BOATING AND MARINE DEBRIS
 

Boater’s Guidebook to

Marine Debris and Conservation
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B O A T I N G A N D M A R I N E D E B R I S

Contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
 

Marine Debris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
 

Understanding Aquatic Ecosystems . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
 

Saltwater Ecosystems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
 

Freshwater Ecosystems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
 

Impacts of Marine Debris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
 

Working Toward Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
 

Regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
 

What Can People Do About Marine Debris? 14
 

Resources and Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
 

Works Cited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
 

Portions of this guidebook were excerpted from Ocean Conservancy s Good Mate: Recreational Boating &

Marina Manual (© 2001), which was funded by the Brunswick Public Foundation. For more information on

the Good Mate program, please visit www.oceanconservancy.org/site/PageServer?pagename op goodmate.

The production of this educational document was provided with support from the National Oceanic and

Atmospheric Administration s Marine Debris Program and was developed by Sheavly Consultants through

Contract Project Number AB133F06CN0193, Web based Education Campaign for Marine Debris Awareness

& Prevention.
B O A T I N G A N D M A R I N E D E B R I S

Boater’s Guidebook to Marine Debris
 

Of all the resources on our planet Earth, wateris the most valuable! Life began in water over

3.5 billion years ago and life as we know it can

only survive with the presence of water.

Water is critical to practically every biological

process in plants and animals. Our own bodies are

nearly two-thirds water. And while we can live for

about one month without food, we can survive

only a few days without water.

More than 97 percent of all the water

found on Earth is saltwater. Of the

remaining 2.5 percent of freshwater,

some 70 percent is frozen in the polar

ice caps; the other 30 percent is mostly

found in underground aquifers or as soil

moisture. Ultimately, less than one percent of the Earth’s water (about 0.007

percent) is readily accessible for direct

human consumption.1

Not only do we rely on water for our

daily functions, we rely on it for livelihoods as well. In the United States alone,

commercial and recreational fishing,

boating, tourism and other coastal industries provide more than 30 million jobs

nationwide.2 In 2005, marine recreational fishing

anglers took more than 83 million fishing trips to

the Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific coasts, which translates into more than $30.5 billion in economic

activity.3 The U.S. Marine Transportation System

employs more than 13 million individuals, contributes more than $742 billion to the U.S. domestic

product and supplies goods to every U.S. state.4

Unfortunately, environmental damage and pollution continue to threaten this valuable national

resource.

In 2005, marine recreational fishing anglers

took more than 83 million fishing trips to the

Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific coasts, which translates

into more than $30.5 billion in economic activity.

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B O A T I N G A N D M A R I N E D E B R I S

Marine Debris
 

Marine debris is one of the most pervasive pollution problems facing our world’s oceans and

waterways. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric

Administration (NOAA) defines marine debris as

any man-made object discarded, disposed of or

abandoned that enters the coastal or marine environment. It may enter directly from a ship, or indirectly when washed out to sea via rivers, streams

and storm drains.

Since the 1960s, the world’s dependence upon natural materials has been largely replaced with

durable, highly buoyant synthetic items. Once they

enter the ocean environment, these products – such

as cigarette filters, food wrappers, beverage bottles

and cans, trash and grocery bags, and fishing line,

nets and gear – can travel for hundreds and thousands of miles on ocean currents, posing a threat to

ocean ecosystems and wildlife along the way. Many

of these items are also very slow to decompose,

meaning that marine debris may remain in the

environment for hundreds of years.

We mUst use and manage

our resources and the environment

so that they maintain a strong

economy and preserve a healthy

environment.

All types of marine debris can be traced to one

source – people. Every three months, the average

American throws away their weight in product

packaging. Every day, the average American discards about 4.5 pounds of trash.5 People’s mishandling of these waste materials and a host of other

items constitutes the bulk of the world’s marine

debris problem.

Most researchers classify marine debris as coming

from land- or ocean/waterway-based sources. Landbased sources account for approximately 70 percent

of marine debris. Ocean/ waterway-based sources

account for about 30 percent. Still, the National

Academy of Sciences estimated that in the early

1970s, ocean sources (maritime commercial and

recreational traffic, the military, oil platforms and

other sources) dumped approximately 7 million

tons of garbage into the sea every year6 while

commercial fishing fleets added another 26,000

tons of plastic packing material. Ocean disposal of

solid waste has been illegal in the United States

since 1989, and subsequently records of any

dumping are no longer kept by a ship’s crew.

We have only years, not generations, to undo this

damage and bring our waters to the point where

they can maintain themselves naturally. We must

use and manage our resources and the environment

so that they maintain a strong economy and preserve a healthy environment for years to come.7

Fortunately, each of us can make thoughtful

choices in our efforts to protect this important

resource while still enjoying all it has to offer.

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B O A T I N G A N D M A R I N E D E B R I S

Understanding

Aquatic Ecosystems

Saltwater Ecosystems

Oceans

The vastness of our planet’s oceans is difficult to

comprehend. The enormity of these waters can only

be fully seen from outer space. The oceans cover

70.8 percent of the Earth’s surface; contain 97.5

percent of all the water on Earth; house 80 percent

of all life on Earth; and contain 95 percent of all

habitat space on the planet. Over 62 percent of

our planet lies beneath 1,000 meters (3,273 feet) of

seawater.8 The Atlantic Ocean alone covers over

91.7 million square kilometers (35.4 million square

miles). It contains productive fisheries on its continental shelves.9 The Pacific Ocean holds more than

half the seawater on Earth – nearly as much as the

Atlantic and Indian Oceans combined.10

The oceans supported the beginnings of life on this

planet when the first living microbes and algae

developed 3.5 billion years ago. The oceans are

home to both the largest animal in the world, the

blue whale, and the tiniest microscopic plankton

and bacteria. They are also home to giant kelp,

which can grow up to 213 feet in length. And each

year the ocean and its neighboring seas provide 29

million tons of fish for human consumption.11

The oceans touch the lives of virtually every

American, regardless of whether we live in a coastal

community or deep in the American heartland. One

out of six jobs in the U.S. is ocean related. Marine

recreational fishing supports 350,000 jobs in the

U.S. and generates $30.5 billion in economic impact

annually.12 The U.S. ranks third in the world in fish

exports and fishery products, and receives 95 percent of all incoming trade through American seaports. One out of every two Americans lives within

50 miles of the coast and the beach is the leading

tourist destination in the country, generating an

annual estimated income of $16.3 billion13 – 85 percent of all tourist revenues.

Coastal Waters

The coastal waters, those areas of the ocean

extending from the shore to approximately five

miles out to sea, are where most of us enjoy our

recreational activities – sunning, fishing, surfing,

and boating. They are also very profitable. There

are 25,500 recreational facilities along the U.S.

coasts14 – almost 44,000 square miles of outdoor

public recreation areas.15 The average American

spends 10 recreational days on the coast each year.

In 2000, the EPA estimated that a third of all

Americans visited coastal areas each year, making

910 million trips and spending about $44 billion.16

According to 2000 estimates, ocean related activities

directly contributed more than $117 billion to the

nation’s economy and supported more than two

million jobs.17

Sadly, as more and more Americans live, work and

play along the coast, our activities and actions are

having more environmental impacts. It is estimated

that the U.S. coastal population will reach 165 million people by the year 2015. The issue of population density is particularly acute in near shore areas.

This region contains 11 percent of the U.S. population on only four percent of the land: at 230 persons per square mile, the population density is three

times that of the nation as a whole.18

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B O A T I N G A N D M A R I N E D E B R I S

Along with increasing coastal populations comes

increasing coastal pollution, mainly from polluted

runoff. In agricultural areas, pesticides, fertilizers

and animal wastes enter waterways and are carried

to the coast. In towns and cities, oil, grease and

other toxic chemicals – along with debris from our

streets and parking lots – are carried off into storm

drains, which are rarely treated at sewage plants,

and then into our waterways. Large amounts of

sediment from construction sites enter our waterways annually, which can reduce vital sunlight

required by plankton, smother seagrasses and clog

navigable channels. Sewage from aging and overpopUlAtion
 density is particularly

acute in near shore

areas because these

regions contain

11 percent of the

U.S. population on

only four percent

of the land.

loaded sewer and septic systems also enters our

waterways. All of these pollutants eventually reach

our coasts. The results can lead to beach closures.

Coastal areas are more than just sandy beaches and

pounding surf. Some other important coastal environments are discussed below.

Estuaries

Estuaries are special areas of coastal waters, formed

wherever fresh water from rivers, creeks, or streams

mixes with saltwater from the seas. These partially

enclosed bodies of water are called bays, lagoons,

harbors, inlets, marshes, sloughs (pronounced

“slews”), sounds or swamps. A few examples of

familiar estuaries are Boston Harbor, the Chesapeake

Bay, Puget Sound, San Francisco Bay and Tampa

Bay. These unique ecosystems, affected by the tides

but sheltered by the land, have many important

environmental, cultural and economic functions.19

Estuaries support tens of thousands of birds, mammals, fish and other wildlife. They act as nurseries for

many marine organisms, including most commercially valuable fish species. Estuaries support wetlands, which filter water draining off the uplands,

reducing the amount of sediments and pollutants

that could enter the open ocean and creating

cleaner, clearer water. Estuarine wetlands also pro6
B O A T I N G A N D M A R I N E D E B R I S

EstUAries support tens of thousands of birds, mammals and fish and provide

habitat for more than 75 percent of America’s commercial fish catch.

tect the uplands, acting as flood con­ $240 million per year. In that same

trol, absorbing floodwaters and dissi­ estuary, tourism and beach-going

pating storm surges.20 generate $1.5 billion per year, and

shipping and marinas generate $1.86

In addition to their ecological impor­ billion per year.24

tance, estuaries also provide cultural,

educational and aesthetic benefits. Seagrass Beds

They support boating, fishing, swim- Another special coastal habitat is the

ming and bird watching. They are a seagrass bed. Seagrasses, such as eel

living laboratory, providing lessons grass, turtle grass, widgeon grass,

in biology, chemistry, geology, shoal grass and manatee grass, are

physics and history for students and flowering plants that live underwascientists. And their beauty provides ter in salt water and brackish (a mixenjoyment for those fortunate ture of fresh and salty) water envienough to live or work near them.21

Finally, estuaries support the economy in many

ways. They provide habitat for more than 75 percent of America’s commercial fish catch, and for 80

to 90 percent of the recreational fish catch.22

Estuarine-dependent fisheries are among the

country’s most valuable resources.23 In just one

estuarine system – Massachusetts’ Cape Cod Bay –

commercial and recreational fishing generate about

ronments. Seagrasses are important for many reasons. Like land plants, they produce oxygen for fish

and other marine life. Their roots and rhizomes stabilize the bottom, much like land grasses slow soil

erosion. The leaves slow water flow, which allows

suspended materials such as silt to settle on the bottom. The leaves also trap fine sediments and other

particles. Both of these functions help maintain

water clarity, which increases the amount of light

reaching the seagrass beds.25

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B O A T I N G A N D M A R I N E D E B R I S

In this clear and calm water, numerous species

thrive. Seagrass beds provide habitat for many fish,

crustaceans and shellfish. Seagrass beds are nurseries

for certain fishes and other marine life. Seagrass

leaves are food for animals such as green turtles,

sea urchin and manatees. As the seagrass decays,

the decaying matter becomes food for microbes,

many fish, shrimp and other invertebrates.

Mangroves

Mangrove forests are also an important coastal

habitat. Mangrove trees thrive in tropical salty

environments with high rainfalls. They grow along

tidal estuaries, in salt marshes, and on muddy

coasts. Interestingly, they have devised ways to survive in salty water, by excreting the salt through

their leaves, by blocking the absorption of salt

through their leaves or by blocking the absorption

of salt at their roots. Like seagrasses, mangroves

trap and cycle organic materials, chemicals and

nutrients for the larger aquatic ecosystem.26

Freshwater Ecosystems

Rivers

Rivers are bodies of fresh water fed by smaller

tributaries flowing from upland sources. Seventy

Like seagrasses,
 mangroves trap and cycle organic

materials for the larger ecosystem.

percent of the Earth’s surface is drained from a

system of rivers that carries 34,000 cubic miles of

water to the sea each year.27 All of this water is

carried downhill through river channels that are

surrounded on either side by an area known as the

floodplain. A river transports not only water from

the uplands, but also sediments and pollutants, and

deposits them downriver and onto the adjoining

flood plains. The Mississippi River, the largest river

in the United States, has carried billions of tons

of silt and sediment downstream to form the

Mississippi Delta, upon which grew the historic

city of New Orleans.28.

A RiveR transports not only water

from the uplands, but also sediments and

pollutants, and deposits them downriver.

Rivers are home to a large number of plants, animals, fish, amphibians, reptiles and the animals that

prey upon them. Our rivers are home to more than

half the bird species and 80 percent of the wildlife

in the western United States.

The food webs or food chains found in river habitats are greatly dependent on the surrounding

landscape, and can be severely affected by human

activity. The main source of primary food in a river

system is found not in the river itself but on land.

Detritus – decaying plant material – is carried from

the land by runoff flowing into creeks, streams, and

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B O A T I N G A N D M A R I N E D E B R I S

rivers where it is consumed by many species of

plankton. The plankton are then eaten by newly

hatched fish, crustaceans and aquatic insects, which

are themselves food for commercially and recreationally valuable species such as trout, salmon,

large mouth bass, small mouth bass, striped bass,

catfish and crayfish. Increased runoff due to development or deforestation, or runoff polluted by

toxic chemicals, can harm the entire riverine food

web.

Not only is the water quality of our rivers important

for the survival of wildlife, rivers also provide a

great deal of drinking water. According to EPA,

approximately 11,000 community water systems,

serving 160 million people, rely on rivers, lakes and

reservoirs as their main sources of drinking water.29

Unfortunately, the water found in our rivers is

extremely vulnerable to polluted runoff. Pesticides,

fertilizers and animal waste enter our rivers from

agricultural areas. A toxic brew of oil, grease and

other chemicals enters rivers from the storm drains

of the streets and parking lots of our urban areas.

A Toxic brewof oil and grease

enters rivers from the storm drains of

the streets of our urban areas.

In the United States, lakes and

reservoirs cover 39.9 million acres.

As a result, 40 percent of our rivers are so polluted

that we cannot drink from, fish or swim in them.30

Lakes

In the United States, lakes and reservoirs cover

39.9 million acres. These freshwater bodies provide

most of our drinking water. In addition, they supply

water for industry, irrigation and hydropower.

Lakes support important food webs and are habitats for numerous threatened and endangered

species. Lakes are also the base of the nation’s $19

billion freshwater fishing industry; they support

numerous tourism industries and provide countless

recreational opportunities.31

The largest of the lake ecosystems is the Great

Lakes Basin – the largest freshwater body in the

world. This 95,000-square-mile system contains 18

percent of the world’s supply of fresh water, providing drinking water for over 24 million

Americans. The Basin supports a wide variety of fish

and wildlife species. Fish species include lake trout,

lake sturgeon, lake whitefish, walleye, Pacific

salmon and landlocked Atlantic salmon. The Basin

provides critical breeding, feeding, and resting

habitat as well as migration corridors for waterfowl, colonial nesting birds and many other species

of migratory birds.32

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B O A T I N G A N D M A R I N E D E B R I S

Lake ecosystems vary enormously depending on

their size, depth and geographical location. Lakes

have traditionally been considered closed, balanced

ecosystems with water and nutrients constantly

being recycled. Small lakes can experience enormous

daily and seasonal environmental variations while

large lakes present a more stable environment for

wildlife. As with most aquatic food webs, the primary food source supporting life in lakes is supplied

by phytoplankton, algae and other aquatic plants.

In addition, aquatic plants such as hydrilla, coontail

milfoil and fanwort provide food and habitat for

many commercially important species – much like

the seagrasses in the coastal marine environment.33

Due to a lake’s enclosed nature, it is highly vulnerable

to the pollution-generating activities of humans.

Major environmental stresses to lakes include excessive nutrient and organic input from fertilizers and

sewage; siltation from improper erosion control

from construction, agriculture or mining activities;

introduction of exotic species; acidification from

mining operations and the effects from acid rain;

and contamination from toxic chemicals such as

mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and

pesticides.34

Environmental stressors come in many forms.

Pollution can come from identifiable industrial or

municipal sources or from less-easily identified

sources such as urban and agricultural runoff within

a lake’s watershed. Pollution can even enter a lake

system through long-range atmospheric transport

of contaminants, such as when acid rain deposits

excess nitrogen into the water, which can lead to

unwanted growth of algae and other nuisance

plants.35

Because most aquatic life exists under the surface,

we may not realize the impact that improper

boating activities or marina operations may have on

our lakes, rivers, coastal waters and oceans. It is

important that we all take steps to protect these

fragile aquatic environments. And the first step is to

be aware of the connection between our waters

and our actions.

Because most aQUATIC LIFE exists under the surface, we may not realize
 

the impact that improper boating activities or marina operations may have
 

on our lakes, rivers, coastal waters and oceans.
 

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B O A T I N G A N D M A R I N E D E B R I S

Impacts of Marine Debris

The effects of marine debris are found throughout the world, from high-density recreation

areas to secluded beaches and uninhabited islands.

But marine debris is more than an eyesore; it also

poses threats to ocean ecosystems, wildlife and

human health and safety.

Impacts on Human Health and Safety

Medical and personal hygiene debris can enter

waterways when sewer systems fail or overflow.

These items often contain harmful bacteria and

pathogens. Syringes, broken glass and other hazardous items pose obvious dangers to bare-footed

beachgoers.

Debris is also a hazard to navigation. According to

the U.S. Coast Guard, collisions with floating and

submerged objects caused 269 boating accidents,

resulting in 15 deaths, 116 injuries and $2.9 million

in property damage in 2005. 36

Marine Derbis is more

than an eyesore; it also poses threats

to ocean ecosystems.

Impacts on the Environment

Abandoned fishing nets and gear, plastic tarps and

other debris can smother and crush sensitive coral

reef and seagrass bed ecosystems and their benthic

(bottom-dwelling) species. Many of these ecosystems are essential fish habitat.

Marine debris also threatens marine wildlife.

Monofilament fishing line, balloon ribbons, ropes,

and netting or other materials can entangle, maim

and even drown many wildlife species, including sea

turtles, marine mammals, sea birds, fish and other

fishing line can entangle,

maim and even drown many wildlife

species, including sea turtles.

species. Cigarette filters, food bags, pieces of plastic

and packaging resemble food to many animals.

Once ingested, these materials can cause strangulation and/or starvation.

