New law to encourage bio-degradable cleaners

by Ambrosia Sarabia, The Log/Sail-World on 7 Mar 2009 In your harbor or anchorage, what prevents yachts and powerboats from using toxic cleaning materials - soaps, detergents, spirits, bleaches etc? Is it getting more or less polluted? Is the sealife increasing or decreasing? In one harbor on the west coast of the USA waterfront officials have just taken a stand.

Using eco-unfriendly boat soaps is no longer an option for boat owners in Santa Barbara Harbor -- and waterfront officials are out to make sure boaters are educated on the new regulation.

The Central Coast Regional Water Control Board has approved a measure that requires boat owners to use only biodegradable soaps, in an effort to maintain good water quality management.

Since the regulation only recently went into effect, Santa Barbara waterfront officials are now focused on getting the news out to boaters.

'We are concentrating on education right now, because it is a relatively new regulation,' said Mick Kronman, Santa Barbara harbor operations manager. 'It seems to be working.'

In the past, Santa Barbara harbor staff has simply encouraged boaters to use biodegradable soaps, but the state now requires it.

Many conventional boat-cleaning soaps contain elements that are harmful to marine life and water quality, such as phosphates and bleach. Safer, bio­degradable soaps can now be found at local chandleries and grocery stores.

Santa Barbara is sure to benefit in the future.

If you are not sure, why not check it out with your own local club or authority? A law about bio-degradables could make a great difference to your local waterway.