Final answer:
Being environmentally responsible as a boater includes a. running your boat at slow speeds when close to shore. This reduces erosion, protects wildlife, and prevents water pollution from washing debris and pollutants into the water. The correct option for the inquiry about environmentally responsible boating behavior is 'a. run your boat at slow speeds when close to shore'.
Step-by-step explanation:
To be environmentally responsible and courteous to other boaters, the actions that should be taken include running your boat at slow speeds when close to shore, avoiding overfilling the fuel tank, using environmentally safe products to clean the hull, and properly managing waste disposal from marine sanitation devices.
These measures help in protecting marine ecosystems, prevent the spread of invasive species, reduce pollution of waterways, and promote the health and safety of aquatic life.
Particularly, running your boat at slow speeds when close to shore minimizes the impact of waves on shoreline erosion and the disturbance to wildlife. It's important to be mindful of the pollution that can come from boats, including oil spills, which can have long-lasting effects. Oil tends to float because it is less dense than water, and its decomposition by bacteria can create harmful residues.
Cleaning the hull with phosphates is detrimental as it can cause algae blooms when these compounds enter water bodies, resulting in decreased oxygen levels and the formation of dead zones. Similarly, emptying marine sanitation devices in deep water may be less harmful than doing so in shallow waters, but it's not recommended due to the potential for spreading pathogens and contributing to water pollution. Instead, the waste should be disposed of at designated pump-out facilities.
In conclusion, the correct option for being environmentally responsible and courteous to other boaters is 'a. run your boat at slow speeds when close to shore'. Taking this action along with maintaining proper waste management and cleaning practices contributes to a healthier marine environment and is a courtesy to fellow boaters and aquatic life.