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The Land Between

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Recreational Boating and the Environment – Tips and Tricks for Environmentally Conscious Boating

July 16, 2019 Leave a Comment

A day out on the boat is a good way to unwind and relax, but did you know recreational boating may have a significant impact on the marine environment around you?

Loons and their chicks are often vulnerable to collisions with fast-moving boats. Be sure to use caution when boating out on the lake and avoid large wakes that could potentially spook wildlife. Photo courtesy of Tracey McCann.

Recreational boating is a significant part of the Canadian economy and pastime for the nations boaters (National Marine Manufacturers Association Canada, 2019). Although an enjoyable pastime, boats interact with aquatic ecosystems in a variety of ways that could be potentially harmful for the environment. Some of the most common impacts of boating may include: noise pollution, sediment disruption, erosion and disturbance of fish habitats (The District Municipality of Muskoka, 2011). 

Studies done by Wisconsin University on water quality found that lakes with high boat traffic experience a higher growth of algae and kick up of sediment, affecting water clarity (Asplund, 2000). The Land Between is particularly at risk due to it’s high concentration of freshwater lakes and shorelines. As sediments begin to get turned up by propellers, adding more minerals and compounds to the water, the water chemistry begins to change, decreasing the suitability of water quality for both wildlife and humans. Aquatic plants and animals have specific requirements for light, temperature, water clarity, pH level and more. As a result, water dependent species are vulnerable to chemicals put into the water and sediment disturbance caused by frequent boating.

Fish can also become endangered by high boat traffic as boat engines are designed to deliver a large amount of power in a relatively small area. For example, the turbulence from a boat motor can dramatically change water temperatures by pushing warmer water from the surface downwards, directly affecting fish habitat and spawning beds. Inboard motors are especially disruptive, as they are fully submerged and the driver does not have as much control over the force of water being pushed downwards. Many species of fish, such as lake trout, are extremely vulnerable to these impacts, as more and more motorboats are out on the water. Other wildlife, such as loons, are facing the impact of boating, as large wakes can spook and disturb them. Loons and their chicks are often vulnerable to collisions with fast-moving boats, as it is often difficult for boaters to see them when travelling excessive speeds. 

In addition to recreational boating and fishing, in some areas humans rely on lakes and rivers for swimming and drinking water. Studies have shown that swimming in heavily trafficked waterways has been known to impair health due to toxins found in the water (Environmental International, 2008). For example, tributylin (TBT), a type of anti-fouling paint additive that is often used on boats, can pollute water and pose as a threat to recreational swimmers. Upon contact TBT can be absorbed through the skin and eyes through swimming or inhalation. Some side effects may include: eye irritation, headaches, weakness, tremors and incoordination (Cornell University, 1993). Many municipalities also tap fresh waterways and filter it for drinking and human uses. When more pollutants are added to the water, filtration systems require a more energy intensive, and costly filtration process. 

Despite the many impacts boating can have on the natural environment, it is possible to continue boating without having such an extreme impact on the water and wildlife around you. Here are a few environmentally conscious boating tips: 

  • Practice regular boat maintenance to ensure that your vessel is safe for the water and contributing as little pollution as possible 
  • Avoid large wakes near shore to prevent sediment disturbance and shoreline erosion 
  • Have a supply of rags on board to clean up any oil or fuel spills as they occur 
  • Use all natural and non-toxic cleaning solutions for the exterior of your boat, www.sailorsforthesea.org specializes in non-toxic cleaning products 
  • Be cautious with portable fuel tanks, be sure to fill up on shore and secure closed when not in use 
  • Remain cautious and slow down when approaching significant natural habitats such as wetlands and known spawning beds 
  • Ensure that your boat is free of zebra mussels or any other invasive species before travelling different water bodies 
  • If boat shopping, and a motor-free boat is not an option, opt for an outboard motor which gives the driver more control over the amount of water being forced downwards
  • Opt for paddled watercraft, such as canoes, kayaks or paddleboards to enjoy your time out on the water
  • When spotting wildlife on the water or shoreline, be sure to give them lots of space and admire from afar, in addition, avoid travelling excessive speeds and creating large wakes to ensure the safety of the wildlife around you

Employing any or all of these tips has the ability to keep aquatic ecosystems safe and undisturbed, contributing to the overall health of lakes and waterways within The Land Between. Practicing these boat conscious tips will allow you and the wildlife around you to be safer and enjoy your time out on the water! 

