Clean Marinas: Worth the Investment Pollution prevention and waste reduction are two strategies that marinas can employ to protect water quality and save money. The activities are among many best-management practices presented to marina operators in early December as part of the official kick-off of the Michigan Clean Marina program. The program was unveiled at the 2003 Recreational Boating Educational Conference held in Mt. Pleasant. “We’re very encouraged about the positive response from Michigan’s boating community,” said Michigan Sea Grant’s Chuck Pistis. “Ten marinas have already pledged their support to become Clean Marina partners and take the steps necessary to be eventually designated a Clean Marina.” Pistis introduced the program with Jeff Spencer of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), Steve Remias of MacRay Harbor and Van Snider of the Michigan Boating Industries Association (MBIA). After pledging program support, marinas will receive a comprehensive clean marina guidebook (currently in production), which describes cost effective management strategies that marinas can adopt to promote environmental stewardship. Marinas follow ten basic steps to receive Clean Marina designation that include workshop training and site evaluation. The ten steps are summarized in a new Clean Marina brochure produced by MDEQ, MBIA and Michigan Sea Grant. (Download PDF 1mb) Benefits of becoming a Clean Marina include reducing pollution and improving water quality in the Great Lakes, protecting fish and wildlife habitat, enhancing public image by promoting environmentally-sound practices and saving money by adopting cost-effective best management practices. The Clean Marina program is initially targeted to commercial and public boating facilities and will be eventually extended to boaters and other related industries.

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