Southwest Florida’s waterways are among our community’s most precious resources. From the stunning shores of the Gulf to our intricate network of canals and mangrove estuaries, these waters support incredible biodiversity, fuel our tourism economy, and provide endless recreation opportunities. Yet as boating season reaches its peak, the environmental impact of our maritime activities becomes increasingly important to manage.
As stewards of Collier County’s natural beauty, we all share responsibility for protecting our aquatic ecosystems. Here’s how you can enjoy our waterways while helping preserve them for future generations.
Protecting Our Shared Waters
As boating enthusiasts, we all cherish the crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life that make Southwest Florida such a boating paradise. When we’re out enjoying our beautiful waterways, it’s sometimes easy to forget how delicate these ecosystems can be.
Our vibrant seagrass beds nurture juvenile fish that later populate our favorite fishing spots. Manatees grace our waters with their gentle presence. Mangrove shorelines protect our coastlines during storms while serving as nurseries for countless species. All these natural treasures thrive when our waterways remain healthy and balanced.
While most boaters are careful stewards of our aquatic environment, unintended consequences can occur. Items accidentally blown overboard can remain in our waters for years. Boat operation in shallow areas can sometimes affect seagrass. Even sound from boat engines may carry underwater in ways we might not realize, especially in narrow waterways where manatees rest.
The good news? With a little awareness and some simple precautions, we can all enjoy our boating adventures while helping preserve the natural splendor that makes our region special. Here are some easy ways to make a positive difference while enhancing your time on the water.
Best Practices for Clean Boating
Prepare Before You Launch
- Plan for trash: Bring reusable containers and bags for collecting trash. Consider bringing an extra bag to collect litter you find while out on the water.
- Secure loose items: Prevent items from blowing overboard. Anything that goes into the water might never come out.
- Pack eco-friendly products: Choose biodegradable soaps, sunscreens, and cleaning products designed for marine environments.
- Check for leaks: Inspect your boat for fuel or oil leaks before launching. Use an oil absorbent pad in your bilge.
On the Water
- Follow designated channels: Stay within marked waterways to protect seagrass beds and shallow-water habitats.
- Observe no-wake zones: These protect shorelines from erosion and reduce disturbance to wildlife and other boaters.
- Be manatee aware: May through October is manatee season in Florida. Slow down in designated zones and always watch for these gentle giants.
- Respect sea turtle nesting areas: May 1 through October 31 is sea turtle nesting season in Southwest Florida. If you stop at a beach, stay clear of marked nesting sites and keep lights to a minimum at night as they can disorient hatchlings.
- Secure fishing gear: Never discard fishing line, hooks, or nets in the water. Even small amounts can entangle wildlife.
Waste Management
- Nothing overboard: This includes food scraps, which can alter wildlife feeding habits and water quality.
- Use marina pump-out stations: Never discharge sewage into the water. Collier County offers several pump-out facilities (see sidebar for locations).
- Contain oil and fuel: Use oil-absorbent materials in bilges and properly dispose of them at marina collection points.
- Separate your recycling: Many marinas now offer separated recycling collection. When in doubt, bring recyclables back to shore.
Boat Maintenance
- Choose your location wisely: Perform major maintenance at marinas with proper containment and filtration systems, not at boat ramps or docks.
- Capture debris: Use tarps to catch paint chips, dust, and other maintenance debris.
- Dispose properly: Marine batteries, oil, and cleaning products are hazardous waste and should be taken to appropriate collection centers.
- Consider eco-friendly alternatives: Many newer marine products offer better environmental profiles without sacrificing performance.
Resources
- Pump-out Locations: Naples City Dock, Port of the Islands Marina, Marco Island Marina
- Hazardous Waste Collection: Collier County Hazardous Waste Facility, 2640 Corporate Flight Drive, Naples
- Oil Recycling: Most auto parts stores accept used oil and filters
- Report Problems: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Hotline: 888-404-FWCC
- Clean Vessel Act Information: FloridaDEP.gov/CVA
