Sunset Harbor Yacht Club Splashes in as Florida's Newest Clean Marina

DAYTONA BEACH – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) together with the Clean Boating Partnership today recognized the Sunset Harbor Yacht Club as the 214th 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 216 Clean Marinas, 31 Clean Boatyards and 10 Clean Marine Retailers statewide.

“We are excited to add Sunset Harbor Yacht Club as the Central District’s 34th Clean Marina,” said Vivian Garfein, Director of DEP’s Central District. “I commend the staff for their efforts in implementing green practices that will help protect and preserve Florida’s waterways for our future generations.”

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.

“Sunset Harbor is proud to be awarded the Clean Marina designation in a program that is instrumental to the future of Florida,” said Hugh D. Upton, President of Sunset Harbor Yacht Club. “We received this certification with the invaluable assistance and support of our staff, General Manager Julian Bisoc and boaters who have enthusiastically embraced the environmentally friendly practices we have put into place.”

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 Sunset Harbor Yacht Club 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 environmental education and alternatives the Florida Clean Marina Program helps ensure a sustainable future for the environment and the 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.