Enjoy Blue Skies and Green Boating at Bouchelle Island Community Services Association Marina

NEW SMYRNA BEACH ? The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), together with the Clean Boating Partnership, recently recognized the Bouchelle Island Community Services Association Marina as the 195th member of the Florida Clean Marina program. The program, which recognizes marinas and boatyards for their commitment to the protection of Florida?s natural resources, now boasts more than 200 Clean Marinas, 30 Clean Boatyards and eight Clean Marine Retailers statewide.

"The Clean Marina program is an integral component in the protection of Florida?s waterways and marine resources,? said Vivian Garfein, Director of the DEP?s Central District. ?We are excited to add Bouchelle Island Community Services Association as a member of this important program, and commend the staff for helping to protect and preserve Florida?s environment.?

The Florida Clean Marina program is a voluntary designation program with a proactive approach to environmental stewardship. To become designated as a Clean Marina, facilities must implement a set of environmental measures designed to protect Florida?s waterways. These measures address critical environmental issues such as sensitive habitat, waste management, stormwater control, spill prevention and emergency preparedness.

"The Clean Marina designation is our way of protecting Bouchelle Island and the Indian River Lagoon," said Guy Mariande, President of the Bouchelle Island Community Services Association. "The program underscores our commitment to preserving the waterfront community we live in and provides the best facilities for our owners."

The Clean Boating Partnership is a consortium of industry leaders who contribute time and input to the Clean Marina, Clean Boatyard, Clean Marine Retailer and Clean Boater programs which DEP administers to protect Florida?s waterways. The partnership includes DEP, Marine Industries Association of Florida, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, University of Florida Sea Grant Program, United States Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary.

?The Clean Boating Partnership applauds the Bouchelle Island Community Services Association Marina for its commitment to Florida?s environment,? said the Partnership?s Chair Mark Leslie. ?The dedication and hard work in becoming a Clean Marina is an accomplishment this facility can be proud of and we welcome it to our growing Clean Marina family.?

With more than one million registered motorized vessels in Florida, environmental education within marine industries is the first step toward safeguarding the state?s natural resources. By providing green education and alternatives the Florida Clean Marina program helps ensure a sustainable future for the environment and a billion dollar marine industry. For more information about the Florida Clean Marina program, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/cleanmarina.

DEP?s Office of Sustainable Initiatives is comprised of three voluntary, non-regulatory programs that assist Florida industry and citizens in protecting the environment. The Florida Clean Marina program, the Clean Vessel Act grant program and the Florida Green Lodging program offer a variety of services including on-site assessments, consultations, speakers and workshops, all at no cost to citizens or organizations. The goal of the Sustainable Initiatives programs is to meet the needs of the present population without compromising resources for future generations. To learn more about DEP?s Sustainable Initiatives, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/green.