It is difficult to estimate the total number of debris

related wildlife injuries and deaths; however, entanglement and ingestion incidents have been reported

for at least 267 species of animals, including at least

43 percent of the world’s marine mammals, at least

44 percent of the world’s seabird species and all

but one of the world’s seas turtle species. The vast

majority of these reports are from the carcasses

of dead animals found on beaches or sightings of

animals that return to shore to molt, breed, nest

or simply rest.37

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B O A T I N G A N D M A R I N E D E B R I S

Many species of birds are killed as a result of monofilament

entanglement. Data indicates that monofilament line may persist

for over 600 years before breaking down – if ever.

About 70 percent of sea turtles that undergo

necropsies (animal autopsies) contain some form of

plastic material in their digestive tract. In one case,

a dead sea turtle found on a Hawaiian beach had

swallowed an eight-inch square plastic bag, a golf

tee, shreds of bag and sheeting, pieces of monofilament fishing line, a plastic flower, part of a bottle

cap, a comb, chips of polystyrene and dozens of

small, round pieces of plastic.38

Not all species affected by marine debris live in the

water. Many species of birds are killed as a result of

entanglement. Monofilament line is an especially

lethal type of debris. In one case in Florida, environmentalists found a piece of fishing line with seven

dead pelicans entangled in its length. Data indicates

that monofilament line may persist for over 600

years before breaking down – if ever.39

Impacts on the Economy

Marine debris can cause direct economic impacts

and damage to boats. Trash and grocery bags,

fishing line, nets and rope can wrap around boat

propellers and clog engine water intakes, causing

costly damage. Debris can also deplete a coastal

community’s finances through increased beach

cleaning costs. The indirect costs, though, are

perhaps even greater.

Marine debris is unsightly and can be dangerous.

Its presence discourages people from partaking

in coastal activities, such as recreational fishing,

boating, swimming or beachgoing. It even repels

tourists from visiting coastal areas. Coastal communities rely on waterside businesses, and the clientele

that support them, for their economic survival.

Clean beaches promote tourism and economic

health. Dirty beaches do just the opposite.

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B O A T I N G A N D M A R I N E D E B R I S

Working Toward

Solutions

Regulations

There are several federal and state regulations

designed to control, monitor and enforce the ban

on ocean disposal of waste. In the United States, the

U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) is the primary enforcement

agency but individuals may also contact local marine

patrol units if they see or suspect a violation. Two

federal agencies, NOAA and EPA, are also mandated

to monitor and control marine debris. See Resources

and Contacts for more information. Below are just

some of the key federal regulations that deal with

marine debris issues.

MARPOL 73/78

In 1973, the International Convention for the

Prevention of Pollution from Ships at Sea (MARine

POLlution) was drafted and signed by several seafaring nations. In 1978, it was updated to include

five annexes on ocean dumping. In 1997, an annex

on air pollution by ships was added. By ratifying

MARPOL 73/78, a country automatically adopts

Annexes I and II; the remaining annexes are

optional. The United States has ratified optional

Annexes III and V.

• Annex I Oil

• Annex II Hazardous liquid carried in bulk

• Annex III Hazardous substances carried in

packaged form

• Annex IV Sewage

• Annex V Garbage

• Annex VI Air Pollution

An optional annex goes into effect only after countries representing 50 percent of the world’s shipping tonnage have ratified it. However, once

ratified, an optional annex applies only to those

countries that have ratified it and is applied to any

vessels entering that country’s territorial waters.40

TheMppRCA requires all vessels

26 feet or longer to have a MARPOL

placard displayed on board.

Annex V prohibits the at-sea disposal of all plastic

materials. It also limits the ocean discharge of other

types of garbage at specified distances from land.

Annex V restrictions apply to all ocean-going vessels

– recreational as well as commercial. Annex V went

into effect in U.S. waters on December 31, 1988

when Congress passed the Marine Plastic Pollution

Research and Control Act (MPPRCA).

Marine Plastic Pollution Research

and Control Act

As mentioned above, Congress passed the Marine

Plastic Pollution Research and Control Act

(MPPRCA), which implemented Annex V in the U.S.

waters. The law specifically prohibits the overboard

disposal of plastics anywhere in the world by U.S.

vessels. In addition, it prohibits the disposal of plastics by any foreign or domestic vessel within U.S.

waters. The law also regulates the disposal of nonplastic items depending on a vessel’s distance from

shore.

The MPPRCA requires all vessels 26 feet or longer

to have a MARPOL placard displayed on board. A

MARPOL placard illustrates distances from shore

and the materials that may be thrown overboard.

Vessels 40 feet or longer that are engaged in commerce or have a gallery and berthing area must also

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B O A T I N G A N D M A R I N E D E B R I S

have a waste management plan and logbook on

board. Waste management plans are designed to

inform the crews about standard refuse practices

applicable to the vessel.

