PROP GUARD
INFO PAGE
Boat propeller strikes kill more than
50% of the stranded sea turtles in Delaware. However, you can do something about this! We are suggesting that all boaters install a boat propeller guard. Using a boat propeller guard can reduce or prevent sharp force trauma in marine animals, especially sea turtles.
PROP STRIKES
Sea Turtles sleep on the surface of the water, which makes them more likely to be struck by speeding boats. All sea turtles are endangered or threatened species because of human activities. We must take action to protect and conserve them.
MERR responded to the Kemp's ridley sea turtle pictured at left, which was suffering from a boat propeller injury that lacerated its shell and injured its skull.
By installing a guard, you could save a marine mammal and sea turtle from a painful fate.
THE DATA
According to information from NOAA, around 20% to 30% of sea turtle strandings are caused by vessel strikes, including collisions with boat propellers. These strikes often result in severe injuries such as cracked shells, injuries to internal organs, amputated fins, head trauma, and death.
Adult sea turtles are particularly vulnerable to boat strikes when they surface to breathe or bask near the water's surface, especially in areas with heavy boat traffic
IMAGE PROVIDED BY FLICKR
THE DAMAGE
A 2020 study published in Frontiers in Marine Science looked at necropsy results, eyewitness reports, and other anecdotal data from around the world and found that ships and smaller craft hit at least 75 species—including dolphins (such as the Bottlenose, pictured left), sharks, sea otters, seals, penguins, and sea turtles.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Do boat propeller guards slow down boats?
A: There is only a minimal reduction in top speed. This impact is usually minimal for recreational boats operating at lower speeds. For boats designed for leisurely cruising or activities in shallow waters where
marine life is prevalent, the safety benefits far outweigh the minimal performance reduction.
Q: Do boat propeller guards increase fuel consumption?
A: This depends on the size of the mesh. Generally, the tighter the mesh, the greater
the drag, emissions, and fuel consumption. However, you do not need a tight mesh size
to prevent hitting sea turtles. For boats operating in areas where protecting marine life is critical, like Delaware’s wildlife-rich waters, the benefit to precious marine life is worth any nominal fuel cost.
Q: How expensive are boat propeller guards?
A: The average boat propeller guards can range widely depending on the size and material. Here are some general estimates:
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Small propeller guards for boats with engines in the 6-9.8 horsepower (HP) range can cost around $200.
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Medium-sized guards for engines between 20-35 HP typically cost about $250.
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Larger guards for engines up to 70-140 HP can range between $319 to $385.
DISCLAIMER
The MERR Institute is not affiliated with, nor is promoting any of the businesses listed on this page. This is solely a resource page to inform you of you can prevent boat propeller injury for sea turtles. Use this page, if you are so inclined, to learn about marine life-friendly boating practices.
By following our suggestions, you can save a life.