Download in PDF: Recreational Boating and the Environment

To find out more please follow the links below:   

Surber, E. (1971). The Effect of Outboard Motor Exhaust Wastes on Fish and Their Environment. Journal of the Washington Academy of Sciences, 61(2), 120-123. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/24535476

Winger, P. (2002). Toxicological Assessment of Aquatic Ecosystems: Application to Watercraft Contaminants in Shallow Water Environments. Journal of Coastal Research, 179-191. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/25736351

http://www.trpa.org/wp-content/uploads/2010-WI-Dept-of-Natural-Resources_UW-Boats-effects-on-ecosystems.pdf

https://eponline.com/Articles/2017/03/27/The-Environmental-Impacts-of-Boating.aspx?Page=2

https://www.nmma.ca/press/article/22148

http://pmep.cce.cornell.edu/profiles/extoxnet/pyrethrins-ziram/tributyltin-ext.html

https://muskoka.civicweb.net/document/16874

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412007001845

 

Education tips, General Tagged: environment, invasive species, loons, Ontario lakes, pollution, safe boating, the land between

Ontario Burdened with Invasive Species – Tips and Tricks for Managing Invasive Species in The Land Between

July 3, 2019 Leave a Comment

Did you know Ontario has the highest amount of invasive species across Canada?

Photo courtesy of the US Fish & Wildlife service

Dozens of invasive species have infiltrated our lakes, rivers, and forests, putting our native species and the environment at risk. An invasive species is a plant, animal or micro-organism that is not native to a specific location and has the tendency to spread damage or disease to the natural environment (Invasive Species Centre, 2018). Recent surveys by the Invasive Species Centre in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., reports that Ontario spends an average municipal cost of $381,000 a year for invasive species removal and management. In all of Canada, Ontario has had more non-native species established within its borders than any other province or territory (OMNRF, 2012).

So, what can you do as a waterfront property owner, cottager or visitor to The Land Between? The government of Ontario has set out action plans to help decrease the risk of spreading invasive species across the province. There are five different action plans laid out pertaining to: anglers, boaters, cottagers, gardeners, and hikers. Increased awareness among the general populations helps to stop the spread of invasive species. Here are a few tips that you can employ to combat invasive species:

Fishing & Boating 

  • When fishing use local bait to avoid introducing a species that isn’t normally found in the area
  • Use local bait as close as possible to where you plan on fishing
  • Do not move prohibited invasive species
  • Clean your boat and gear before leaving the water; zebra and mussels are happy to hang onto your hull, while aquatic plants like Eurasian water-milfoil hide on your motor, anchor and trailer
  • Avoid boating in an infested area

Cottagers & Campers 

  • Use local firewood! Never bring in firewood from another location because you may be transporting invasive species that could damage the ecosystem you’re introducing them to. Canadian Forest Service (CFS) scientists estimate that costs for treatment, removal and replacement of trees affected by the emerald ash borer in Canadian municipalities may reach $2 billion over a 30-year period
  • Before heading home from the cottage, be sure to clean all of your gear, such as watercraft, trailers, bicycles and boot bottoms from any plant material or seed-spreading mud
  • Inspect your property and shoreline for any sign of invasion and find out what species may be threatening your area by visiting http://eddmaps.org/ontario/

Gardeners & Hikers 

  • Choose native or non-invasive species to make sure your flowerbed is environmentally friendly
  • Avoid relocating plants from your home to your cottage garden to prevent the unintentional spread of invasive species
  • Any invasive plants that you uproot, put into a black garbage bag and leave in the sun for a few days to avoid the chance of it sprouting new roots
  • When hiking, stay on the paths and designated trails in natural areas to avoid picking up seeds from the forest and spreading them elsewhere
  • Groom your pet- make sure your pets don’t bring back an invader from the forest

Lastly, get into the practice of identifying and reporting invasive species! Follow the links below for more information on how to identify and report invasive species:

To report an invasive species sighting: 

Call the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters’ Invading Species Hotline at 1-800-563-7711 to report an invasive species sighting. You can also report invasive species with your smartphone by downloading the EDDMaps app.

Download the Blog in PDF: Ontario Burdened with Invasive Species

To find out more visit: 

https://www.ontario.ca/page/invasive-species-ontario

https://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/invasive-species-canada-1.4958263

https://www.invasivespeciescentre.ca

https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/forests/fire-insects-disturbances/top-insects/13377

http://www.ontarioinvasiveplants.ca/resources/grow-me-instead/

https://foca.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/FOCA_InvasiveSpecies_REV_FINAL.pdf

 

 

Education tips, Environment, General Tagged: Boating, Camping, Canada, Cottagers, Environmental Monitoring, Fishing, Hiking, invasive species, Ontario, Reporting Invasives, the land between, Tips & Tricks

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The Land Between is a National Charity #805849916RR0001. Your support helps us celebrate, conserve, and enhance this important region.
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P.O. Box 1368
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We respectfully acknowledge that The Land Between is located within Williams Treaty 20 Mississauga Anishinaabeg territory and Treaty 61 Robinson-Huron treaty territory, in the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg. The Land Between respectfully acknowledges that these First Nations are the stewards and caretakers of these lands and waters in perpetuity and that they continue to maintain this responsibility to ensure their health and integrity for generations to come. 

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