The U.S. Coast Guard is the enforcement agency for

MARPOL within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)

of the United States, which extends 200 miles from

shore. The Coast Guard cannot catch every violation, and relies on sharp-eyed citizens to report

MARPOL violations. If you observe any boat not

complying with water pollution regulations, document the event and report it to your local USCG

Sector Office or your local Marine Patrol. See

Resources and Contacts for more information.

Marine Debris Research, Prevention and

Reduction Act

Signed into law in 2006, the Marine Debris

Research, Prevention and Reduction Act establishes

a program within NOAA to identify, assess, reduce

and prevent marine debris and its effects on the

marine environment. The Act also directs NOAA to

reestablish the Interagency Marine Debris

Coordinating Committee, work with the U.S. Coast

Guard to establish a definition of “marine debris,”

develop a federal marine debris information clearinghouse, emphasize the importance of outreach

and education and work with the international

community to address marine debris on a global

scale. For more information, visit www.ocean.us/

node/524orwww.commerce.senate.gov/ pdf/

marinedebris_mark.pdf.

What Can People Do About

Marine Debris?

Marinas, port and harbor managers, commercial

shippers and fishermen, recreational boaters and

fishermen and people who enjoy boating and its

related activities must play a role in reducing solid

waste pollution. One way is to incorporate best

management practices (BMPs) into daily marina

operations and boating activities. BMPs are management measures that ensure environmentally

responsible behavior. The following are some BMPs

that boaters, port and harbor facilities can implement to reduce solid waste pollution.

Follow the three “R”s –

Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.

•	 Reduce the amount of disposables you buy or

stock. Pay particular attention to unnecessary

packaging. Careful planning and purchasing

habits, such as buying items in bulk or in concentrated form when possible, can reduce the

amount of packaging that must be discarded.

Marinas can also reduce the initial amount of

packaging waste by not purchasing doublepackaged items when ordering maintenance,

store or facility supplies.

•	 Reuse materials whenever possible, either for

their original purpose or a new one, such as

using plastic milk jugs as bailers.

•	 Recycle or discard materials appropriately,

either into a recycling bin or a trash can.

Check List of Best Management Practices for

Marinas, Ports and Harbors:

■✓ Set up recycling bins for staff and customers. Call your local Department of

Environmental Protection to find out what

materials can be recycled in your area.

■✓ Clearly label recycling bins and make sure

that they are accessible.

■✓ Encourage boaters to set up an onboard

system to segregate trash for easy disposal

and recycling on shore.

■✓ Keep trash cans, dumpsters and recycling

bins from overflowing by emptying them

regularly. Make sure that they are secure

and cannot be opened by strong winds or

animals.

■✓ Set up special collection bins for hazardous

materials, such as batteries, flares and other

items that contain metal and/or chemical

components. Check with your local solid

waste management authority for specific

regulations on disposal.

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B O A T I N G A N D M A R I N E D E B R I S

In addition to practicing proper disposal at your

marina, make sure your customers know how to

reduce and eliminate marine debris. Encourage

boaters to never throw any debris overboard and to

bring all trash back to shore for proper disposal.

Remind customers to save and reuse as many materials as possible and to either recycle or properly

dispose of their monofilament fishing line. Educate

all boaters and passengers about any relevant

debris laws and the impacts debris can have on the

environment.

Help larger or commercial vessels using your

marina, port or harbor set up systems to segregate

their waste into recyclable components; this will

improve the on board waste management process

and reduce the vessel’s waste disposal costs in port.

Recyclables can represent up to 30 percent of the

total waste produced by each vessel.

Check List of Best Management Practices

for Boaters:

■✓ Use garbage facilities – trash cans, dumpsters and recycling bins – at your boatyard

or marina. If the facilities are inadequate,

request better services from the facility

manager.

■✓ Promote and utilize waste and oil recycling

at docks, marinas and/or ports.

■✓ Make sure no trash is discarded, washed or

blown overboard. If an item does blow

overboard, go back and retrieve it. Use this

opportunity to practice “man-overboard”

drills.

■	 Practice “Plus-One Boating.” Bring back

everything you take out, plus one piece of

litter from someone else’s wasteful wake.

✓

■✓ Participate in a beach cleanup, especially in

remote areas accessible only boat. For

information on the annual International

Coastal Cleanup (ICC), contact the Ocean

Conservancy at (800) 262-BEACH or visit

www.oceanconservancy.org/icc for more

information.

■✓ Report any illegal dumping you witness to

your local U.S. Coast Guard Sector Office.

Call (800) 424-8802 to locate the Sector

Office in your area.

■✓ Remind others that plastic garbage generated aboard a vessel may not be discharged

into the water but should be brought

ashore for proper disposal.

