DHS - Mission Statement The Secretary of Homeland Security has released a new mission statement that is intended for all DHS components and the approximately 226,000 personnel across the entire Department. 5/17/16

Safety Outreach Prevention NACO – Strategic Plan The efforts of Dockwalkers increase boater awareness about safe and clean boating, thus improving the recreation experience in USCG District 9ER while helping to preserve its precious wildlife habitat and water quality.

Educating one boater at a time! Dockwalkers are volunteers who inspire and educate boaters and members of the public engaged in water recreation to be safe and environmentally sound while boating in our District. These volunteers distribute boater kits with educational materials while visiting marinas, boat launch ramps, boat shows and events. Dockwalkers are not trained to be dock monitors or police; that is, the intent of the program is not to notice and report violations of environmental laws or regulations. Dockwalker training focuses solely on how to educate boaters about clean and safe boating practices.

Program Expectations Increase safe boating practices   Increase safe boating practices Increase clean boating practices Train about boating safety and maintenance Increase boater outreach and awareness Increase environmental awareness and support environmental preservation Increase boater situational awareness Support USCG Auxiliary and local boater education efforts Distribute kits or other educational materials Ensure that kits are used to educate in manner consistent with the program Program Expectations The efforts of Dockwalkers increase boater awareness about safe and clean boating, thus improving the recreation experience in USCG District 9ER while helping to preserve its precious wildlife habitat and water quality.

Purposes of Presentation SAFETY AND THE ENVIRONMENT GO HAND IN HAND Paddlecraft Safety Boating Safety America’s Waterway Watch Boating Pollution Pollution Invasive Species Assistance and Support of the Coast Guard Public Affairs Topics We must handle reporting by the described procedure/guidelines Lastly – Who is affected by the knowledge we can spread as Dock Walkers.

An oil spill can be cleaned up. A biological spill lasts forever. Controlling Invasive Species takes everyone. The introduction and establishment of invasive or nuisance species is considered one of the greatest threats to global biodiversity, second only to habitat destruction.  Invasive species have been identified as the cause in decline of at least 48% of species listed as threatened or endangered under the United States Endangered Species Act.  Aquatic nuisance species may reduce the diversity and abundance of native species, degrade aquatic habitats, threaten water quality and availability, alter important ecological processes and pose a general threat to commercial, agricultural and recreational industries.  An estimated $120 billion is spent annually in the United States to deal with the multitude of problems associated with Invasive Species.  Aquatic nuisance species are introduced or spread to new locations a number of ways, but humans remain the primary vector of dispersal.  Prevention is the most cost effective means of managing invasive species.  One of the most effective ways to prevent or reduce the introduction, spread and impact of invasive species is public education.

Develop Your Message Resist the temptation to present the whole range of issues. What two or three main points should your audience learn from your efforts. Studies show people only take away one main message which they need to see or hear several times. Do you have an illustration(s) for the visual learners? Ex.

The public that engages in recreation, work and hobbies around, near and in the water. EVERYONE The boater kit is an educational tool for boaters. Items include: Boating Safety pamphlets (ABC’s of the USCG District 9ER State Boating Laws), oil absorbent pillow with reusable zip tie and instructions, and more. Depending on your region, we may also provide useful maps. Boaters can receive a boater kit after completing a brief boater questionnaire/pledge. This questionnaire will help to identify gaps in environmental services and better target future boater education efforts.

Ballast water operations Biofouling of ships hulls Modes of Spread: Ballast water operations Biofouling of ships hulls Transported on watercraft, fishing gear and other recreational equipment Escape from aquaculture facilities Escape from nurseries and water gardens Intentionally stocked as food or recreational sources Released as biological control of an existing invader ANS Task Force

Intentional release of unwanted pets Modes of Spread: Intentional release of unwanted pets Utilized for habitat restoration or erosion control efforts Accidental or intentional release of classroom and laboratory animals Fishing bait release Accidentally released with other species in the plant and animal trade

Dockwalkers in Action

Dockwalkers in Action

Boating Clean & Green Program - Objectives Educate Boaters Provide Technical assistance to Marinas and local governments People interested in becoming Dockwalkers are required to attend a training class. During the class participants review and learn about potential sources of boating safety, pollution and their impact, safety regulations for boaters, and clean boating practices that prevent pollution from boating. In addition, the training provides information on how to conduct Dockwalking and an overview of the educational materials Dockwalkers will distribute including the boater kits. Age range is 17 years and up. The program can document community service and hours as well as hors that count toward MS qualification.

Use Current Data - INTERFACE Support for the activity should come from both outside and inside the Auxiliary. Recruit people to teach, post, promote and confirm your message. Who can you support? DEC? State Regs? Government Policy?

Look and Work Very Carefully!

What Can We Do? ANS Task Force

If you see something – you need to say something!