Cleaner Boating Today, Cleaner Water Tomorrow.

Love a good day on the water? So do we! To protect this valuable resource and pastime, become a Clean Boater today!

What is a Clean Boater?

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) Clean Boater Program provides an overview of actions and practices that we, as individuals, can take to protect the health of our water while boating.

For more program information, please see the below weblinks.

• Access the DEP Clean Boater Habits Booklet PDF here
• Click here to take the Clean Boater Pledge
• Find a Designated Clean Marina

How can I protect my water?

Stow Before You Go!

Ensure garbage, towels and other lightweight items (like your hat!) are tied down or stowed away to prevent them being blown off the boat.

Clean Green.

Use a little more muscle and a lot less chemicals!

For examples of what to look for when selecting green cleaning products, click here.

For more information on bilge care and maintenance, see below resources:

• Bilge Care and Preventing Oil Spills
• Bilge Care, BoatUS Foundation

Fuel Cool. 

If you trailer your boat, fuel up at a gas station to prevent gas spills into the water.

If you have to mix oil and gas for your engine, do not mix these over the water. 

When fueling your boat in the water, don't let it overflow. Watch your gauge or listen for the gurgle that indicates it's almost full. Never walk away while fueling your boat!

If a spill occurs, notify the marina immediately. Do not use dish soap or other products, this will cause the oil or gas to sink to the bottom where it will remain a long-term issue rather than being properly disposed. 

• If looking for more information on absorbents, click here.

Gone Fishing, Catch You Later.

Properly dispose of fishing line, hooks and tackle.

Know your fishing rules when harvesting fish.  

Where available, use designated fish cleaning stations. Do not throw fish guts to birds. 

Check bilges, live wells, and trailers at ramp to prevent the spread of  plants and animals from one waterbody to the next.  

Extra resources:

• Your Guide to Eating Fish Caught in Florida, FL Department of Health (FDOH)
• Seafood Consumption webpage, FDOH
• Saltwater Fishing webpage, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission

Protecting the Waterfront

• Mangrove Trimming and Preservation – State of Florida
• Seawalls and Bulkheads – Collier County Ordinance
• City of Marco Island's Seawall Permit

Choose a Designated Clean Marina!

Like the Clean Boater program, DEP has a Clean Marina program too. These marinas have taken the extra steps to promote clean boating and they'll have the tools to help you too! Click here to see a map of Florida's Designated Clean Marinas.

Click here to access Collier County's Water Quality Map.

Click here for information about red tide.

Updated 11/13/2024

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