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 Plus One Pledge? If you like to boat or fish in North Carolina, then clean waters are important to you. But if you're a boater or angler, you also create trash -- and tons of trash are dumped into North Carolina waters each year. This pledge is part of N.C. Big Sweep's effort to reduce the amount of trash that winds up in our waterways. Boaters who honor the pledge make our waters safer, more pleasant places to be. By taking the pledge, you agree to put trash-yours plus one -- where it belongs. Taking this pledge is just one way you can help protect our inland and coastal waters from waterway debris. You also can help by participating in Big Sweep's annual cleanup the third Saturday in 'September. |
 To Water Pollution 
 
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Where is waterway debris a problem? Waterway debris winds up in all North Carolina waters-in mountain streams, in Piedmont rivers, in sounds, in the Atlantic Ocean. Waterway debris comes from a number of sources, Trash tossed out of car windows or into storm drains, for example, often winds up in our rivers and creeks. But much of the trash that winds up in our waters gets there at the hands of boaters and anglers. Fishing line, plastic food containers and ice bags are all too commonly cast aside, either directly into our waters or along their shores. Bait cups, cans and six-pack rings frequently wind up in the water, too. |
Why Should I Care? Waterway debris isn't just an eyesore. It's dangerous. And it sticks around for a long time -- especially plastic, which lasts for hundreds of years.
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You Are The Solution To Water Pollution Littering is a crime. Federal law prohibits disposal of plastic in waterways. But these laws are difficult for the Coast Guard and others to enforce, so we need your help.  Carry a boat litter bag. When it's full, properly dispose of it on shore. Don't allow trash to blow overboard. Make this a policy on your boat. Retrieve floating debris (even if you didn't put it there), and dispose of it on shore. Encourage docks, parks and marinas to provide convenient, adequate dumpsters, recycling bins and trash cans. Recycle cans, plastic, glass and paper whenever possible. If you spot an injured or ill sea turtle, dolphin or other marine animal, report it. Call 911 or the National Marine Fisheries Service at 919-728-8762. |
 Yes. More than 330,000 boats are registered in North Carolina. 1.1 million people have freshwater recreational fishing licenses. And over one-half million people fish for fun in the ocean off North Carolina shores.  Why Take The Plus One Pledge? By taking this pledge, you are showing your support for clean waters in North Carolina. You're also setting a good example for other boaters and anglers in our state. |
