Marina del Rey is impaired by both point and non-point source pollution and regularly exceed TMDLs (total maximum daily load) for bacteria. In hopes to dealing with high bacteria count and impaired water, the Boater Education Program of the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Foundation (SMBRF) in cooperation with Department of Boating and Waterways is conducting a pilot project called Honey Pot Day. SMBRF is offering free mobile sewage pumpout service for boaters in Marina del Rey over the summer. This project aims to promote the use of sewage pumpout stations (mobile or stationary) and to share information with boaters on the adverse effects of discharging sewage directly into marina waters. Honey Pot Day runs twice a month from June to September and involves two parts: a complimentary mobile pumpout service, and a face-to-face outreach to discuss boat-generated pollution. Boaters are then given a Clean Boating Kit for their participation.

Is boat sewage really a problem? The 1992 Clean Vessel Act identifies vessel sewage discharge as "a substantial contributor to localized degradation of water quality in the United States." Since there are about 965,000 registered boats in California and about 13 million nationwide, the illegal discharge of boater-generated sewage can make a big difference in the water quality.

What are the effects of sewage discharges? · Spread diseases · Contribute unsightly floatables · Contaminate shellfish beds · Lower oxygen levels in the water

Outreach Details: Volunteers will meet with participating boaters and educate them about water quality issues, especially on sewage, provide preventative maintenance tips, and sources of pollution in Marina del Rey

Dates (2x/month from July to September)

July: Friday, 17 th & Saturday, 25 th

August: Friday, 21 st & Sunday, 30 th

September: Friday, 25 th & Satruday, 26 th

Hours: 9:00AM-3:00PM per outreach event

Hours needed from volunteers: 3-4 hrs per day

No experience necessary, will train.

This volunteer opportunity satisfies community service requirements.

• * Passion and dedication for the betterment of the marine environment (i.e. coastal water bodies) * Friendly, people-person * Punctual, responsible & RELIABLE * Must know how to swim * Knowledge of Marina del Rey basins/marinas A PLUS!