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Our Marine Diesel Specialists in Fort Lauderdale value our oceans, rivers, lakes, and other waterways. Not only do we provide premium marine parts, but also ensure top-quality marine engine repairs to keep your boat running smoothly and prevent a negative environmental impact on the ocean. 

To celebrate Earth Day this year, our authorized MAN dealers share a few ideas on how to save the oceans. 

Buy Ocean-Friendly Products

Avoid purchasing products with microbeads because the tiny plastics end up in the ocean. Instead look for ocean-friendly products. Read the ingredients on the label and look for eco-approved logos.

Purchasing ocean-friendly products such as marine-friendly paint and boat cleaners is another way to protect our oceans from toxins. 

Use Marine-Friendly Paint & Cleaners

Alternative ocean-friendly paint and cleaners are less toxic to the ocean. Simple Green Marine All-Purpose Boat cleaner is specially formulated to remove grime and grease without negatively impacting the ocean. Other marine-friendly cleaning solutions include Thetford Marine Boat Wash, Concrobium XT Eco-Wash, Meguiar’s Mirror Glaze Boat Gel Wash, or Shurhold’s Yacht Brite Wash.

Alternative antifouling paints can also save you money because they last longer than copper paint. Consider painting your boat with Hempasil X3 (87500) or Intersleek Pro.

Fish Responsibly

The health of our oceans is vital to our environment and economy. Seafood is a primary source of protein around the world, not to mention that seafood contributes heavily to the economy and sustains many jobs and families. According to the State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2020 report, 34.2% of global fisheries have been negatively affected by illegal and destructive fishing.

If you enjoy fishing on your boat, make sure you are implementing responsible fishing practices, including not overfishing.   

Reduce Ocean Pollution: Avoid Single-Use Plastics

One of the biggest negative impacts to our oceans is single-use plastics such as disposable cutlery, straws, take-out containers, and water bottles. Animals not only ingest plastic in the ocean but are often tangled up in plastic products as well, which can inhibit their ability to stay alive. Single-use plastic that ends up in the ocean can also result in the destruction of marine habitats. All in all, plastic in the ocean can devastate marine ecosystems, so it’s up to us to do better and find ways to save our oceans.

If you are making a priority to protect the ocean:

  • Maintain a designated spot on your boat or yacht to dispose of trash where it will not go overboard by mistake. Some boaters will utilize an empty water cooler to dispose of trash to ensure it does not accidentally end up in the ocean.
  • Do not bring plastic straws or cutlery aboard your boat or yacht. The sea turtles will thank you.

Volunteer to Help Save the Ocean

It can start simply by picking up trash and debris you see at the beach, lake, or river. Most plastic and debris found in the ocean comes from the shoreline. Double-check that you are not only collecting your trash but the trash around you on your boat day as well.

Earth Day is a wonderful opportunity to volunteer in local beach cleanups to reduce pollution in the ocean. Check with the Parks and Recreations event calendar in your city or organize a beach cleanup yourself!

Volunteer Beach Cleanups in Fort Lauderdale:

Paddle with a Purpose Waterway & Shore Cleanup on April 17, 2021.

Fort Lauderdale Beach Sweep on April 24, 2021.

Our marine diesel specialists respect our oceans and strive to provide eco-friendly MAN parts. We also offer marine diesel repairs to prevent engines or transmissions from leaking into natural bodies of water in order to mitigate environmental catastrophes. Contact our team in Fort Lauderdale or Punta Gorda to schedule a marine repair or maintenance inspection.

Sources:

  1. FAO – State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2020 SOFIA Report: Sustainability in action

Related Reading: 

Does my Yacht Need an Oil Change? 

The Benefits of Marine Diesel Engines