Extension - Ecosystem Stewardship
Marina and Boater Pollution Prevention
According to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, Pennsylvania is home to 148 marinas and 355,000 registered boats. Recreational boating in the Pennsylvania waters of Lake Erie and the Delaware River is a popular activity, drawing many local and out-of-town participants. However, marina operators and recreational boaters may not be aware of their potential impact on the Commonwealth's water quality. Concern has been expressed regarding the impact marina operations and recreational boaters have on water quality and the potential lack of information available to marina operators. Pennsylvania Sea Grant conducted a survey of the marinas along the Pennsylvania shore of Lake Erie, and the results indicated that marina operators had a lack of information on spill response, recycling, and other environmentally sound business practices (view full report).
The Clean Marina Initiative is a voluntary, incentive-based program promoted by NOAA and others that encourages marina operators and recreational boaters to protect coastal ecosystems by engaging in environmentally sound practices. While clean marina programs vary from state to state, they share a common goal of providing information, guidance, and technical assistance to marina operators, local governments, and recreational boaters on pollution-reducing best management practices. Marinas that participate in a clean marina program are recognized for their environmental stewardship, thus providing mutual benefit to the operator and the environment. In the Delaware watershed, staff work with the Smart Boating Clean Waters project to educate boaters and marina operators on pollution prevention activities. To address boater education in Erie, Pennsylvania Sea Grant staff work with the Erie Safe Boating Task Force and Erie Power Squadron, the local representative of the U.S. Power Squadron that is dedicated to the advancement of safe boating education and provides educational materials and classes in a wide array of safe boating disciplines.
For boater safety issues, staff works closely with the Erie Safe Boating Task Force in the development of information and materials to enhance safe and clean boating among recreational boaters in Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie. In conjunction with PASG, the Erie Safe Boating Task Force, which has been active in the area since 1994, has developed a variety of educational initiatives to promote safe boating practices.
Factsheets:
- Safe Boating Tips - includes a checklist of equipment and procedures that should be reviewed before leaving the dock or boat ramp.
- Clean Boating Tips - includes information regarding fueling, spill response, vessel cleaning, fish waste disposal, vessel sewage, and AIS prevention
- Smart Boaters' Guide to Clean Waters in Pennsylvania - outlines boater practices that can prevent pollution.
Marina Survey - This survey will interview marinas and yacht clubs in Bucks, Philadelphia, and Delaware counties to assess conditions and challenges related to water quality and learn how PASG can help marinas and boaters improve water quality and reduce pollution.
For more information contact Sarah Whitney (Delaware Estuary) or Sean Rafferty (Lake Erie).
