Boat owners in Jersey are being urged to do more to reduce marine pollution.
The Environment Department has issued a raft of recommendations, including a call for on-board tanks to store waste water so less gets ditched at sea.
They advise that pollutants include oil, fuel, litter, anti-foul and contaminated bilge waters. They can all harm wildlife and damage the marine environment.
Suggestions for reducing the possibility of pollution include:
- If bilge water is contaminated with oil or fuel, don’t pump it into the sea but put into secure containers for proper disposal on-shore.
- When refueling, take care not to spill fuel or overfill the tank.
- Boats should be fitted with an adequate holding tank for sewage and wast water. If, however, you have to discharge liquid waste at sea, only do it offshore where swimming, wind-surfing or other recreational activities do not normally take place.
- Take all your rubbish with you. Do not dispose of it at sea or into marina waters.
- When removing old layers of anti-fouling paint, take care to prevent any material from remaining on the ground or entering the sea.
- Clean up when you have finished painting or anti-fouling your boat. Ensure that tins, brushes and debris are collected and disposed of in a recommended manner.
Source: http://www.itv.com/news/channel/update/2015-04-30/boat-owners-urged-to-help-reduce-pollution/