Summer clean-up for boaties

By ROBIN BAILEY

Regional councils around the country are asking looking to boaties to help to keep waterways clean this summer. And, as with sea safety, it's a matter of skipper responsibility.

New marine pollution regulations came into effect on July 1, 2000. These prohibit untreated sewage from being discharged from vessels unless the craft is more than 500 metres from the shore or from a marine farm, and in waters deeper than five metres.

Lady Patricia Thorp, chairwoman of the Auckland Regional Council's environmental management committee, says that the regulations are designed to enhance the quality of the marine environment and the recreational enjoyment of boaties, fishermen, swimmers and shellfishers.

"We all have our favourite anchoring spots out on the water," says Lady Patricia. "Some of us have also had a lovely day spoiled at such a spot by finding the picnic, fishing or dive area covered with toilet paper or worse."

Such unpleasantries can easily spoil a day on the water.

Many of the most popular overnight anchorages lie in areas where discharging untreated sewage is prohibited.

Bon Accord Harbour at Kawau Island, or Port Fitzroy at Great Barrier Island are two well sheltered spots where boaties gather from all over the Gulf.

But people should not be turned off from enjoying the water this summer. Lady Patricia explains that there are several cost-effective ways that people can avoid discharging untreated sewage.

"If you are going out only for day trips in a small boat, then a holding tank is not what your vessel needs. A sealed bucket that is emptied in deep water or brought ashore for disposal will usually be adequate.

"A chemical toilet is another inexpensive option."

For those with bigger boats or with boats that are used overnight or on longer trips, holding tanks that are emptied using pump-out shore facilities or when the boat is in deep water offshore are the better option. Most local chandleries will be happy to advise on the best option for your boat.

The new marine pollution regulations stem from an international agreement which also covers the discharge of rubbish.

Equally as disgusting as watching untreated sewage float past you on the water is seeing apple cores, plastic bottles and other waste material from boats, says Lady Patricia.

The Auckland Regional Council is urging boaties, whether they are in a dinghy or a superyacht, to pay particular attention to the disposal of unwanted waste this summer.

Minimising rubbish before you leave is good advice. Take packets out of boxes, which means more storage space and reduces the amount of packaging and other junk which needs to be jettisoned or transported to the disposal bin at your boat club or marina.

In Regional Parks and Department of Conservation reserves, everyone goes by the "pack it in, pack it out" philosophy. In the Hauraki Gulf, and at sea everywhere, use the same rule applies.

Talk to your friends and neighbours, check out what facilities they have for getting rid of waste or what they plan to do, and if you are buying a boat, be sure to ask how it is going to comply with the new regulations.

"The Hauraki Gulf is internationally renowned as an aquatic paradise and was recently deemed a marine park," Lady Patricia says. "People go boating in the Gulf to escape from the pollution of the land and the cities. So help to keep ourselves and our waters safe this summer."