Boaters/Marinas

Did you know that your daily activities impact the bay?

As a boater or marina operator, you are likely aware of the many benefits the estuary has to offer and that your boating activities impact the bay. If you enjoy the water, you've probably seen the litter and other debris that plague our area waterways. But, you might not realize just how far that debris may have traveled before it fouled your propellor or cluttered your marina.

What you can do to help
If you're a marina operator ...

Become a Clean Marina and encourage your customers to properly dispose of bilge water, sewage and trash.

Join the Galveston Bay Foundation's Boater Waste campaign, and learn of funding opportunities to construct, renovate, or replace pump-out stations.

If you're a boater ...
Become a Clean Boater.

Check to see if your marina is a Clean Marina. If your marina is not listed, then ask your operator about joining the program.

Prevent shoreline and marsh reduction by decreasing boat wakes.

Protect sea grass plants—our underwater rainforest—and avoid cutting or uprooting them with your propeller.

Pump it-Don't Dump It!
Currently, many boaters discharge raw sewage from marine heads directly in Galveston Bay, causing potential problems with bacteria and nutrients.  By eliminating sewage discharge, poor areas of water quality near the marinas and near discharge points will be eliminated.  For more information, visit the Galveston Bay Foundation's Boater Waste campaign Web site.

Reduce your contribution of non-point source pollution (NPS) at home.  Non-point source pollutions consists of constituents in water (including pollutants) originating from diffuse, land-based sources, and generally transported in runoff from precipitation. 

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Become a GBEP Partner and help preserve Galveston Bay for generations to come. Contact Ericka McCauley, Public Information Officer, for more information.

For information on periodic funding available to you from the Estuary Program, click here. 

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