Resources and Contacts

Solid Waste and Recycling Information

Call your local Solid Waste Operations Department

if you have questions about the disposal of solid

waste, used oil, household chemicals or questions

about recycling.

Six­Pack Ring Recycling

To recycle plastic six-pack ring holders, contact the

marina, your local recycling center, or ITW HI-Cone.

ITW Hi-Cone is a producer of six-pack rings and supports a vigorous recycling program. Six-pack rings

can be brought to a local recycling center or mailed

to ITW Hi-Cone, Attn: Recycling Dept., 1140 W. Bryn

Mawr Ave., Itasca, IL 60143-9918; 630-773-9300.

Visit www.ringleader.com/ for more information.

To Report Pollution

If you observe any boat not complying with water

pollution regulations, report it to your local USCG

Sector Office. Call the Coast Guard National

Response Center at (800) 424-8802 to locate the

Sector Office near you or to make a formal report.

MARPOL Placards

To obtain a MARPOL placard that illustrates

restrictions on dumping from vessels, contact the

USCG Captain of the Port (COP) at your local USCG

Sector in your community.

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B O A T I N G A N D M A R I N E D E B R I S

Visit the following websites for more information on marine debris pollution and prevention:

Alliance for a Living Ocean

www.livingocean.org

Clean Marinas

www.cleanmarinas.com

Clean Ocean Action

www.cleanoceanaction.org

Environmental Protection Agency

www.epa.gov/owow/nps/marinas.html

Keep America Beautiful

www.kab.org/

NOAA Marine Debris Program

www.marinedebris.noaa.gov

Ocean Conservancy

www.oceanconservancy.org

Save Our Seas

www.saveourseas.org

Save the Bay

www.savethebay.org

Save the Harbor/Save the Bay

www.savetheharbor.org

Sierra Club – Blue Water Campaign

www.hi.sierraclub.org/bluewater

U.S. Coast Guard

www.uscg.mil

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

www.cgaux.org

U.S. Power Squadron

www.usps.org

Works Cited

1 Water Partners International (© 2007). Water Facts: Did you know . . .

www.water.org/resources/waterfacts.htm
 

2 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Estuary Program, About Estuaries. 2007.
 

www.epa.gov/nep/about1.htm.
 

3 NOAA Fisheries: Office of Science and Technology. U.S Marine Recreational Fisheries Report.

www.st.nmfs.gov/st1/fus/fus05/03_recreational2005.pdf

4 U. S. Department of Transportation. Our Valuable U.S. Marine Transportation System. Office of

Congressional and Public Affairs. Maritime Administration. Washington, DC.

www.marad.dot.gov/publications/PDF/bw1.pdf

5 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Municipal Solid Waste, Basic Facts 2005.

www.epa.gov/msw/facts.htm (accessed July 2007)
 

6 U.S. Congress, Office of Technology Assessment. Wastes in Marine Environments. Washington, DC, 1987.
 

(OTA-O-334) www.wws.princeton.edu/ota/disk2/1987/8734/8734.PDF. (accesed August 2000)
 

7 Environment Canada. Fresh Water. www.ec.gc.ca/water/en/info/pubs/fs/e_fsa3.htm (accessed August 2000)

8 Distribution of Land and Water on the Planet – Ratio of land and sea areas. Copyright 2006.
 

www.oceansatlas.com/unatlas/about/physicalandchemicalproperties/background/seemore1.html
 

9 ”Atlantic Ocean.” Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2000 http://Encarta.msn.com © 1997-2000
 

Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
 

10 Oceans 98. Facts and Information: Ocean Facts and Statistics. www.ocean98.org/fact.htm (accessed
 

August 2000)
 

11 Ibid

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B O A T I N G A N D M A R I N E D E B R I S

12 National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration. News From NOAA, NOAA Rolls Out

Recreational Fisheries Strategic Plan. www.publicaffairs.noaa.gov/releases2005/feb05/noaa05-r104.html.

13 Colgan, C.S. The Changing Ocean & Coastal Economy of the United States – A Conference Briefing Paper

(October 2003). University of Southern Maine.

14 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Estuary Program, About Estuaries (© Feb. 2007).

www.epa.gov/nep/about1.htm.
 

15 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Estuary Program, About Estuaries (© Feb. 2007).
 

www.epa.gov/nep/about1.htm.
 

16 Fact Sheet: Report To Congress Implementing the Beach Act of 2000, October 2004.

17 Tibbetts, J. America’s Oceans: A Blueprint for the Future. Environmental Health Perspectives. 2005 Feb.
 

113(2): A106-A109.
 

18 Colgan, C.S. The Changing Ocean & Coastal Economy of the United States – A Conference Briefing Paper
 

(October 2003). University of Southern Maine.

