoals. Sand, mud and vegetation churned up from the bottom can also damage your engine's cooling system and lead to costly repairs. |
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Stow all loose items, plastic bags, drink cans, and other articles properly so they do not blow overboard. Never discard your garbage overboard. Whatever you take aboard, bring back. |
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Items such as six-pack rings, sandwich bags, cigarette butts, and fishing line are made of plastic and do not break down in the water. Instead, plastic floats in the water, causing harm by entangling, and even choking, marine creatures, damaging boat propellers, clogging water intakes and littering shorelines. |
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Dispose of your garbage on shore, using the proper waste collection and recycling facilities. |
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Recycle all paper, glass, plastic, aluminum, and tin products. If your marina does not have trash reception or recycling facilities, request these services be offered in the future. |
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When cleaning your boat, make sure you use phosphate-free and environmentally friendly detergents, and dilute the detergent with water. Detergents can be irritating to human skin and toxic to aquatic life, even at low concentrations. Make a point to purchase non-toxic products at your local marine supply store. |
Dedicated to Keeping our Waters Clean Are you a new boater in Ontario’s fabulous waterways? Are you seeking a new port for your boat? What are marinas in Ontario doing to protect the waters so important to us all? Since 1997, many members of the Ontario Marine Operators Association (OMOA) have been following procedures laid out in a Clean Marine Operations Manual. This manual was designed specifically for their use and focuses on “Environmental Best Practices” in every component of their business. While this proactive stance on protecting our valuable natural resources is important, not many members of the public or even boaters are aware of these endeavours. It is becoming ail too common to have groups from outside, pointing fingers at boaters and marinas as major players in deteriorating water and air quality. Can we change this perception? With a joint effort, you bet we can! The OMOA and other members of the Clean Marine Partnership (a group of marine industry leaders that meet regularly to discuss environmental issues) have devised a system of rating the environmental performance of participating marinas. This Eco-Rating system is derived from the Clean Marine Manual and scores are tabulated from a checklist of some 200+ operations, procedures and policies carried out in normal marina business operations. TerraChoice, operating under license from Environment Canada developed the Eco-Rating system and provide unbiased audits and ensure the integrity of the process. The results are tabulated and the marina is then certified. The marina is then allowed to fly the Clean Marine flag, identifying them to the public at large and boaters in particular. This is the first time an easily identifiable symbol has been available for you to choose the most environmentally conscientious port for your boat. If you are a boater travelling in unfamiliar waters you can seek out the C/M flag for your stop-overs in new locations knowing these businesses are protecting the only resource we cannot replace. When you buy products for use aboard, are you ever puzzled by environmental claims found on labels? Most manufacturers colour their products green and claim they are biodegradable, but how do you really know what's inside? Now its easy. Many products now available carry the Eco-logo, a symbol of three doves intertwined to form a maple leaf. Products carrying this Eco-logo have been tested and approved by TerraChoice to be the best environmental choice. By using these certified products, you know they are the best possible environmental choice. The OMOA is proud to be taking this proactive leadership role in protecting something most important to all of us. By November, 2000, more than 20 OMOA member marinas were certified and flying lhe flag. By Spring of 2001, there will be many more. You can help. Seek out these leaders. Use Eco-logo products. The next time you hear non-boaters or cottagers complaining about our abuse of the environment, set them straight. Your unrestricted use of Ontario's waterways may depend on it. |
1424 Commodore Ln, Box 41,
KARS, Ontario K0A 2E0 Canada
Tel (613) 489-2747
Fax (613) 489-1486
Email: info@longislandmarine.com
www.longislandmarine.com
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