Clean Boating for Alaskans
Alaska Sea Grant Program Publication Rethinks Boating
Terry Johnson with the Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program has put together a publication in collaboration with the National Park Service and Alaska Marine Conservation Council that addresses clean boating practices. Boaters recognize that their world is changing, fuel has become more expensive, the waterfront seems more crowded and people have become more aware of their effect on the environment. Johnson’s guide, Clean Boating for Alaskans, contains information that is useful for any boater, even if they aren’t above 55° North latitude.
Saving Fuel and Reducing Emissions
Johnson provides some clues for saving fuel while boating. There are savings to had by slowing down, keeping the engine tuned, checking prop condition and keeping the bottom clean. Terry points out that trip planning, reducing a vessel’s weight and maintaining a boat properly will reduce fuel consumption. Using less fuel saves money and reduces pollution.
Clean Boat Operations and Maintenance
Boats contain many toxic substances and can present an opportunity for these materials to inadvertently enter the environment. Proper engine maintenance prevents oil leaks into the bilge. Keeping the bilges clean keeps fuel and oil out of the water. Appropriate disposal of used engine oil keeps it out of the water. Johnson’s booklet provides hints for safely fueling a boat, bottom painting a hull, dealing with used lead-acid batteries, and managing garbage. There are a number of best management practices (BMPs) that boaters can use to reduce pollution caused by boats.
Marine Debris and Operating Around Wildlife
Clean Boating for Alaskans offers suggestions on how to avoid the generation of marine debris and details ways to mitigate the impact of boating operations. Boating in a pristine environment and enjoying wildlife up close is big reason people are boaters. There are responsible ways to watch wildlife from a boat and it’s good for boaters to know how to deal with wildlife strandings.
New Boat Technologies
Making boat use clean and green is a major step required of all boaters to preserve this avocation for future generations. The future of boat technology is bright. Vast improvements have been made in engine and hull design. Newer engines, using four-stroke and direct fuel injection technology are more fuel efficient and produce fewer pollutants. Electronically control diesel engines can now propel a boat efficiently, while generating fewer particulates and emissions. Boats using alternative or hybrid engine technology are starting to enter the market and could provide boat owners with many benefits.
The Alaska Marine Advisory Program offers boaters access to many excellent publications concerning the marine environment, life on the waterfront and good stewardship. Many books and pamphlets are freely available for download. These publications can be found the Alaska Sea Grant Bookstore. Alaska Sea Grant is known for its award winning publications and they represent good value for those that enjoy the marine environment.
Clean Boating for Alaskans
|
What do you think about this article?
More in Outdoor & Recreation
Latest Articles