PADDLERsmart! USA Knowledge Base

Responsible paddlers understand that every time they place a paddle craft in the water they risk contaminating the beautiful marine environment. Take care of the waterways, avoid disturbing marine wildlife and leave no trace! Remember that creatures like birds and turtles will be at risk of becoming caught in trash like plastic rings or discarded fishing nets.

It is against federal law to pollute U.S. waterways with plastic or any garbage mixed with plastic. The minimum consequence for polluting is a fine and in some states, imprisonment.