From the Helm - June/July 2010
Get Involved in Protecting Our Marine Environment II
As we continue to monitor and watch the disaster in the gulf, it reminds me of the old environmental ad of the American Indian looking at garbage strewn about and a tear falling from the corner of his eye. That image carried far more impact than any other environmental commercial I have ever seen to date. The tragedy of the current situation leaves many of us not only with a feeling of disgust and anger, but I think even more, a feeling of impotence, frustration and despair. After all, what can we, as individuals, do?Not much to address the current situation, but in our own areas, in the waters that we call home, and enjoy, we can all practice good stewardship by being individually responsible in how we exercise our freedom and love of the water and boating.
Often it is the little things that ultimately, when taken collectively, determine the extent of either positive or negative impact on our waters. Do you keep your bilges clean and free from oily residue? Do you employ absorbent pads under your engines? Are you careful about oily spills during oil/filter changes? Do you have a closeable refuse container on board to prevent the wind from projecting paper, etc. out of the boat into the water? Do you ever pump your head overboard to save a few bucks (100% no discharge in the Great Lakes)?
Are you careful during refueling to avoid spills (which are to be reported to the Coast Guard)? Do you have the required “refuse” placard prominently displayed?
Do you advise your guests on the proper disposal of trash and show them where the container is located? I?m confident that with a little thought many other practices, both good and bad, could be reviewed and respected.
The bottom line is, that whether we think about it or not, we are each responsible for our own actions and have a personal obligation to conduct ourselves in such a manner as to preserve and enhance the environment that we cherish so much. If you elect not to be part of the solution, then you must accept the premise that you are part of the problem.
A good friend of mine once gave me some very profound and practical advice: &dlquo;Only worry about those things over which you have control, and not those over which you have none.” It is very likely that many of us will not be around to see the total effects in the aftermath of this disaster. We can, however, all do our own little part in our own little world to make it a better place, all the while praying for the good people in the Gulf that they, their world, livelihood and culture survive and once again thrive in the future.
Cdr Ernie L. Piotrowski, AP
June 2010
“We can all practice good stewardship by being individually responsible in how we exercise our freedom and love of the water and boating.”