Pollution Facts and Figures

Pollution Facts - Over 12 million marine engines are operated in the United States - These marine engines are one of the leading causes of hydrocarbons - Oil pollution that comes from cleaning ship's bilge accounts for about 13% of world pollution worldwide - More than 137 million gallons of oil a year are spilled from bilges across the United States - Just 1 quart of oil can affect an area the size of 3 football fields, or one gallon of oil can pollute 250,000 gallons of water - Coast Guard Law makes it illegal to discharge any amount of oil or gasoline that makes any type of sheen on the water, and it is illegal for boaters to "treat a sheen by putting anything on it that will disperse, emulsify or coagulate it." Effects on Marine Life - Oil and gasoline discolor the water's surface and is dangerous for animals - Once oil gets into contact with animals like seals and otters it stops them from being able to trap air in their fur, which keeps them warm - Floating oil reduces light penetration and the exchange of oxygen at the surface of the water - Floating oil also damages the micro layer, which is the uppermost portion of the water column. This area serves as a breeding ground for thousands of species of plants, microbes and animals. All of this life attracts predators, so polluting the microlayer can pollute the whole food web. Solutions for Boaters - Offer free or cheap bilge pads (pads that absorb petroleum based liquids, but not water) that can be used then dropped off at disposal site - Give out information about bilge water pump out facilities, or have boats that travel on the water that pump out and clean your bilge water - Educate and hand out information about bilge socks, or other bilge filters that collect the hydrocarbons but let water pass through. - Avoid spilling gasoline - Limit engine operation at full throttle - Eliminate unnecessary idling - Use a gasoline container you can handle easily and hold securely - Pour gasoline smoothly and slowly - Use a funnel or a spout with an automatic stop device to prevent overfilling your gas tank - Closing the vent on portable gas tanks when the tank isn't being used or is being stored - Transporting and storing gasoline out of direct sunlight - Pumping gasoline carefully into containers - Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule - Preparing engines for winter storage - Buying new, cleaner marine engines