Garbage pollution
Know about garbage
Some boat operators, deliberately or accidentally, throw their garbage into our waterways. Most of our garbage today is made from non-biodegradable products such as plastic, which stays in the marine environment for many years.
Garbage is hazardous to marine life and users of the waterways.
Some marine animals and seabirds can mistake plastic material for food. Others become entangled in garbage causing death.
Ropes and plastic material can get caught in propellers and block water intakes causing major damage or even loss of income while a boat is out of service for expensive repairs.
All boat operators need to manage the use and disposal of onboard garbage correctly. Here are some suggestions on how to reduce accidental pollution.
Safe disposal of waste
- food waste
- paper products
- rags
- glass
- metal
- bottles
- crockery
- wire residues
- fishing gear
- nets
- bait boxes
- wood products
- packaging material
- deck sweepings
- all plastics
Paint scrapings and residues from boat maintenance are also garbage pollution.
Play your part
Boat operators can help prevent waste entering our waterways:
- don’t throw anything overboard
- have secure bins or garbage bags to store garbage onboard until you return to shore
- buy stores in bulk to reduce the amount of packaging taken onboard
- use reusable airtight containers to store foods and leave packaging at home
- use crockery or reusable cups, plates and cutlery
- make the effort to retrieve lost or damaged fishing gear
- if garbage does end up in the water, take the time to pick it up
If shore facilities are not adequate for the disposal of your garbage, let the marina operator or port authority know. If enough people express concern the facilities may be upgraded.
Pollution is an offence
Whether your boat is large or small, it is an offence to deliberately discharge garbage into Queensland's coastal waters. Under the Transport Operations (Marine Pollution) Act 1995 severe penalties apply.
Maximum penalties:
- A$262,500 for an individual
- A$1,312,500 for a corporation
Everyone can help protect the marine environment by reporting pollution incidents to their local regional harbour master's office or port authority.
Reporting marine pollution
Contact your local Maritime Safety Queensland office.
Last updated 28 April 2008
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