19 National Estuary Program. About Estuaries: What is an Estuary?

www.epa.gov/owow/estuaries/about1.htm (accessed August 2000).

20 National Estuarine Research Reserves System. Introduction to Estuaries.

inlet.geol.sc.edu/nersintro.html (accessed August 2000).

21 National Estuary Program. About Estuaries: What is an Estuary?
 

www.epa.gov/owow/estuaries/about1.htm (accessed August 2000).
 

22 National Safety Council Environmental Health Center. Coastal Challenges A Guide to Coastal and Marine
 

Issues. Washington, D.C. February 1988. pg. 11-20.

23 U.S. Department of Commerce. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. National Ocean
 

Service. Estuaries of the United States: Vital Statistics of a Natural Resource Base. October 1990.
 

24 Natural Resource Valuation: A Report by the Nation’s Estuary Programs. August 1997.
 

25 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Marine Grasses Overview.
 

www.state.fl.us/fwc/psm/habitat/seagrassesover.htm (accessed August 2000).

26 The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. (April 11, 2000). Mangroves.
 

www.fknms.nos.noaa.gov/sanctuary_resources/welcome.html. (accessed August 2000).
 

27 Watson, Lyall. The Water Planet – A Celebration of the Wonder of Water. New York, NY: Crown
 

Publishers. Inc., 1988.

28 U.S. Geologic Survey. Status of Trends of the Nation’s Biological Resources. The Mississippi River.
 

biology.usgs.gov/s+t/SNT/noframe/ms137.htm.
 

29 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Drinking Water Source Protection: A New National Focus.
 

EPA 816-R-98-019. USEPA Washington, D.C. April 1999.
 

30 American Rivers Online. Did You Know.
 

www.amrivers.org/template2asp?cat=85$page=85&id=1228&filter=0 (accessed August 2000).
 

31 EPA Office of Water. Clean Lakes.

32 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem.
 

www.fws.gov/r3pao/ecosys/gl-basin.htm.
 

33 Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Office of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas.
 

Lake Jackson Aquatic Reserve. www.dep.state.fl.us/coastal/sites/lakejackson/info.htm#Habitat.

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34 National Research Council. Restoration of Aquatic Ecosystems. Washington, DC: National

Academy Press, 1992.
 

35 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “Environmental Effects of Acid Rain,” (April 2, 2007)
 

www.epa.gov/region1/eco/acidrain/enveffects.html.
 

36 U.S. Coast Guard, “Boating Statistics 2005,” (August 2006): 27. See also www.uscgboating.org/statistics/

Boating_Statistics_2005.pdf.
 

37 Marine Mammal Commission. 1998. Marine Mammal Commission, Annual Report to Congress 1997.
 

Marine Mammal Commission, Bethesda, MD, p. 174.
 

38 Center for Marine Conservation. A Citizen’s Guide to Plastics in the Ocean: More than a Litter Problem.
 

Washington, DC, July 1994.
 

39 Mote Marine Laboratory. Marine Debris Biodegradation Time Line (printed poster). Sarasota, FL, 1993.
 

40 Center for Marine Conservation. A Citizen’s Guide to Plastics in the Ocean: More than a Litter Problem.
 

Washington, DC, July 1994.
 

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U.S. Boater & Marina Tip Sheet

for Preventing Marine Debris

What You Can Do:

While treaties, laws and regulations are vital tools

in combating the marine debris problem, individual

action to curb marine debris is just as important, if

not more so. People who enjoy boating and its

related activities can help reduce the amount of

marine debris that enters the oceans and waterways by following these guidelines:

Boaters

•	 Bring ALL of your trash back to shore and collect

any debris that you find in or near the water and

dispose of it properly.

•	 Properly stow and secure all trash on your boat

so that it won’t be blown or washed overboard.

•	 Follow the marine debris regulations required by

Annex V of MARPOL. Remember that it is illegal

to dispose of any plastic materials into any navigable waters of the United States.

•	 Reduce, reuse, recycle. Purchase reusable products and containers and recycle your plastic,

metal, glass and paper products – including

monofilament fishing line.

•	 Support environmentally responsible marinas.

Encourage your docks, marinas, fishing piers and

boat ramps to provide adequate trash cans and

recycling bins.

Marinas

•	 Set up and clearly label recycling bins for staff

and customers. Call your local department of

environmental protection to find out what materials can be recycled in your area.

•	 Encourage boaters to set up an onboard system

to segregate trash for easy disposal and recycling

on shore.

•	 Empty trash cans, dumpsters and recycling bins

regularly.

Report any illegal dumping you witness on the

water or at a marina to your local U.S. Coast Guard

(USCG) Sector Office on VHF marine radio Channel

16 or call the USCG National Response Center at

(800) 424-8802 to locate the Sector Office near you.