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DNR Encourages Boaters to Use Maryland’s Certified Clean Marinas
130 Marina’s Across the State Offer Environmentally Friendly Boating Services
ANNAPOLIS — With the summer boating season underway, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages boaters to help keep our rivers and bays clean by patronizing one of the 130 certified clean marinas across the state.“Every Marylander, from marina operator to recreational boater, has the power to improve the health of our waterways,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “I strongly encourage sailors and boaters to support certified clean marinas, as these businesses make a special effort to protect our rivers and bays every day through more environmentally friendly operations and boating services.”
Certified clean marinas have voluntarily adopted measures to control pollution associated with marina operations and exemplify individual responsibility for healthy land and water. With certified clean marinas located in 15 Maryland counties including Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Caroline, Cecil, Charles, Harford, Kent, Prince George's, Queen Anne's, Somerset, St. Mary's, Talbot, Wicomico and Worchester, boaters should have no trouble finding one. Our state capital, the City of Annapolis, is home to nine certified clean marinas, while the Baltimore area offers 14. The complete list of certified clean marinas is available online at http://www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/cleanmarina/cleanmarinas.html.
In addition to clean marina patronage, boaters can do their part by signing the Department of Natural Resources clean boater pledge to commit to clean boating habits such as preventing litter fly away and oil and gas leaks or spills, environmentally friendly cleaning and proper sewage disposal.
“Encouragement from customers is one of the most effective ways to convince businesses to implement and offer more sustainable, environmentally friendly operations and products,” said DNR Secretary John R. Griffin. “If your hometown marina or favorite boat launch is not already certified as a clean marina or partner, encourage them to contact us and we can help them get started with the free certification process.”
Maryland's Clean Marina Initiative, coordinated in partnership with the Marine Trades Association of Maryland, promotes voluntary adoption of pollution prevention measures and seeks to certify at least 25 percent (roughly 150 marinas) of Maryland's marinas. Marinas are certified by DNR as Maryland Clean Marinas after they adopt a percentage of recommendations in the Maryland Clean Marina Guidebook and pass a site inspection by DNR and industry representatives. This collective effort of marina and boatyard operators, and recreational boaters is working to improve the quality of Maryland’s waterways.
Marinas, boatyards, and yacht clubs of any size are encouraged to learn more about the voluntary Clean Marina Initiative by visiting http://www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/cleanmarina/, emailing dmorrow@dnr.state.md.us or calling 410-260-8770.
June 12, 2008 Contact: Olivia Campbell
410-260-8016 office I 410-507-7525 cell
ocampbell@dnr.state.md.usMaryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 449,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 12 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov