What does it indicate when a buoy is green?

A green buoy is used in the maritime navigation system to indicate the starboard side, or right side, of a boater's path when entering a harbor or navigating a channel. This is part of the international system of aids to navigation, where different buoy colors and shapes have specific meanings to help ensure safe passage.

When approaching a harbor or moving upstream, boaters should keep green buoys on their starboard side, which aligns with the right-hand rule in navigation. This signaling helps boaters understand where it is safer to navigate while avoiding potential hazards that may exist on the shore or opposite side of the channel.

The other options describe situations that are not associated with the meaning of green buoys. For instance, hazard areas, no-wake zones, and restricted fishing areas are marked differently, typically using different colors or specific signage to convey those specific limitations or dangers to mariners.