Boating & Marinas

Lake Champlain is a treasured resource for residents and visitors alike. Its quality is dependent upon our actions both on the land and on the water, and the safety of boaters and anglers relies upon awareness of risks and steps to mitigate them. Lake Champlain Sea Grant works with marinas, boaters, and anglers to share information and best practices for clean and safe boating.

Everyday actions of boaters and anglers can impact lake quality. We have the ability to keep our waters clean, whether by taking steps to prevent fuel spills or transport of aquatic invasive species or by ensuring fishing line and sewage are properly disposed. Marina staff also must be prepared to prevent spills and respond in the event of an accident. Lake Champlain Sea Grant provides a variety of educational resources to help educate boaters and anglers to keep them safe and the water clean.

Each year in early spring, the Vermont Boat and Marine Association, Lake Champlain Basin Program, Lake Champlain Sea Grant, and ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Extension host an annual meeting of marina owners and operators. The event gives marina owners and operators a chance to reconnect after the winter and to learn about relevant policies, funding opportunities, and research and outreach activities.

Resources

For Boaters and Anglers

  • Aquatic invasive species spread prevention: Educational information for fishing tournament anglers
  • from the Great Lakes Sea Grant Network
  • from the U.S. Coast Guard for requesting safety checks and more
  •  from the U.S. Coast Guard
  • : This free, online course shows simple steps boaters can take to reduce impacts of boating activities on our waterways.
  • Gray water discharge exemption (PDF): While it is illegal to dump black water (human waste) into Lake Champlain, gray water (from a boat sink or shower) can be discharged into the lake. For black water, use the Pumpout Nav App to find the sewage pumpout facility nearest you.
  • Sewage pumpout facility locator: Find the nearest open and operational pumpout facility using the Pumpout Nav App that includes Lake Champlain and Lake George marinas.

For Marina Owners and Operators