How to Become a Certified Florida Clean Marina

How to Become a Certified Florida Clean Marina 

IDS6237.001S18 

Ecotourism Sustainable Tourism Management

Florida has 1,350 mi (2,170 km) of coastline, ranking it #2 in the United States, only behind Alaska. With year round pleasant temperatures, warm waters, sunshine and beautiful beaches spotted throughout the coastline, it's no surprise locals and tourists alike flock to the waterways to enjoy recreational boating. 

However with boats come marinas, which can become cesspools of waste, ranging from boater oil to plastic trash. In order to keep our marinas clean and healthy the Florida Department of Environmental protection has developed the Clean Marina program.  "The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is the state’s lead agency for environmental management and stewardship, protecting our air, water and land."

In order to become a certified Florida Clean Marina, several steps must be taken:
 

1. Learn More About the Florida Clean Marina Program:  Interested marinas can obtain a Clean Marina Program Guidebook which "contains information about the Clean Marina Program, the Clean Marina Action Plan (CMAP), Best Management Practices and many other helpful resources." Or they can attend an introductory workshop offered at various locations and times throughout the state. 2. Take the Florida Clean Marina Pledge & Submit an Application: The Florida Clean Marina prides itself by being voluntary based. By "signing the pledge, you make a commitment to actively pursue practices that protect Florida’s waters from harmful chemicals, excess nutrients and marine debris." 3. Conduct a Self-assessment of Your Facility: The Florida Clean Marina Action Plan (CMAP) allows marinas to administer self-assessments. "Designation as a Florida Clean Marina will be awarded to those facilities that meet 100 percent in the regulatory and legal requirements (indicated in bold print), and at least 80 percent in the program required areas." 4. Contact the Florida Clean Marina Program to Schedule an Environmental Review: Prospective facilities must contact a district coordinator to have a site visit to complete the certification process.  5. Enjoy Your Rewards: "As a designated Florida Clean Marina facility, each location receives a high-quality, domestically manufactured program flag to display. Designation certificates are provided for presentation, and award ceremonies are available on request. Certified operators are also granted access to electronic materials including the Clean Marina logo, advertisement templates and more." 6. Maintain Florida Clean Marina Program Status: "The annual renewal process includes completing the Renewal Form, and serves as an excellent opportunity to update program coordinators on any new Best Management Practices that have been adopted by your facility. Upon the fifth year of renewal, facilities will obtain their Clean Marina re-certification through submitting a renewal form, an updated Florida Clean Marina Action Plan and completing an environmental review with a Clean Marina Program Coordinator on location."

Through this program Florida now enjoys dozens of clean marinas throughout the state. This leads to not only environmental benefits, but also economic benefits with increased tourism. Hopefully in the future all marinas will be clean!

Citations:
https://floridadep.gov/about-dep
https://floridadep.gov/osi/clean-marina/content/simple-steps-designation