Environmental Tips for Personal Watercraft Operators

 

New Jersey has some of the toughest PWC safety regulations in the nation. Every PWC operator is required to take a safe boating course conducted by either the US Coast Guard Auxiliary or the U.S. Power Squadron. Operators are also required to register with the Division of Motor Vehicles and receive a PWC endorsement on their driver’s license.

 

In addition to safety considerations, PWC operators also have specific responsibilities regarding the aquatic environment because of how and where their vessels perform. Because of that, the Personal Watercraft Industry Association (PWIA) has published a brochure designed to teach PWC boaters how to meet those responsibilities. We’ve adapted its main points with the Hackensack River and the Meadowlands in mind:

 

Use Caution When Fueling! Refuel on land, well away from the water to reduce chances of an accidental fuel spill into local waters. Also, take your time when fueling, checking or cleaning the engine. Always do so away from the water because gasoline and oil are deadly to all aquatic animals. Remember what you learned in class!

 

Watch Your Speed! In deep water, enjoy yourself, but in shallow water, a PWC’s jet drive can destroy aquatic vegetation like Spartina grasses and stir up a great deal of sediment. In addition to habitat destruction, sediments and plant matter can damage your boat’s engine and pump. If you must ride in shallow water, do so at an idle speed.

 

Be Aware of Wildlife! Do not harass wildlife in any way. Harassment is defined as any action that may cause an animal to deviate from its normal behavior. Most especially, do not disturb roosting or feeding birds, and if you ride on the Hackensack or Newark Bay between November and March, watch out for Harbor seals.

 

No Wakes Near Shore! Excessive wakes cause erosion, especially in narrow streams and along riverbanks. The destruction of shorelines affects the habitats of all plants and animals. A careless PWC rider can undo decades of plant succession by ripping along a bank or through a marsh. Always abide by “NO WAKE” postings. All docks, marinas and bridges are also no-wake zones whether they are marked or not.

 

Keep Your PWC Clean! Many PWC boaters visit many different waterbodies during the season. Unfortunately, those waters often host nonnative plant & animal species that threaten the health of native populations. Wash your boat thoroughly after retrieving it from the water to prevent the spread of exotic species.

 

Dock in the Right Place! Once again, the shoreline is a very fragile place. Avoid docking or beaching PWCs among reeds or grasses because those plants are critical to the health of the Meadowlands ecosystem. Marsh and riparian plants control erosion and provide nursery habitat for many species of fish and invertebrates.

 

As the Hackensack River continues to recover, more and more people will be drawn to it for recreation. This is a good thing. Hackensack Riverkeeper has always supported the idea of recreation on the river and the people who do it. By being courteous to others, by keeping safety first and by respecting the environment, there is a place for all of us at the river. See you there!

 

The PWIA is comprised of the five major manufacturers of PWCs:Honda, Bombardier, Kawasaki, Polaris and Yamaha. For more information, visit their Website at www.PWIA.org or call them at 202-721-1621.