Help Protect the Bay

Our everyday actions—from fertilizing our lawns to driving our cars—have a major impact on the Bay. But by making simple changes in our lives, each one of us can take part in restoring the Bay and its rivers for future generations.

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Conduct Boat Maintenance on the Land

When doing maintenance work on your boat, make sure to stay on land instead of at the dock or in the water. If work is done off land, take precautions to keep waste from the water.

Boat is being worked on on the land.
On the Water

Use Toxic-free Paints

In order to prevent fouling, some paints contain metals, which can damage marine life. Consider using a less toxic paint on your hull, and prevent paint from polluting the water by using non-abrasive cleaning materials.

Man paints his boat on the land.
On the Water

Keep Sewage On Board

Keep sewage on board your boat in a portable toilet or holding tank. Dispose of it only at an approved pump-out facility.

A sewage holding tank sits in a marina.
On the Water

Stash Your Trash

Stow and secure used bags, bottles, fishing lines and other trash on your boat so litter doesn't fall into the water.

Trash and litter sits on a dock.
On the Water

Reduce Sediment Pollution

Try to avoid using your boat in very shallow waters, where it can stir up sediment, harm sensitive habitats and put your propeller and hull at risk for damage.

On the Water

Reduce Greywater

When you need soap on the water, make sure to use phosphate-free or biodegradable products. But whenever possible, save dish-washing and showering for land!

Several boats sit in the harbor.
On the Water

Follow Size Regulations

Follow fishing regulations like size or bag limits to help protect the Bay's fish stocks.

Two fish are held side by side and are a similar size.
On the Water

Prevent Fuel Spills

Prevent fuel spills by using a funnel and not "topping off" by continuing to pump gas after the nozzle has automatically shut off when you fill your boat's fuel tank. Because gasoline can expand and contract, it's best to only fill your boat's gas tank about 90 percent of the way full. This leaves room for gas to expand without overflowing the tank.

Oil in the water shows murky water.
On the Water

Don't Fill Your Gas Tank All the Way

Because gasoline can expand and contract, it's best to only fill your boat's gas tank about 90 percent of the way full. This leaves room for gas to expand without overflowing the tank.

On the Water

Prevent Spreading Invasive Species

Never dump bait or aquarium species into a storm drain or body of water. Introduced species can become invasive.

Invasive underwater grass is held in a hand.
On the Water

Practice Catch and Release

Practice proper catch-and-release fishing techniques to avoid harming and killing the Bay's fish.

Hand holds an eastern brook trout.
On the Water

Clean Your Boat Properly

Use extreme caution when painting and cleaning your boat to avoid polluting the water and remember to clean, drain and dry your boat any time you move it to a new body of water to prevent the spread of invasive species.

Man cleans the bottom of a boat while on pavement.
On the Water