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Water Sports and the Environment

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1

Video

2

Water Skiing Wakeboarding and Tubing

3

Hunting or Fishing From Boats

4

Environmental Concerns

5

Operating in the Aquatic Environment

6

Encounters with Whales and Marine Mammals

7

Aquatic Nuisance Species

8

Locks

9

Lowhead Dams

10

Continuing Your Boating Education

11

Chapter Review

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

Boat operators should remember that water pollution ruins not only the aesthetic beauty of the area, but harms human life, marine life and damages boating equipment. A boater who intentionally discharges a holding tank into our waters harms all of us. The degree and amount of raw sewage and garbage in our coastal waterways continues to increase. Plastic, which many species mistake as food, is a big threat to marine life. Birds are found entangled in plastic rings, fishing line, or nets. Remember, if you took it with you, bring it back and dispose of it in a proper manner.

When cleaning your boat or marine equipment, use cleaning agents that are not harmful to the environment. Biodegradable cleaning products should be use whenever possible. They are available in most stores and marinas.

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