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Protecting the Marine Environment

For  more information visit The Green Blue website  www.thegreenblue.org.uk   

Basically this is common sense, but there are a few non obvious factors.

Principles:

• No refuse in the sea
• No oil or fuel discharge
• Do not discharge a sea toilet where it will affect water quality or harm amenity value.
• Keep toxic chemicals out of the marine environment
• Avoid disturbing birds and marine life.  (see Whales and dolphins)   Take care when anchoring to avoid vulnerable sea beds such as soft coral.

What can go down the waste pipes: (marinas or at sea)
'Grey' water eg washing up.

What does not go over the side or down the waste pipes: (anywhere)

• Fuel, oil, oily bilge water.
• Packaging, cans, plastic, plastic bags, glass.
• Food scraps such as banana skins, apple cores, orange peel.  These may be organic but take years to degrade in salt water.
• Milk, especially when its gone off.
• Ropes, lines and fabrics.

Anti foul is toxic - that's what keeps the barnacles away.  Take care when scrubbing or rubbing down to avoid run off to the ground or waterways.  Wear protective clothing, gloves and goggles when handling it.  Concentrated cleaning chemicals are also harmful.  Marinas have disposal points for oils and batteries.

Sewage should not be discharged in marinas or coastal waters, crowded anchorages, shellfish beds, or amenity areas. Ideally boats should have holding tanks for the heads.

Not strictly a pollution matter except in the 'boat environment' :  always pump the heads about 20  times.  You are emptying a waste pipe which may be more than 6 feet long and 2 inches diameter. The pump has a bore of 1 to 2 inches and a stroke of 10 inches.  Urine reacts with seawater to form a hard scale which will gradually block the waste pipe; not popular with the skipper who always gets the job of replacing it.  Remember - nothing goes down the heads except what has gone in your mouth. ( + perhaps toilet paper - though some skippers object to that!).

White vinegar left in the toilet bowl helps to descale the pipes, olive oil lubricates the pump.

More detail:

• Untreated sewage discharged from boats can spread gastroenteritis, contaminate shell fish beds and deplete vital oxygen in the water that fish and other aquatic life depend on.
• Human waste contains phosphorous and nitrogen which are nutrients for plant growth, increasing levels of algae and reducing water.
• Chemicals such as chlorine, formaldehyde, ammonium and zinc compounds used to disinfect, breakdown and deodorise waste are toxic to marine life.

• In the open sea, well away from land, waste will be quickly diluted and dispersed by wave actions and currents. Only empty holding tanks more than 3 miles offshore
• In areas of poor flushing such as estuaries, inlets and marinas, make use of shore side facilities, holding tanks and pump out facilities or a portable toilet
• Chemical toilets use toxic substances and should only be emptied ashore into the regular sewage system. Plan ahead as they can be difficult to carry and few pump out facilities will accept chemical toilet waste.
• In marinas, use shore side facilities and brief your crew to do likewise.
• When visiting new sites, give consideration to the environmental sensitivity of the area before using your sea toilet.
• Boats manufactured outside the UK may not have the correct ISO fittings for UK pump out stations.

• It is estimated that globally over a million birds and 100,000 marine mammals and turtles die every year from entanglement, or ingestion of plastics.
• A survey of 42 harbour authorities reported that £26,100 is spent per year in some ports to clear fouled propellers and remove debris from the water.
• Rubbish can take a surprisingly long time to degrade. A tin can will survive 50 years under water, an aluminium can 80-100 years and glass bottles up to 1000 years.
• Disposal of hazardous waste costs 36 times as much as general waste.
• A survey of 452 river and canal sites by the Environment Agency showed that litter was the most common cause of poor quality and about 60% of the litter was plastic.

• Do not throw anything over the side – if by accident you do – practice man-overboard drills to retrieve it.
• Cigarette ends can harm birds and last up to 5 years. Smokers should keep a small tin in their pocket to stub out and keep butt ends.
• Invest in starch-based rubbish bags for short trips. They break down in 12-18 months rather than 20 years plus for regular plastic bags.
• Prevent plastic bags, drinks cans and loose items from blowing overboard. Remove excess packaging and recycle it at home.
• Use recycling facilities at marinas, clubs and harbour authorities – it’s the same quantity of waste just a little more effort.
• Where possible, reduce waste, a simple one is to refill water bottles.
• Make sure you don’t cause general waste to be classed as ‘Hazardous’ by throwing items in the wrong container, including paint tins, oily rags and old electronic instruments

• Alien species are introduced non-native species that have become established outside their normal habitat or native country.
• The threat of marine invaders to biodiversity is second only to that of habitat loss.
• There are currently about 65 marine alien species in Britain. 　Many species thrive in both salt and fresh water.
• The main means of transport via boating is by attachment to the hull or propeller, or within bilge or engine cooling water.
• Fast-growing species like zebra mussels are already causing problems in many areas. 　They can block engine cooling water intakes resulting in engines over-heating.

