1. Properly Pump Out Waste

• Never dump raw sewage into the water, anywhere.
• Buzzards Bay is a “No Discharge Zone.” That means it’s prohibited to discharge boat sewage. Store waste in your holding tank and pump it out at a designated pumpout station, like the Coalition’s seasonal pumpout service at the Cuttyhunk Harbor fuel dock.

2. Avoid Spills

• Avoid spilling fuel while refilling your tank. Use a funnel and don’t overfill.
• Keep bilge water clean by placing a pan under your engine or using a bilge sock to absorb oil.
• Store used oil in a lidded container. Turn it in at a designated oil recycling facility.

3. Follow Posted Regulations

Watch for sensitive, shallow areas where eelgrass grows. Engines and anchors can tear up these important underwater meadows.

• Always follow the speed limit, especially in vulnerable areas near shore. Creating wakes within 50 feet of shore can cause erosion of beaches and salt marshes.
• Obey local regulations for recreational fishing and shellfishing. Make sure you have the proper permits for your town, and follow guidelines for size and catch.
• Avoid sensitive shallow areas where eelgrass grows. Anchors and engine propellers can tear up eelgrass beds, which provide important habitat for fish, crabs, and bay scallops.

4. Clean Up Trash

• Dispose of trash properly when you get back to shore. Never throw litter overboard.
• Pick up trash you see floating in the water.
• Recycle used fishing line at your local bait shop or at a monofilament recycling site.

5. Use Safe Products

• Use only nontoxic, biodegradable cleaners to clean your boat. If possible, substitute natural and homemade boat cleaning products.
• Scrub your boat with a brush to minimize the use of cleaners.
• Use safe bottom paints on your boat. Anti-fouling paints can be toxic to marine life.
• Scrape and paint your boat away from the water.