Trash in the water isn't just an eyesore; it damages boats and threatens the well-being of marine wildlife. It also undermines tourism and economic activities that create jobs. But there's good news: Litter in the water is entirely preventable.

Boaters:

• Bring your food containers, cigarette butts, and other trash back to shore and recycle when possible.
• Use garbage facilities—trash cans, dumpsters, and recycling bins—at your boatyard or marina.
• Let your marina know if it can provide better waste-collection facilities.
• Promote and use waste and oil recycling at your dock, marina, or port.
• Boaters are known for being good stewards and routinely picking up trash. For greater impact, raise awareness and collect data on what's out there by participating in Ocean Conservancy's annual International Coastal Cleanup.
• Make sure no trash is discarded, washed, or blown overboard. If an item does blow into the water, go back and retrieve it. (Use this opportunity to practice "man overboard" drills.)
• Practice "Plus-One Boating." Bring back everything you take out on your trip, plus one piece of litter from someone else's wasteful wake.
• Report any dumping you witness to the US Coast Guard Marine Safety Office.
• Remind others that plastic garbage generated aboard a vessel may not be discharged into the water, but should be brought to shore for proper disposal.

Marinas:

• Set up recycling bins for staff and customers and talk about the dangers of marine debris.
• Provide special collection bins for hazardous items like batteries and flares to keep them from being discarded in the water.
• Provide plenty of containers for safely collecting cigarette butts, the number one marine litter item found worldwide during the International Coastal Cleanup.
• Let people know that fishing line discarded in the water is dangerous for boat propellers and wildlife; encourage recycling.

Boat cleanup results from the 2009 International Coastal Cleanup.