Boating season checklist
Our Maine inland and coastal waters may appear vast but they nonetheless can be harmed by boating activity. With nearly 200,000 recreational boaters and anglers using our waters small individual impacts can lead to larger problems. Consequently small individual changes in practices or routine can lead to great improvements.
The following are some actions we can a take as recreational boaters and anglers to protect our state’s precious water resources:
Use only synthetic biodegradable motor oil in our two cycle outboards. This oil is available at many marinas and discount stores. In addition to protecting water quality, the oil smokes less.
Use care when refueling and use absorbent material to clean up any spills. Inexpensive absorbent pads can be purchased at many marinas.
When upgrading to a new outboard, purchase a 4 stroke or one with direct fuel injection instead of another 2-stroke model. These tend to be more economical on gas and oil and are comparable in price to new 2 strokes.
Take a few minutes to check our boat and trailer for any plant fragments when launching and removing it from freshwater. Two species of invasive plants have already been found in Maine lakes and must be prevented from spreading.
Be sure to purchase your Lake and River Protection Sticker - It's the Law!. All motorized watercraft on inland waters must annually purchase and display the Lake and River Protection Sticker ("Preserve Maine Waters"). Funds from the sale of the sticker go directly to Maine's Invasive Species Program. More information.
Use paddle, wind, mechanical or electric power to propel our watercraft whenever possible. This eliminates unnecessary discharges and may provide a bit of needed exercise as well as peace and quiet
Minimize the wake from our boats when traveling near shoreline areas. This will cut down on shoreline erosion, protecting water quality and shoreline vegetation.
Make sure no litter or wastes are discharged from our boats. These include cigarette butts, fishing line, old fishing lures, food scraps, sewage, etc.
Properly re-cycle old lead sinkers and use only non-toxic sinkers. This will minimize risk to our loons and other water birds
By resolving to do these things as boaters and anglers, we will be helping to keep Maine’s waters clean so that they can be enjoyed by future generations as we have enjoyed them. May you all have a safe and enjoyable boating season!
