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There is some concern regarding the release of oil by recreational motorboats, particularly with older vessels that drain excessive fuel from the crankcase directly into the water. However, vessels manufactured since 1972 usually have scavenging devices that recycle the lost fuel and reduce oil throughput. Therefore, with regard to boating-related emissions, most researchers are concerned about the release of BTEX compounds (the primary constituents of gasoline), MTBE (a combustion-enhancing fuel additive) and PAHs.
Several studies suggest a correlation between BTEX, MTBE and PAH field concentrations and motorized recreational vessel use. These concentrations often increase throughout the summer boating season (May to September), with distinct spikes occurring after peak boating dates such as the Fourth of July and Labor Day (Allen et al. 1998; Allen and Reuter 1999; Miller and Fiore 1997; Oris et al. 1998; Reuter et al. 1998).
These tend to diminish within weeks or months after the boating season and, given our present understanding of aquatic ecosystems, do not appear to significantly degrade overall water quality (Revelt 1994; Warrington 1999). However, BTEX compounds, MTBE and PAHs have been linked to acute and chronic toxicity in fish (Balk et al. 1994; Juettner et al. 1995; Tjaernlund et al. 1995, 1996) and may adversely affect fish growth and zooplankton survival and reproduction (Oris et al. 1998).
Moreover, they may impact the surface microlayers found at the air-water and sediment-water interfaces. These ecologically vital layers support bacterial colonies that influence aquatic nutrient levels and sustain the planktonic and larval communities necessary to uphold aquatic ecosystems. They also serve as a spawning ground for many sport fish. Therefore, surface microlayers may be vulnerable to small and/or temporary increases in recreational boating-related pollutants (Warrington 1999; Von Westerhagen et al. 1987).