• When recovering a trailer sailor boat or dinghy, drain water from every part of the boat and all equipment that can hold water.
• Clean all parts of the boat, trailer and equipment that come into contact with the water before leaving the water catchment. 　Remove any visible plant, fish, animal matter and mud.
• Dispose of any plant and animal materials found in a dustbin or skip.
• For boats kept in the water permanently, hull fouling is the main means of transfer. 　Have your hull cleaned regularly to avoid the risk.
• Do not run through water plants and weed if avoidable. 　If caught up on the hull or propeller they can be transferred to another area. 　
• Risks of acquiring invasive hitchhikers on the boat increase the longer the boat is kept in the water. 　Consider only keeping the boat in the water when it is needed.

• Detergents containing phosphates can cause local oxygen depletions and may result in the localised suffocation of aquatic life
• Products used on boat hulls and decks may contain chlorine, ammonia, potassium hydroxide and solvents, all harmful to the aquatic environment
• Degreasers dry the natural oils that fish need for their gills to take in oxygen
• Most cleaning products contain chemicals which disrupt the reproductive cycle of fish

• Use fresh water or non-toxic solutions to clean your boat wherever possible – see the list of alternatives below
• If you use cleaning products select environmentally sensitive ones – see The Green Directory for our product directory and product reviews
• Minimise the amount of soaps and detergents used in onboard sinks, showers and washing machines. The sink on your boat needs to be treated differently to those in your home.
• Keeping your hull clean before going to a new area will not only be more fuel efficient but also avoid the transfer of non-native species　
• Avoid using products which contain chlorine and bleach which are toxic to flora and fauna, phosphates which can encourage algal growth and triclosan. Use formaldehyde free treatments in toilets.
• If you do use a washing machine onboard switch to a detergent free wash ball. This is particularly important in inland waterways.

Useful information

Toxic product                     Alternative

Detergent and soap         Fresh water and a lot of elbow grease

Bleach                             Hydrogen peroxide

Scouring powders            Baking soda or salt

Floor cleaner                     ¼ cup of white vinegar in 2 litres of water

Window cleaner                1 cup of white vinegar in 1 litre warm water

Varnish cleaner                 Wipe with ½ cup of vinegar and ½ cup water solution

Head cleaner                     Brush with baking soda

Shower cleaner                 Wet surface, use scouring cloth with baking soda

Aluminium cleaner             Use 2 tablespoons cream of tartar in 1 litre of water

Chrome cleaner/ polish     Apple cider vinegar to clean, baby oil to polish

Fibreglass stain remover     Baking soda paste

Drain Opener                     Disassemble and replace; avoid toxic products

Mildew Remover                 Paste of equal parts lemon juice and salt

Wood Polish                      Use 3 parts olive oil and 1 part white wine vinegar; almond or olive oil (interior unvarnished wood only)

Noise & wash - Cutting noise and exhaust fumes

• By 2011, the Government has specified that 5% of fuel must come from renewable sources like biodiesel.
• Exhaust emissions are made up of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and various pollutants. These vary depending on whether the engine is two-stroke, four-stroke or compression-ignition.
• New boat engines are now highly efficient, due to requirements in The Recreational Craft Directive.

Advice

• A badly maintained engine consumes more fuel and expels more emissions than a well maintained one, so ensure your engine has a regular service
• Use a four stroke outboard engine instead of two stroke.　 Two stroke engines burn more fuel, can be noisier and emit lubrication oil with their exhaust fumes.
• Fitting noise insulation around you engine can reduce airborne noise by up to 85% causing less disturbance to wildlife and making life on board more comfortable.
• Products are available that fit between engine and shaft reducing structure borne noise by up to 89%
• Bio diesel produces mostly carbon dioxide and water. Most diesel engines can easily be converted but check your guarantee first
• When buying a new boat for inland waterways, consider an electric powered craft.　 They have no exhaust missions and are very quiet
• Good engine trim, matching your speed to conditions and balancing your boat will all lead to greater fuel efficiency.

