BoatUS Alert: Boaters need to participate in EPA forums

[Cathy Monaghan]

I started this thread because everyone should be made aware of what's going on regarding the EPA and pleasure craft (don't forget that political discussions are a no-no).

If you have the time and really want to find out what the EPA is up to, register for and participate in the webinars.

And if you want to or need to comment, the folks who you should be sending your comments to are at the EPA. You may submit questions, comments or concerns directly to: CleanBoatingAct-HQ@EPA.GOV

Be sure to visit the links I provided in my initial posting.

-Cathy

[Paul D.]

Thanks Kathy for posting this information. As someone who now deals with this sort of thing (conservation advocacy with very different viewpoints) regularly, I think one thing we could do is write or call our boating organizations and set them to finding out what data exists and if none, perhaps taking on a study that discovers the impact we as a boating community have and how.

This can then be weighed by regulatory agencies and be something they can use for the least regulation for us that produces the cleanest water for all.

[bill2]

I'd surely like to think that I'm as much ( or even more ? ) environmentally responsible as the average guy on the street ( at least in my mind - for whatever that's worth ).

That said I do have some simple questions for the scientists.

I think I understand the idea about fish waste decomposing using up oxygen in the water.

OTH - I have been yearning for an initial extended trip to Alaska for some time now. So I have been watching and reading as many documentaries, travel shows, adventures about Alaska as I can. Now the Park Rangers, Biologists, Scientists, Narrators of these shows/articles all expound upon the annual salmon runs of thousands and thousands of fish. And they describe how after spawning the salmon just die. The resultant decomposing bodies are then recycled into the aquatic life, plant life and animal life . These announcers tell us that this process of recycling fish waste is in fact the cause of and instrumental to the ecosystem and the rich flourishing life of the entire area is sustained by the decaying salmon.

So I realize that what works for Alaska does not necessarily work for the lower 48 - but I'd surely like to hear more . . .


There is a marina not too far from a place I visit in LI, NY that caters to a ( small ? ) fishing fleet . When the boats come in the cleaned fish go to homes while the remains , fish waste, goes into the water. The marina has constructed a " fishing " pier just out from the shore line. It has often warmed my heart to see father/mother with son/daughter out on the pier fishing or crabbing as the locals have come to find that the " free chum " now supports more sustainable sea creatures than other areas - making it the " locals " favorite spot for a day " on the water " without having to incur the cost of a boat or hiring a spot on one. I 'd like to think that somewhere in those youngsters is the next JP Jones - of course I may just be being a bit to romantic .

[rorik]

Well, it passed........but it only applies to pleasure boats under 65'.
Military, commercial and millionaires are exempt.

http://www.washingtonvotes.org/2011-SB-5436

And I read elsewhere that CA is working on a similar bill.
So it will most likely be coming to a state near you soon.

[Jim Davis]

Note this is Washington state only. However I'm sure it will factor into EPA's Clean Boating Act regulations. This will create an expanded and expensive industry of stripping our bottoms.

What the heck, everyone knows we are all wealthy and enjoy spending money.