Free Maryland Clean Marina Workshops
Marinas, boatyards, and yacht clubs invited to learn how to join the growing ranks of Maryland clean marinas
ANNAPOLIS, MD — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will hold four free workshops to introduce and promote the Maryland Clean Marina Initiative to marinas, boatyards, and yacht clubs for the following locations and dates:
  • Feb. 10, Calvert Marine Museum (Solomons)
  • Feb. 12, Tidewater Inn (Easton)
  • Feb. 18, Marshy Point Nature Center (Baltimore County)
  • Feb. 20, Philip Merrill Environmental Center (Annapolis)
The Clean Marina staff will explain the structure of the program, review the Maryland Clean Marina Guidebook, and discuss in detail how to become certified as a clean marina. Free guidebooks, training videos, and clean-boating materials for marina customers will be available at the workshops. All workshops will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will include lunch.

An operator of a clean marina will be invited to provide a testimonial and to discuss exactly what was done to earn the Clean Marina Award. The interactive workshops will encourage more marina, boatyard, and yacht-club operators to pursue the certification and help advance the success of the program.

The goal of the Clean Marina Initiative is to certify 25 percent of Maryland’s approximately 600 boating facilities as clean marinas or clean-marina partners by the end of 2004. To date, 172 boating facilities have taken the first step and signed the Clean Marina Pledge. Of these, 83 (roughly 14 percent of the state’s marinas) have become certified as clean marinas or clean-marina partners.

The Clean Marina program is an alternative to possible further regulation of the marine industry and will be reviewed by federal agencies (EPA and NOAA) at the end of 2004. Increased participation in the program is essential in the coming year to demonstrate the ability of marinas and boatyards to self-regulate and to make this voluntary program a success.

Certified clean marinas may use the Clean Marina logo in their advertising and on their letterhead. They also receive a flag to fly from their facility, a page on the Clean Marina website at www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/, and promotion in Clean Marina publications at regional boat shows and exhibitions.

For more details about the Maryland Clean Marina Initiative or to register for a workshop, call the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) at 410-260-8770 or 877-620-8DNR, ext. 8770, or visit the website at www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/. The workshops are co-sponsored by DNR, the Marine Trades Association of Maryland, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Posted January 15, 2004