Overview
This activity occurs on a small number of navigable inland waters. In coastal waters there are a number of sites where the National Trust manages moorings and slipways.

The impacts of motor boats in terms of emissions, erosion and water quality can be significant if use is concentrated, but difficult to quantify. Problems of noise and danger to other users are more obvious, and will normally be the main and immediate reason for regulating or preventing use. In the longer term, the Trust may wish to promote non-powered craft and electric motors on its waters.

Guiding principles

1. The National Trust welcomes motor boats, subject to speed limits, in specified areas and/or at specified times.

2. The management of moorings should reflect the interests of conservation and other visitors.

Good practice

• Ensure that an environmental appraisal is carried out, in conjunction with other owners/managers, before allowing motor boat users on sites not used at present.
• Decide the maximum number of boats which are permissible and control by permit/licence system. Newton Haven, Northumbria: numbers limited by leasing the seabed and controlling moorings
• Promote the RYA Environmental Guidelines for Boat Users.
• Stipulate contained waste systems when granting licences or permits whenever possible. River Wey, Southern Newton Haven, Northumbria: good practice re waste management is encouraged via mooring controls
• Provide facilities for oil and fuel disposal. Lough Erne, Northern Ireland
• Zone sites by space and/or time to reduce conflicts with other users, minimise intrusion and reduce or prevent disturbance to wildlife. Lake District, North West
• Impose speed limits in parts of sites.

Monitoring suggestions
Monitor incidents of 'conflict' and effects of boats on the property. Investigate environmental impacts on sites of noise, speed, wash, erosion, emissions, discharges, turbidity, disturbance to wildlife.

Trends
Thought to be stable.

Possible impacts

• Intrusion from noise, speed and wash.
• Danger to bathers and non-powered craft.
• Disturbance of birds.
• Fuel pollution (hydrocarbons and lead).
• Erosion from boat wash.
• Increased turbidity of water.
• Water pollution from waste disposal (dirty water etc).

Contacts and liaison

Royal Yachting Association (RYA)
RYA House,
Romsey Road,
Eastleigh,
Hants
SO5O 9YA

Tel: 023 8062 7400
Fax: 023 8062 9924
Email: admin@rya.org.uk
Web site: www.rya.org.uk

Contact: Legal and Government Affairs Manager

British Waterski Federation
390 City Road,
London
EC1V 2QA

Tel: 020 7833 2855

Contact: Development Officer

References
British Marine Industries Federation & UK Centre for Economic and Environmental Development (1998). Navigate with Nature - Are You On Course?. BMIF & UK CEED, Cambridge.

British Marine Industries Federation and Others (1999). Managing Personal Watercraft - a guide for local and harbour authorities. BMIF and others.

Royal Yachting Association (1998). Tidelines - Environmental Guidance for Boat Users. Royal Yachting Association, Eastleigh, Hampshire.

Sports Council (1992). Planning and Provision for Motor Sports. The Sports Council, London.

Sports Council (1993). Water Skiing and the Environment. The Sports Council, London.