Every summer, Clean Marine BC (CMBC) – proudly sponsored by C-Tow – talks with boaters on the docks and at boating events, and works with marinas year round to improve environmental best practices.

It’s an important part of the Georgia Strait Alliance’s Clean Marine BC program, whose goal is to provide education and resources to recreational boaters on everything from preventing over-fuelling, to using non-toxic cleaning products, and pump-outs.

In the summer of 2024, CMBC had more than 300 boaters take their 10-question survey. This year, the percentage of new recreational boaters was slightly higher at 13 percent, compared to 11 percent of survey respondents in 2023.

The good news is that 60 percent of respondents know that a spill of any size into any waterway must be reported – and this includes minor over-fuelling mishaps. Even better is that 80 percent of respondents know who to call if there is a marine oil spill, which is 1-800-OILS-911 and Canada Coast Guard.

Another 60 percent of respondents recognize the Whale Warning Flag and that it means they need to slow down and proceed with caution. CMBC encourages boaters to equip their vessels with this flag, which they can acquire through the Marine Education and Research Society (MERS).

However, for another year in a row, CMBC found that boaters are not clear on the distance they’re legally required to keep away from orcas in southern B.C. coastal waters:

• Only one-third of respondents know that 400 metres is the mandated distance – %10 less than last year, but another one-third of respondents think the legal requirement is 500 metres, which is even better for orcas!
• These numbers show that boaters are confused about the current distancing regulations, making them impractical for several reasons. For example, there are different distances mandated within BC and yet others in neighbouring Washington State. Distance requirements also depend on boaters correctly distinguishing marine mammals, which can be difficult to discern, particularly with orcas.
• The Georgia Strait Alliance is working hard to promote safe distancing, not just for orcas but for all marine mammals. They’re advocating for the approach distance to be extended to 1000m, which is the new law in Washington State as of January 2025. Boaters are also encouraged to stay up-to-date with the latest regulations.

Through CMBC’s Clean Boater Kits and outreach, they focus on distributing tools such as whale distancing cards, updated orca regulations, and whale entanglement brochures.

“Change begins with small, consistent actions. Every conversation, every kit handed out, and every survey contributes to a larger goal of preserving our natural environment.”  – Megan Raitt, GSA Summer Dock Walker

Do you want to help CMBC reach more boaters and protect our cruising waters? Consider making a donation to support the costs of Clean Boater Kits!

About the Clean Boater Survey

Surveys were taken between March 2023 and March 2024 in the regions of the Sunshine Coast, Vancouver Island, Lower Mainland, Kelowna, and also online. Half of respondents had more than 20 years of boating experience. All respondents received a Clean Boater Kit, stuffed with three types of spill supplies, as well as CMBC’s Guide to Clean Boating.

About Clean Marine BC

Clean Marine BC (CMBC) aims to reduce the impacts of recreational boating on the environment through public engagement and an award-winning eco-certification program. Through the certification, boatyards, marinas, and other boating facilities are recognized for their use of environmental best practices in the boating industry.

With over 100,000 copies of their Guide to Clean Boating distributed to date, and 73 marinas and boating facilities participating, Clean Marine BC is the go-to green boating education and eco-certification program which is having a positive and long-lasting impact on the health of the cruising waters we all enjoy.