Protecting Our Waters: Managing Plastic Waste and Fishing Line on Your Boat

As boaters, we share the responsibility to protect the beautiful marine environments we enjoy. Properly handling plastic waste and excess fishing line isn't just a duty—it’s an opportunity to preserve these waters for future generations. Every small action we take makes a big difference in safeguarding wildlife and maintaining the balance of our ecosystems. Here's how you can help while out on the water.

Secure Your Plastic Waste

Be proactive! Designate a durable, sealable bag or container to store all waste. Keeping trash secure, especially on windy days, prevents harmful plastic from entering the ocean. Make sure to tightly close trash bags, and use bungee cords or straps to secure the container, especially in rough conditions. If possible, separate recyclables like bottles and cans to make it easier to recycle once you’re back on land. Regularly check your container during the trip to prevent overflow.

Manage Excess Fishing Line

• Set Up a Line Disposal Station: Keep a small box or bag handy to collect discarded line and prevent any from going overboard.
• Never Dispose of Line Overboard: Even small pieces of fishing line can entangle and severely harm marine life.
• Educate Your Crew: Make sure everyone onboard knows the importance of proper disposal—it's a team effort to protect the environment.

Why Proper Disposal Matters

• Harm to Marine Life: Plastic waste and fishing line can cause immense suffering for animals like turtles, fish, and seabirds when they ingest or get entangled in it.
• Ecosystem Disruption: Plastic doesn’t just affect individual species—it disrupts entire ecosystems, starting with smaller organisms that consume microplastics and eventually impacting the whole food chain.
• Impact on Tourism and Recreation: Clean waters draw visitors and support local economies. Let’s work together to keep our oceans attractive for both nature and tourism.

As responsible boaters, it’s up to us to ensure that our actions protect the waterways we love. By managing plastic waste and excess fishing line properly, we are helping to preserve our oceans and shorelines. Always plan ahead and dispose of waste responsibly when back on land, and encourage others to do the same. Together, we can keep our oceans clean, vibrant, and thriving for generations to come!