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Boating
in the National Marine Sanctuary
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HELP
KEEP SANCTUARY WATERS CLEAN
The Sanctuary has some of the cleanest coastal waters in the world. You
can help keep Sanctuary waters clean by following Coast Guard regulations
for sewage discharge from vessels. Boaters should use approved sanitation
devices and shore pump-out facilities. The pump-out station in Monterey
Harbor is located on Wharf 2; in Moss Landing Harbor it is across from
the harbor office. At Pillar Point and in Santa Cruz Harbors, pump-out
facilities are at the fuel dock.
Sanctuary
regulations prohibit the discharge or dumping of materials into Sanctuary
waters. Be careful when cleaning your hull or applying new bottom paint.
Use tarps and clean up after yourself to keep all waste products from
entering the water. Use nontoxic and biodegradable products when possible.
SPILLS
AREN'T SLICK
Fish, birds, and mammals are especially sensitive to even small amounts
of toxic compounds in oil, fuel, and other petroleum products. You can
help protect fish and wildlife by preventing fuel spills and bilge oil
discharge. Put absorbent pads in your bilge and wipe up any spills quickly.
Use absorbent pads, not detergents to clean spills. Report spills you
see to 1-800-OILS-911, or to the US Coast Guard (1-800-424-8802).
Remember,
it makes sense to recycle used oil, filters, and antifreeze. Waste oil
containers are located at Wharf 2 and next to the Harbor Master's office
In Monterey Harbor, at the gates leading to A and B docks at Moss Landing
Harbor, at the fuel dock in Pillar Point Harbor, and at the maintenance
shop in the upper Santa Cruz Harbor.
MARINE
DEBRIS CAN KILL
You
can make a big difference by picking up plastic you see floating in the
water. Birds, fish, mammals, and sea turtles can get entangled in plastic
items or mistake them for food. Animals may die of starvation or poisoning
when plastic is in their stomachs. Plastic debris in the water can also
foul propellers and clog or damage engine intake systems. Always stow
your trash for disposal in port. Recycle and reduce solid waste by using
products in reusable. Please help remove plastics from the marine environment!
WATCH
YOUR SPEED
Speeding
boats are dangerous to marine life and people. Please drive slowly near
sensitive habitats such as kelp forests and bird rookeries to minimize
disturbance. It is especially important to operate your boat slowly in
the area close to shore that is frequented by marine mammals and people.
Stay clear of surfers, divers, swimmers, and kayakers. Motorized craft
are prohibited in some areas. Harbors have speed limits, and California
law limits speed to 5 mph within 100 ft of a bather or within 200 ft of
a beach. In parts of Santa Cruz County, speed is limited to 5 mph within
900 ft of the beach. Please drive slowly near beaches and kelp forests
and respect people's quiet enjoyment of nature.
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