Key Largo Resorts Marina Makes Commitment to Protect Florida's Waterways

KEY LARGO – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Clean Boating Partnership today recognized Key Largo Resorts Marina as the 205th member of the Florida Clean Marina program, and the 21st Clean Marina in the Florida Keys. 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, 31 Clean Boatyards and 10 Clean Marine Retailers statewide.

“Participating in the Clean Marina Program demonstrates a commitment to protecting Florida’s sensitive aquatic and marine ecosystems,” said DEP South District Director Jon Iglehart. “Key Largo Resorts Marina’s involvement in the program demonstrates an understanding that continued enjoyment of boating in Florida depends on clean water.”

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.

Additionally, Key Largo Resorts Marina implemented practices to prevent the release of oil from bilges, installed additional trash receptacles and recycling centers and established environmental standards for on-site vendors to follow. The designation of Key Largo Resorts Marina adds seventy-seven wet slips to the Clean Marina Program.

“We are honored to receive this designation,” said General Manager Doug Dale. “The recognition demonstrates our commitment to protecting our local environment, and ensuring exceptional experiences for our overnight guests.”

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 Key Largo Resorts 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 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.