According to a report by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA), gambling boats or “day boats” dump about 1,352,000 gallons annually of blackwater (what you flush) and 2,766,400 gallons per year of graywater (from showers) (per NOAA report estimated weekly average) into Florida waters. There are no inspections or tests of the sewage being dumped. There are no laws regulating sewage being dumped past 3 miles from the coast.

“We swim in it, surf in it, dive in it, fish in it, kayak in it, and it’s got to stop,” said Ericka D’Avanzo, Florida Regional Manager for the Surfrider Foundation.

Surfrider is working with Florida legislators to get the Clean Ocean Act (House Bill 57/ Senate Bill 444) passed this legislative session. The act would require day boats to hold and release their black and grey water at port facilities and set standard fines for releasing waste.

“Rep. Bob Allen and Senator Mike Bennett have done a thorough job researching the topic of gaming ship pollution and have consulted maritime attorneys on the legalities of the bill. They have tremendous public support this year to get this bill passed in the legislature” commented Greg Gordon, Surfrider Chapter Chair.

The Surfrider Foundation Chapters of Florida are urging concerned water users to come out Saturday January 27th at 10:00 a.m. for a paddle out and demonstration at the Palm Beach Inlet. Members of the Palm Beach diving community and the West Palm Beach Fishing Club will also protest. For more information on this event, contact Ericka D’Avanzo, 772-225-3780

For background information on the problem of gambling boat and cruise ship dumping visit: www.surfrider.org/sebastianinlet. For more information on the bill, contact Rep. Allen's Office (321) 449-5111 or Bob.Allen@myfloridahouse.gov.