With four million boaters, California has one of the highest levels of recreational boating in the United States. This large volume of recreational activity in our waterways can come at a cost. Boat-based pollutants such as sewage, used oil, household hazardous waste, marine debris, aquatic invasive species, and emerging contaminants impair our waterways. TBF’s Boater Education Program was initiated in 1996 with a Clean Vessel Act Education and Outreach grant. It continues to support the Southern California boating community and provide them with pollution prevention tools and resources to steward the environment.
The Boater Education Program is dedicated to reducing boat-based ocean pollution and fostering stewardship by utilizing collaboration, direct outreach, and technical assistance. Hundreds of thousands of boaters have been engaged using an adaptable strategy based on 1) the support for the provision of sewage disposal facilities like pumpout and dump stations; 2) community-based social marketing and 3) the creation of tools such as the Pumpout Nav app, Southern California Boater’s Guide, When Nature Calls sewage guide, California Boater Kits, surveys, questionnaires, educational videos, and more with key partners. A collaborative partnership approach is utilized, amplifying clean boating messages via initiatives like the Dockwalker Program, California Clean Boating Network, and strong relationships with the boating public, marinas, yacht clubs, and more.
Many free resources are available to support our boating friends in their efforts to keep our waters clean and full of life. Check out the resources below!