The Ministry of Health, Seniors and Environment has issued a list of points for boaters to follow to have a safe and clean America’s Cup weekend.

In a statement released this afternoon, the ministry calls on the boating public to be careful where they anchor, choosing suitable sites like sand holes and avoiding seagrass or coral.

“Do not anchor in seagrass or coral and do not let your anchor drag across the bottom as it will cause more damage to the sea bottom communities,” the statement said. “Remember, the bigger the anchor the bigger the potential to damage marine life.

“Raft up in moderation, by taking the number of anchors set to boats ratio into consideration, so that the whole ‘raft up’ doesn’t overload and drag one anchor.

“When retrieving the anchor do not haul on the anchor line, steam towards the anchor and pull in the slack line as you move, once the boat is directly over the anchor, haul it up. If you have two anchors out, let slack out on one line while moving towards the other anchor.”

Boaters are also warned to be careful when motoring over shallow seagrass beds to prevent leaving propeller scars, obey the “five knot no wake rule” rule when within 100m of the shore and to be on the lookout for turtles.

“In the last few years the number of sea turtles killed and injured through jet ski and boat collision has increased,” the statement continued. “Sea turtles must come to the surface every few minutes to breathe. This is when most collisions occur, as the turtles are unable to move out of the way of fast moving vessels. Pay attention — keep a careful watch for sea turtles.

“If you find an injured sea turtle, please report it to the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo, telephone 293-2727.”

The boating public are also advised to despise of trash responsibly, to use oil absorbent pads to collect oil sheens in bilge water and to avoid discharging wastewater within Hamilton Harbour and

Anyone who spots a small oil spill is urged to contact the Department of Environmental Protection at 747-2302, 505-3286 or environmentalengineering@gov.bm.

For larger spills, the public are urged to contact Bermuda Radio at Marine VHF #27 or #16, phone number 297-1010 or e-mail dutyofficer@marops.bm.