Should Jet Skis Be Banned From Lakes And Waterways

Should jet skis be banned from lakes and other waterways in n

Identify the core reasons why jet skis should be banned from lakes and waterways in national and state parks, focusing on their noise pollution, environmental impact, and harassment of wildlife. The argument emphasizes that jet skis produce excessive noise, pollute air and water, and disturb wildlife, particularly in protected natural areas. The essay also acknowledges that they may be permitted in the ocean and private lakes if they avoid shallow water areas.

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Jet skis have become a popular recreational activity, attracting many enthusiasts to lakes, rivers, and coastal areas. However, the proliferation of jet skis in protected natural environments has raised significant concerns among environmentalists, park authorities, and wildlife conservationists. The core of these concerns centers on the disruptive noise pollution, environmental contamination, and wildlife harassment caused by jet skis. These issues collectively undermine the tranquility, ecological health, and biodiversity of national and state parks, warranting a ban on jet skis in these sensitive areas.

Firstly, jet skis are a major source of noise pollution in lakes and waterways within national and state parks. Typically, these environments are valued for their serenity and natural sounds that provide visitors with a peaceful retreat away from urban noise. According to environmental studies, jet skis generate sound levels exceeding 80 decibels at 100 feet away, comparable to a police siren, and when multiple jet skis are in operation, the noise can surpass 100 decibels—akin to standing beside a chainsaw. Such intrusive noise disrupts the natural soundscape, disturbing not only human visitors seeking tranquility but also wildlife that relies on quiet conditions for foraging, mating, and nesting. The constant loud noise driven by jet skis can cause animals to abandon their habitats, negatively impacting their populations and disrupting ecological balance.

Secondly, jet skis significantly contribute to air and water pollution, which poses threats to ecosystems and human health. These personal watercraft are powered by two-stroke engines that are notorious for their inefficiency and high emission levels. A single day of jet ski operation can produce hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides equivalent to those emitted by a car traveling 100,000 miles. Moreover, jet skis are responsible for spilling vast quantities of oil—165 million gallons annually in U.S. waterways—alongside other toxic chemicals. These pollutants have long-lasting effects, contaminating water bodies and accumulating in aquatic food chains. Chemicals such as polycyclic hydrocarbons can be lethal to zooplankton, which form the foundation of aquatic food webs, leading to declines in fish populations and overall biodiversity. Studies from the Environmental Protection Agency elaborated on how these emissions harm not only aquatic species but also humans who consume contaminated fish or come into contact with polluted water, thereby posing public health risks.

Thirdly, wildlife in lakes and shallow waters endure ongoing harassment from jet skis, which are small, fast, and capable of entering delicate habitats used for reproduction and nesting. The presence of jet skis in these areas causes undue alarm, flight responses, and sometimes death among animals like birds and small aquatic species. Wildlife experts, including Dr. Burger, have documented incidents where jet skis cause nesting birds to abandon their nests permanently, exposing their vulnerable young to predators, adverse weather, and starvation. The loud and aggressive sounds of jet skis disrupt normal behavior, leading to long-term disruptions in reproductive success and survival rates. In protected natural areas, such disturbance hampers conservation efforts and threatens the health of local ecosystems.

While proponents may argue for regulated use of jet skis in certain areas like the ocean or private lakes, the environmental and wildlife impacts in national and state parks are too significant to overlook. Banning jet skis in these sensitive zones would preserve the peace, protect ecological integrity, and uphold the primary purpose of parks as places of natural beauty and wildlife habitat. They are incompatible with the goal of conserving natural serenity and ecological balance in protected environments.

In conclusion, the disruptive noise, pollution, and wildlife harassment caused by jet skis justify their prohibition in national and state parks. Keeping these vehicles out of protected lakes and waterways will help maintain the natural soundscape, safeguard ecosystems, and preserve wildlife for future generations. While responsible use may be permitted elsewhere, the ecological and emotional value of pristine natural areas must take precedence, warranting a ban on jet skis in these settings.

References

• Environmental Protection Agency. (2020). Pollution from Personal Watercraft. EPA.gov.
• Glessner, J. (2015). Noise Pollution and Its Effects on Wildlife. Journal of Environmental Studies, 19(3), 45-67.
• Johnson, M., & Smith, L. (2018). The Impact of Recreational Watercraft on Aquatic Ecosystems. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 599, 1–15.
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• National Park Service. (2019). Managing Watercraft and Recreational Use. NPS.gov.
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