Water Pollution in our Bays by Jeff Blais and Luke Eaton

The San Diego Oceans Foundation and the Unified Port District of San Diego have teamed forces to prevent unnecessary pollution into San Diego Bay this summer. With financial assistance from the Port, SDOF was able to purchase 750 bilge socks to distribute to boaters FREE OF CHARGE during the Memorial Day Weekend. Marinas that will be participating in the program are:           Sunroad Resort Marina           Cabrillo Isle Marina           Kona Kai Marina For more information on how to obtain a bilge sock, please contact Noelle Morris (619)523-1903 Pollution Overview Recreational boating is one of the most popular activities in the United States. There are over 12 million marine engines that are operated in the United States. Unfortunately, these engines are among the highest contributors of hydrocarbons (HC) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions in many areas of the country. These chemicals produce ground-level ozone, which is known to irritate the respiratory system causing chest pain and lung inflammation. Another problem with boating is bilge water discharge. On average 25-35% of the fuel is unburned and enters the water through bilge water discharge. This discharge is a major contributor to non-source oil pollution in many bays like San Diego bay. To give an idea of how much the collective effect of this discharge is, consider this: Oil burning engines spill 15 times more fuel in the water each year than the Exxon Valdez in 1989. This means that roughly up to 165 million gallons are spilled into the water each year. Currently 12 million marine engines are operated in the United States. With this much pollution entering our bays and waterways each year marine life is being severely threatened. Click here for more Pollution Facts

Effects on Marine Life The effects of our marine ecosystems impact everyone. For example recreational fishermen in southern California alone spend over $536 million dollars on saltwater sport fishing in which about 3 million fish are caught, 27% of which spend significant time in our local bays. With the current levels of pollution form bilge water discharge and other sources of pollution many of these species are being negatively impacted. A few symptoms of pollution include; behavioral changes in shellfish and fish, discoloring and bad taste in the flesh of fish, making fish less able to survive other stresses, and lastly the fish found in polluted bays had more liver tumors and fin rot than fish in clean water. These effects of pollution weaken the fish stock and may put impediments on their ability to breed, reducing the number of fish for future generations. This would cause a decline in recreational fishing meaning an economic loss to the community. Click here for more Effects on Marine Life

Helpful Tips to Reduce Pollution Reducing pollution in our local bays and waterways is simple and hassle free. There are many ways in which you can help. Here are just a few:           · Limit engine operation at full throttle.           · Eliminate unnecessary idling.           · Avoid spilling gasoline.           · Use a gasoline container you can handle easily and hold securely.           · Pour slowly and smoothly.           · Use a funnel or a spout with an automatic stop device to prevent overfilling the gas tank.           · Store gasoline out of direct sunlight in a cool, dry place.           · Use caution when pumping gasoline into a container at the gas station.           · Carefully measure the proper amounts of gasoline and oil when refueling.           · Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule.           · Prepare engines properly for storage.           · Switch from a 2-stroke engine to a more fuel efficient 4 stroke engine. Click here for more More Solutions Bilge Socks Another important method is the use of a bilge sock. Bilge socks vary in size, but resemble a sausage-like object. By putting a bilge sock in the bilge compartment of your boat, the sock will capture leaking engine and crank case oil or small fuel spills. These socks help reduce oil sheens around harbors and marinas and in the bays. One bilge sock can last up to a season alone and will significantly reduce the amount of oil released from bilge water discharge. This will make boating more enjoyable for you and it will also make it safer for the environment.