Our waterways are great places to visit, whether it is to get on the water, or just to walk along the towpath. We share these spaces with a plethora of wildlife and it is important to be aware of the implications of our behaviours on their habitats. Here are a few ways that you could help minimise your impact the next time you are on the water…Did you know that water pollution from oil and fuels are the most frequently reported pollutants of inland waters in England and Wales? The legal limit for oil and fuel in water discharge is roughly one drop of oil in two litres of water (15mg/l)- any higher and the wildlife that share those waters can suffer.Boat engines dripping oil is a common problem which can be easily solved; fitting a bilge drip tray to capture any oil and then using an absorbent bilge sock to soak up any oil in the tray should minimise any spillage. Regularly servicing and checking for any leaks is also crucial in creating an oil-free trail.Exhaust fumes from boats can contribute to poor air quality, affecting the health of both humans and wildlife. Regularly servicing your boat's engine can reduce fumes, as well as noise pollution. Much of the wildlife that lives along our waterways have a heightened sense of hearing. Loud noises which can also cause vibrations under or above the water can disturb them from their natural behaviours and can cause depletion of precious energy resources in attempting to flee or hide.Fitting sound insulation and vibration absorbers can reduce noise emissions from boats by 85 per cent, producing a much calmer atmosphere to cruise in. You could also consider switching to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel or fitting an electric powered engine, which have lower emissions and create minimal disturbance on the water.
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