Marinas Work to Protect Water Quality

Approximately 40 Michigan marinas are taking steps to protect water quality through voluntary participation in the Michigan Clean Marina Program, supported jointly by Michigan Sea Grant, Michigan Boating Industries Association (MBIA), and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ). The 40 marinas, which include both commercial operations and state harbors, have pledged to work toward clean marina designations.

Two additional marinas—Walstrom Marine, Inc. in Harbor Springs and Belle Maer Harbor in Harrison Township—were officially designated as clean marinas in December 2005. The Michigan Clean Marina Program encourages cost-effective, best management practices that reduce pollutants associated with recreational boating, maintenance and storage.

“Michigan’s boating industry depends on clean water,” says Michigan Sea Grant Extension Educator Chuck Pistis, adding that marinas have an important economic stake. “By protecting the environment they protect their business.”

After signing a pledge to participate, marina managers attend workshops where they receive a clean marina program handbook, overview of the designation process and a review of key best management practices. Each management team then conducts a self-evaluation of their environmental practices to determine strengths and weaknesses. After implementing improvements and reaching a level of competencies, marina managers request a site visit by a Clean Marina consultant to evaluate environmental stewardship. If the facility reaches established goals, they receive a Clean Marina designation.

Chuck Pistis and Communications Director Elizabeth LaPorte coordinate Clean Marina activities on behalf of Michigan Sea Grant. LaPorte received a 2005 Lighthouse Award from the Michigan Boating Industries Association for her contributions to the development of the Michigan Clean Marina Program.

See: www.miseagrant.umich.edu/cmp