Protecting Fish Habitat

A Guide for Fishermen and Boaters

Protecting Fish Habitat Brochure - This pamphlet was generated by the Waterfront Environmental Committee with the help and financial support of the City of St. Clair Shores, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Nautical Mile Merchants Association, Michigan Sea Grant and the Michigan Boating Industries Association. Ten thousand copies were printed at a cost of $1,100. by the Lith-O Business Forms Company located in Troy, Michigan. The pamphlet was distributed by committee members to all canal and lakefront homes in St. Clair Shores. Distribution points were also established at the library, city hall and all three boat launches in St. Clair Shores. Some copies went to Metro Beach Harbor Master and some private marinas along Lake St. Clair. The Nautical Mile Merchants Association distributed copies of the brochure to all boaters in the Nautical Mile marinas. The brochure is a high qality publication with much information and graphics. We only have a few left. Additional copies may be printed in the future, if there is significant interest in doing so.

In May 2003, we made 1000 additional copies of the brochure on a standard black and white coping machine. These additional copies were made available to the public through the S.C.S library, city offices and the local boat launches. For information on how you can receive a copy of this brochure, call (586) 447-3350.

Our Freshwater Treasure.........(excerpts from brochure)

The magnitude of the Great Lakes water system is difficult to appreciate, even for those who live within the basin. The lakes contain about 5,500 cubic miles of water, covering a total area of 94,000 square miles. The Great Lakes are the largest system of fresh, surface water on earth, containing roughly 18% of the world supply. Only the polar ice caps contain more fresh water.

More and more people are being drawn to the water. Now the Great Lakes basin is home to more than one-tenth of the population of the United States and one-quarter of the population of Canada. With the increasing population, there will be an increase in threats to the richness and beauty of the waters which provided the attraction in the first place. Even boating related activities can contribute substantially to the degradation or loss of important freshwater resources.

WHEN YOU ARE UNDERWAY:.......
Keep trash from blowing overboard; bring it back to port for proper disposal.
Avoid boating in shallow waters, especially those with submerged vegetation.
Follow "no wake" postings, and keep wakes down in shallow or near shore areas to prevent erosion.
Never discharge treated or untreated sewage; wait to use pump out facilities.
Report oil spills or debris violations to the proper authorities.

WHEN YOU ARE AT THE DOCK:.......
Recycle used oil and filters, batteries and antifreeze.
Use shoreside restrooms and pump out facilities.
Tell your friends and fellow fishermen about the importance of protecting fish habitat.
Encourage your marina to provide facilities for recycling and dry dock repair.
Whenever possible, do repairs and painting in dry dock; keep paints and paint chips away from the water.

WHEN YOU ARE ON YOUR BOAT:.......
Use oil absorbent materials in your bilge and for spill cleanup.
Refrain from using detergents and bilge cleaners; never pump them overboard.
Use the smallest amount of the least toxic products available when cleaning.
Be careful when fueling; catch any overflow with petroleum absorbent materials.
Install an overflow alarm on your fuel tank.
When doing small repairs, sanding or scraping, use tarps to catch pollutants.