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Manhasset Bay is one of the most active recreational harbors on the east coast.  Unfortunately, boating contributes to the pollution that enters the bay.  Although each vessel may be the source of only a small amount of pollution, the cumulative effect can undermine water quality.  Here we present a list of "clean boating" practices for you to implement.
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Manhasset Bay belongs to everyone and it is everyone’s responsibility to take care of it.  A clean bay supports a recreational economy that includes boating, fishing, restaurants, and other waterfront businesses.  Please pass along this important information to other boaters. 

For a printable list of these tips, click here.

The Town of North Hempstead Bay Constables monitor Marine Channels 9 and 16 and operate from the Town Dock in Port Washington.


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Images:  J. Wilson-Pines

Conserve Fuel

  • Keep your engine properly tuned.
  • Use a bilge sock to soak up fuel and oil that may get into your bilge and replace it annually
  • Know how much fuel your tanks hold and don’t overfill.  Install a device like a Fuel Whistle so you know when you are reaching the top.
  • Use oil absorbent pads to catch drips while handing the fuel nozzle between the dock and the boat.
  • Secure fuel hoses to prevent chafing and leaks
Image:  J. Wilson-Pines

Don't Be a Litter Bug

  • Keep trash secured so that it doesn’t blow away
  • Break the Single-Use-Plastic-Habit and switch to reusable bottles and other more environmentally friendly products
  • Remove excess packaging before you board
  • Pick up trash that accidentally falls overboard
  • Don’t throw ANYTHING overboard, including food, carry everything back with you and plan to dispose of it on land
  • It all counts:  cigarette filters are frequently picked up at beach clean ups, so don’t toss that butt.

Pump It to Dump It

Manhasset Bay and Long Island Sound are vessel waste No Discharge Zones -- it is illegal to dump sewage overboard.
  •  Call the Bay Constable on Channel 9 for the pump out boat. Pump out is also available at the Town Dock and marinas (pictured above; image:  C. Idol).
  • If you don’t have a head onboard, use onshore bathrooms before casting off, make restroom stops when needed, or bring a portable toilet on board.

Friendly Fishing

  • Keep only those fish that you will eat today.
  • Don’t clean your fish and toss the entrails overboard, bring them back to shore for proper disposal.
  • Don’t cut lines into the water, it can entangle and kill birds, fish, and other wildlife
  • Recycle monofilament
  • Pick up your traps regularly and haul them when your season is over.
  • Obey shellfishing regulations:  Manhasset Bay is closed to shellfishing.

Protect Habitat & Wildlife

  • Proceed slowly in shallow areas
  • Do not disturb wildlife
  • Watch your wake - it can lead to shoreline erosion & disturb wildlife
  • Scrape and clean your boat well away from the water's edge and catch scrapings
  • Scrub your boat down with water alone
Image:  J. Wilson-Pines

Swab the Decks

  • Regularly scrub your decks with fresh water and a brush to reduce the need to use heavy cleaners.
  • If you are trailering your boat from another water body, wash it thoroughly on the trailer to remove any hitchhiking invasive species.
  • Try to do large cleaning and maintenance jobs while the boat is out of the water.
  • Regularly inspect lines and hoses and replace them when degraded
  • Ask your marina or underwater diver to recycle used zincs
  • Use a hard (non ablative) anti-fouling paint if you plan on scrubbing the boat bottom while in the water.
  • Do whatever you can to capture leaks of fuel and oil while performing maintenance.