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Vessel Cleaning
and
Fish Waste

Many cleaning products are toxic, nonbiodegradable, and contain chemicals that can harm marine organisms. In addition, many cleaners are phosphate-based, and may therefore contribute to algal blooms, low dissolved oxygen levels, foul odors, and even fish kills.

As opposed to many cleaning products, fish wastes are absolutely biodegradable and can be eaten by other fish, birds, and marine animals. But when many fish are cleaned and the waste discarded into the same water area on the same day, such as at fishing tournaments, there can be a real disposal problem. Too much deteriorating fish waste in a small area of water is unsightly and can also result in extremely foul odors and decreased dissolved oxygen levels in the water column.

You can play an important role in protecting water quality while cleaning your vessel and/or disposing of fish wastes by following the simple tips listed below. More information is available from The Environmental Guide for Marinas.

Boater Tips:

  1. Vessel Cleaning
    • Minimize the use of soaps and detergents by washing your vessel more frequently with plain water.
    • Do not use cleaners that contain ammonia, sodium, chlorinated solvents, petroleum distillates, or lye.
    • Buy and use only nontoxic, phosphate-free, biodegradable cleaners.
    • Substitute chemical cleansers with natural ones, such as vinegar, citric juices, borax, and baking soda.
    • Use hose nozzles that shut off when released to conserve water and reduce the runoff from boat washing.
    • Do not clean the bottom of your vessel by scraping or scrubbing it while it is still in the water.
  2. Fish Wastes
    • Fish wastes should be disposed in unrestricted open waters.
    • Clean fish as they are caught offshore or on the way back in.
    • Do not dispose of fish wastes in marina basins.
    • Many marinas have designated fish-cleaning stations with cutting tables, wash down basins, and covered trash containers or composting programs. Check with your marina.
    • Reuse fish wastes as bait and/or chum on your next fishing trip.
    • When no such options exist, bag fish waste and dispose of it in the trash.

This boater fact sheet series is produced by the Rhode island Sea Grant Marine Advisory Service with funding from the R.I. Department of Environmental Management Narragansett Bay Project, through a grant issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the Clean Water Act.

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