A comprehensive study by the University of Konstanz and Brandenburg's State Office for the Environment from 2021 to 2025 highlights the significant environmental impact of motorboats and passenger ships on the shore zones of lakes in Germany.

The research, part of the SuBoLakes project, emphasizes that increased boat traffic, especially larger and faster vessels, exacerbates shoreline damage through wave action and ecological disturbance.

Larger vessels generate more powerful waves, which worsen issues during low water levels by affecting broader sensitive shore areas.

The study points out excessive mooring spaces, notably at Lake Constance, where there is roughly one boat for every five meters of shoreline, further stressing ecological systems.

The researchers call for improved data collection, planning, and a national strategy to promote sustainable recreational boating that aligns with environmental conservation goals.

The ongoing research underscores that waves from larger vessels disturb aquatic flora and fauna, particularly in shallow zones, and that increased boating during low water periods should be managed adaptively.

To mitigate these effects, experts recommend stricter regulations, including limiting boat sizes, enforcing minimum distances from shores, and imposing speed limits in vulnerable zones.

Additional measures suggested include reducing boat traffic intensity and establishing specific routes and speed restrictions in protected areas to lessen environmental stress.

Without implementing such management strategies, the increasing number of recreational boats and passenger ships will continue to put significant pressure on lake shore ecosystems.

Stationary boats also contribute to environmental degradation through pollution from anti-fouling paints and the encroachment of berthing infrastructure on aquatic habitats.

Wave damage from boats affects shoreline stability, aquatic life, and sediment displacement, especially in shallow water zones, as highlighted by Professor Frank Peeters.

Lake Constance exemplifies the problem, with approximately 112 watercraft per square kilometer and extensive berthing facilities that negatively impact the environment.

Despite the European Water Framework Directive aiming for ecological health by 2027, many German lakes remain in poor condition due to human activities like motorized water sports.