Every time a boat runs, exhaust in the engine creates pollution harmful to sea life. Exhaust contributes harmful chemicals such as hydrocarbons, oxides of nitrogen, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. Underwater exhaust directly emits these harmful chemicals and gasses into the ocean. Excess gasoline runoff from engines also creates pollution.
There are currently no Federal regulations limiting the amount of exhaust boats emit, but here are some ways boaters can help reduce their pollution to the ocean:
There are currently no Federal regulations limiting the amount of exhaust boats emit, but here are some ways boaters can help reduce their pollution to the ocean:
-only turn your engine on all the way when needed
-store gas in shaded areas, protected from the sun to eliminate air pollution
-each year buy a new, or cleaner engine for your boat
-limit operating your engine on full throttle
-eliminate unnecessary idling
-avoid spilling gasoline when fueling up
-properly match engine horse power to vessel size
http://library.thinkquest.org/CR0215471/ocean_pollution.htm
http://www.epa.gov/oms/boat-fs.htm
http://www.suite101.com/content/reducing-marine-engine-pollution-a24811
It seems that most people don't consider the damage that boats have on the ocean. What effects do these harmful chemicals have on marine ecosystems?
ReplyDeleteKristin,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you for the most part but some of the methods to help prevent pollution are a little harder then they sound. buying a new engine for your boat each year is extremely expensive for a person with an inboard or even out bard engine usually spends anywhere from 10,000$ to 20,000$ on a brand new engine that would be difficult with all the payment, and even if you trade in your old one with the labor of putting a new one back in and buying the new one it's going to be like buying a new one. Inboard engines have to idol before leave the docks, because they carry fumes in the engine and the exhaust blower rids of the fumes or boat engine stands a chance or igniting and blowing up.
Do you think tat regulations should be made to limit boats emissions?
ReplyDeleteThese seem like pretty reasonable and easy ways to contribute to helping sea life and the ocean itself, but is it realistic to buy a new and cleaner engine every year?
ReplyDeleteI agree that those solutions are simple and easy ways to reduce harmful pollution. Are there certain areas where this pollution is prominent? Have there been any actions to try and pass federal laws?
ReplyDeleteI agree that we need to fix boat pollution. Do they make any boats that are like "hybrid" boats or "green" boats that could slow down the pollution or eliminate it all together?
ReplyDeleteI agree with Brian. It would be hard for people to throw down thousands of dollars on a new engine each year. But, every other way mentioned seem pretty reasonable to me, especially if it means saving our ocean.
ReplyDeleteKristin, which types of fuels are the most harmful to the marine environment? Would it be more sustainable to use diesel engines or gasoline powered engines to reduce the amount of water pollutants?
ReplyDeleteI think that they should make regulations on boat emit to protect the ecosystem in the ocean, so why haven't they?
ReplyDeleteMost of the reasons sound pretty reasonable, but boat motors are not very cheap and I don't think anyone will want to buy a new motor every year. If they do make some kind of eco-friendly boat then it would be good for people to invest in one.
ReplyDelete