Reducing wash

• Shoreline and bank side habitats support a rich variety of wildlife.　 Even minor damage can result in a decline in number of birds and wildlife that feed on mudflats, salt marshes and reed beds.
• In shallow water your boat will travel more efficiently if you reduce engine speed.
• Your wash can erode banks, disturb moored boats and even loosen their moorings.

• Slow down if you are creating excessive wash – it can erode banks, disturb nesting birds and damage sensitive vegetation.
• Slow down immediately if there are waves to the bows or stern of the boat.　 You are likely to be using more fuel than necessary with no increase in actual speed.
• Slow down immediately if there are waves to the bows or stern of the boat.　 You are likely to be using more fuel than necessary with no increase in actual speed.
• The further a craft is from the bank, the less impact its waves will have.　 Where possible, try to keep a safe, reasonable distance between your boat and the bank.
• Hull and propeller design have a major influence on wash. Short full bows give high boat waves, while longer and finer bows reduce wave making. Multihulls are often low wash in design.
• Good use of throttle and boat handling skills can reduce wash as well as improve fuel efficiency. Take a training course to improve your skills.
• When you go ashore, use recognised landing places.
• A well balanced and clean propeller will throw up less sediment and reduce the impact on the underwater environment.

Oil & fuel

• The legal limit for hydrocarbon in water discharge is roughly one drop of oil in 2l of water (15mg/l).
• A single litre of fuel can contaminate over a million litres of water.
• Oil is toxic to fish and water species. Prolonged exposure affects reproduction, growth and feeding of aquatic life, even at low concentrations.
• The majority of oil pollution in our rivers and oceans comes from every day sources like refuelling, engine emissions and oil leaks.

• Oil and fuels are the most frequently reported pollutant of inland waters in England and Wales. The majority comes from everyday sources like refuelling, engine emissions and oil leaks.

• The most effective way to clean oily bilge water is to use an oil absorbent sock.
• Check bilge water for contaminants before routine pumping.
• Use a funnel when pouring fuel or oil.
• Good maintenance of fuel lines, connections and seals helps avoid leaks.
• Transfer used oil or waste fuel in proper containers and dispose of in oil waste facilities.
• Dispose of all oily or fuel-soaked materials in the hazardous waste containers.
• When fuelling, avoid topping off or overfilling to reduce the risk of fuel overflowing from vents. Allow room for expansion in the tank.
• Never use detergents to deal with spills – it may disperse the fuel or oil and save you embarrassment, but they can be more toxic to aquatic life than the oil itself.
• Avoid using oil and fuel on the pontoons, other than on those dedicated to refuelling. Off the boat, the Government recommends a distance of at least 10m from the water.
• A drip tray under the engine is a requirement on many waterways. If it starts getting oily, find and mend the leak!

· Do not discharge a sea toilet where doing so would affect water quality or harm the amenity value of the local waters

• · In the open sea, well away from land, waste will be quickly diluted and dispersed by wave actions and currents. Therefore only empty holding tanks into a proper shore facility or into the sea while underway at least 3 miles offshore.
• · In areas of poor flushing such as estuaries, inlets and marinas, make use of shore side facilities, holding tanks and pump out facilities or a portable toilet.
• · Chemical toilets may use toxic substances and should only be emptied ashore into the regular sewage system. Plan ahead as they can be difficult to carry, especially at low tide, and few pump out facilities will accept chemical toilet waste.
• · In marinas, use shore side facilities and brief your crew to do likewise.
• · If you regularly use your boat in such inshore areas, consider fitting and using a holding tank.
• · Do not empty a chemical toilet into the sea
• · When visiting new sites, give consideration to the environmental sensitivity of the area before using your sea toilet. Avoid discharging within crowded anchorages, near amenity beaches or close to commercial shell fish beds.
• · Boats manufactured outside the UK may not have the correct ISO fittings for UK pump out stations, so check when purchasing your craft that it complies with BS EN ISO 8099.

• · All sea toilets must be sealed when entering inland waters.
• · Whilst it is tempting to use formaldehyde, deodorisers and other chemicals in your holding tank, try to avoid it if possible.
• · Chemical toilets may CONTAIN toxic substances and should only be emptied ashore into the regular sewage system. Plan ahead as they can be difficult to carry and not all pumpout facilities and marinas will accept chemical toilet waste.

Posted 25th May 2011