Help the Bay on the Water

The Chesapeake and its many rivers are a boater's paradise, a sailor's heaven and a fisherman's dream. Thousands of people flock to the region's waters throughout the year to sail, cruise, paddle, fish and bird watch. But the Bay and its rivers are not simply our playground; they are home to thousands of species of animals and plants. While we're having fun on the water, our actions can affect life below it.

Follow these tips to make your time on the water good clean fun for both you and life in the Chesapeake.

Keep Waste on Board

Human waste contributes to pollution that harms the health of the Bay and its rivers. Keep waste in a portable toilet or holding tank and only dispose of it at an approved disposal facility. Encourage your marina owner to maintain an adequate pump-out facility if one is not available.

Maintain Your Engine and Prevent Fuel Spills

Engine exhaust and spilled or leaking fuel oil can be harmful or fatal to underwater life. Prevent fuel spills by using a funnel and not “topping off” when filling your tank.

Fish Responsibly

Respect fishing laws like size and bag limits to help prevent depletion of fish stocks. If you're not keeping your catch, practice proper catch and release techniques. Also, use steel sinkers instead of lead, which is a toxic substance.

Observe Wake Laws

Wakes from boats and personal watercraft can erode shorelines and stir up bottom sediments, affecting underwater bay grasses that grow in shallow waters. Boaters should observe no-wake laws and speed limits, and steer clear of shallow-water grass beds.

Stash Your Trash

Litter from recreational boaters adds to a growing problem of too much trash in the water. Stow used bags, bottles, fishing lines and other trash in a plastic bag to throw away or recycle when you get back on land.

Properly Dispose of Chemicals

When using paint, cleaners and antifouling agents on your boat, use extreme caution and properly dispose of them. Used oil can be dropped off at oil collection facilities.

Prevent the Spread of Exotic Species

Never dump your bait or aquarium fish into a storm drain, stream, lake, creek, river or the Bay. Also, to avoid the spread of the invasive zebra mussel, clean your boat hull before moving it to another body of water.