iwsfenvironmentalhandbook-InternationalWaterSki.doc

International Water Ski Wakeboard Federation Environmental Handbook for Towed Water Sports 2009 REVISION Water Ski Wakeboard ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The International Water Ski Wakeboard Federation would like to thank Green Gold Inc, USA Water Ski, and all those who contributed to this Handbook, including Aubrey Sheena, Leon Larson and the members of the IWWF Environment Committee. A special thanks goes to the Ontario Marina Operators Association for granting us permission to use sections of their Clean Marine Practices Handbook -- notably the sections on dock management, pollutants and the Clean Marine Policy, and USA Water Ski for the use of information from its Waterways Education Manual. Other thanks go to the many individuals, organizations and company representatives who took the time to answer e-mail, phone interviews, surveys and questions throughout the research phase of this project. In particular, the United States Environmental Protection Agency was a valuable source of research information on off-road engines and scientific studies. Thanks also to OMC (the Outboard Marine Corporation now Bombardier) for the latest information on cleaner engine developments, and the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) for reprints of marine fuels research. CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Page 2 PART I – INTRODUCTION Page 5 A. Why this Handbook B. Objectives of this Handbook C. What’s Inside D. The Sports of Water Skiing and Wakeboarding E. Towed Water Sports Into the Future F. Benefits of Environmental Management PART II –WATER SKIING, WAKEBOARDING, BOATING, AND THE ENVIRONMENT ISSUES and IMPACTS Page 9 A. Overview B. Benefits of Water Skiing and Boating on the Aquatic Environment C. The Water Cycle – How Water Skiing is Globally Connected D. Main Environmental Impacts Associated with Water Skiing and Boating 1. Noise 2. Potential