Aquatic Ecology

Respect and protect the aquatic environment

Green boating tips

• Keep your bilge clean and do not pump oily water overboard.
• Use bilge sorbents in place of detergents.
• Do not pump your sewage over the side. Use a holding tank.
• Observe provincial and federal sewage regulations.
• Bring your garbage home. Do not litter.
• Use detergents sparingly. Even biodegradable cleaners are hard on the aquatic environment.
• When fuelling, do not top off tanks. Clean up spilled fuel.
• Use only paints approved for marine use.
• Avoid shoreline erosion. Watch your wake and propeller wash.
• Report pollution when you see it.

Canada’s lakes, rivers and coastal waters are ours to share so follow good environmental boating practices. It is irresponsible, and an offence, to pollute the water with things like oil and garbage.

If you have accidentally polluted the water, or see evidence of someone doing so, report it immediately to a Government of Canada pollution prevention officer or call one of the following telephone numbers:

Newfoundland and Labrador
1-800-563-9089

Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick
1-800-565-1633

Quebec
1-800-363-4735

Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Northwest Territories and Nunavut
1-800-265-0237

British Columbia and Yukon
1-800-889-8852

In some areas of Canada, vessels are prohibited from pumping sewage (also known as blackwater) overboard.

Areas in which pleasure craft are required to have holding tanks and cannot pump sewage overboard:

• Ontario: all waters
• Manitoba: the Assiniboine River in Winnipeg, the Red River and Shoal Lake
• British Columbia: there are several restricted areas – refer to the Schedule in the Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships and for Dangerous Chemicals

Wherever you operate, it is a courtesy to others who use the same waterways to dispose of your blackwater at a pump-out facility. When planning your trip, check with local authorities for places where pump-out facilities are available.

Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships and for Dangerous Chemicals