NY/NJ Baykeeper Pumpout Boat from nynjbaykeeper.org

Jamaica Bay, Sandy Hook, and Raritan Bay all fall victim to pollution due to the large number of recreational boats resulting in sewage pollution which can cause oxygen depleting algae blooms, causing fish to die.

To combat this harmful reality out on the water, Baykeeper offers the convenient and environmentally friendly pumpout program, helping to reduce the amount of fecal waste disposed in our watershed. Best of all, this pumpout service is completely free of charge to Jamaica Bay and Bayshore boaters! Read on to learn more about the program.

Since 2004, Baykeeper’s Pumpout program has been offering free pumpouts to recreational boaters in Jamaica Bay, Sheepshead Bay, and Gravesend Bay in hopes of preventing pollution and improving water quality in Jamaica Bay. Funding is provided by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and a Supplemental Environmental Project from NYSDEC, with InKind support provided by Gateway Marina and US Park Police. The Jamaica Bay Pumpout Boat operates approximately 2 days a week. To schedule a pumpout, call our Boat Captain at (732) 337-9262 or channel 9 on the water.

In 2010 Baykeeper launched the Head Mistress to provide Sandy Hook and Raritan Bay boaters with a convenient and sanitary way to empty their heads to prevent dumping directly into the water. Funding is provided by the the NJ Clean Vessel Act, IBoatNJ, NFWF, Keyport, Hazlet, Atlantic Highlands, Matawan, and Middletown. The project was made possible thanks to a loan from Keyport Yacht Club and InKind funding from John Olsen’s Marina in Keyport, NJ. To reach the captain of the Head Mistress call (732) 832-1499 or channel 9 on the water.

The Jamaica Bay Pumpout Boat and the Head Mistress are free to recreational boaters, however your support is greatly appreciated to run the program! Visit the NY/NJ Baykeeper website for more information or to make a donation to the pumpout program. (Photo and article from nynjbaykeeper.org)