Sea Bird Marina Recognized as ‘Clean Marina’

LONG KEY – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), together with the Clean Boating Partnership, today recognized Sea Bird Marina on Long Key as the State’s newest Clean Marina, the 10th marina in the Florida Keys to receive this honor.

“With thousands of boaters using Florida waters every day, this public-private partnership benefits the marine industry and the environment,” said DEP Division of Law Enforcement Assistant Director Maury Kolchakian. “The Department of Environmental Protection and the Clean Boating Partnership are proud to recognize Sea Bird Marina for their commitment to the boating community and protecting the waters of the Florida Keys.”

Sea Bird Marina offers boat rentals, wet slips, dry storage and ramp access for boats, as well as bait and tackle. To achieve Clean Marina designation, Sea Bird Marina adopted management practices such as performing only minor boat cleaning and detailing, advising boaters on proper boat cleaning methods and designating work areas that prevent pollutants from running into Florida Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The facility was presented with a plaque and a flag in recognition of their efforts.

Florida’s marinas currently provide services to thousands of boaters using State waters daily. The effects of year-round boating activities contribute to constant growing pressure on Florida’s sensitive aquatic and marine ecosystems. In response, the Clean Boating Partnership, which includes the DEP, marina and boatyard owners and operators, Marine Industries Association of Florida, Florida Sea Grant Program, United States Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary, developed the Clean Marina program. The initiative helps marinas, boatyards and boaters protect Florida’s waterways using specific environmental practices that prevent pollution.

“We are all working together to preserve our waterways and the recreational opportunities they afford, as well as protecting the safety of the boating public,” said Cathie Welty, Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Florida’s Clean Marinas go above and beyond required environmental regulations by adopting safeguards that keep solvents, sewage, fuel and oil out of the water, while protecting marine creatures. By educating boaters and improving operations at marine facilities, Florida’s Clean Marinas are helping to ensure a sustainable future for the environment, for boaters and for the billion-dollar marine industry.

“Clean water is the lifeblood of tourism, the marine industry and the boating public in Florida,” said Allison Underwood, Chair of the Clean Boating Partnership. “Our Partnership goal is to protect fragile ecosystems while ensuring continued public enjoyment of our waters. The link between this industry and clean water is clear. By recognizing Clean Marinas, boaters can apply what we call ‘pier pressure’ on behalf of the environment.”

For more information about the Clean Marina program, visit http://www.floridacleanboatingpartnership.com.