Prevent Water Pollution | Sustainability

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Preventing water pollution

Preventing water pollution should be a top priority for boaters as the devastating effects of pollution on aquatic life and ecosystems are well documented and immeasurable. While catastrophic oil spills are responsible for a small percentage of water pollution, 95% of oil and fuel pollution in the water is from everyday sources. It is quite alarming to know what a mere litre of fuel can pollute as much as a million litres of water, emphasising the need for us to be more responsible for our actions and minimise our environmental impact.

One way we can help prevent water pollution is by undertaking regular checks of our engines, gaskets, and fuel lines to ensure that any leaks are immediately mended. Using a drip tray under the engine, avoiding overfilling during refuelling, and transporting oil and fuel in suitable containers are also essential measures that we can take to prevent water pollution. In the case of a leak, only use absorbent pads to clean up the spill, and ensure they are correctly disposed of as hazardous waste to avoid further contamination of the water.

In addition, consider using a fuel collar and a sufficiently large funnel when refuelling, and inspect the engine bilge for oil before pumping. If any is present, use an absorbent sock to remove oil and fuel in the bilge, and consider installing an inline bilge filter as a practical way to help minimise water pollution. The Green Blue has an extensive range of information on how to #STOPTHESPILL, and boaters can view it here.

Illustration of a boat floating on water with a turtle swimming nearby in a teal-colored background.

Although antifouling paint helps to keep vessels clean and prevent the spread of invasive species, a lot of antifouling paints are toxic to aquatic life. Therefore, it is essential to make better choices when selecting paint, consider more environmentally friendly alternatives, place sheets down to collect any paint debris during paint removal, and dispose of any waste correctly. Visit the The Green Blue website and download their guide on antifouling best practises.

Most cleaning products contain ingredients that are harmful to marine life, but small changes can help to reduce the environmental footprint. Use fresh water and a good scrubbing brush to clean your boat, avoid products containing microplastics (polyethylene), and choose phosphate-free detergents.

Lastly, reducing and recycling waste correctly is a crucial aspect of preventing water pollution. Avoid single-use packaging where possible, donate unwanted sail cloth and rope, and make use of the excellent recycling facilities available at marinas and refuelling stations. It is vital to avoid throwing anything overboard, including food, and be aware of bow stickers that can peel off and fall into the water. Even seemingly harmless items such as orange peel can take at least two months to biodegrade in water, making it crucial to dispose of waste correctly.

We should all do our part in protecting the environment and by taking proactive measures, we can all help prevent water pollution.

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