FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 14, 2014
NEW SMYRNA MARINA RECEIVES CLEAN MARINA DESIGNATION ON NATIONAL MARINA DAY
In Volusia County there are 18 clean marinas, 3 clean boatyards and 1 clean marine retailer.
NEW SMYRNA – As marinas across the country celebrate National Marina Day
today, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s
Office of Environmental Education and Sustainable Initiatives welcomes the New Smyrna Marina as the
278th member of the Florida Clean Marina program.
“National Marina Day celebrates the importance of clean
marinas and responsible boating in Florida,” said DEP Clean Marina Program Administrator
Brenda Leonard. “The designation of the New Smyrna Marina highlights the
momentum building in Florida for responsible boating practices that protect our
critical marine habitats and water resources.”
New Smyrna Marina has worked closely with DEP Clean Marina program staff from the time they broke ground to today when they received their designation. The marina has implemented boater education resources and signage throughout the property. They have a spill plan in place and do not perform
boat maintenance on site, reducing the possibility of environmental impacts. Additionally, pumpout services are available and the marina plans to begin collecting monofilament line in the near future.
To become a designated member of the Florida Clean Marina program, facilities must implement a set of environmental measures designed to
protect Florida’s waterways. These measures address critical environmental
issues such as sensitive habitats, waste management, stormwater control, spill
prevention and emergency preparedness.
Florida has nearly one million registered motorized
vessels and more than 2,000 marinas - the largest number of marine facilities
in the country. Drawing millions of visitors each year, Florida’s clear waters,
world-class beaches and coral reefs support a $67.2 billion tourism industry,
an $18.4 billion boating industry and a fishing industry that injects more than
$6.9 billion a year into Florida’s communities. To date, 284 marinas have been recognized by the Clean Marina program in addition to 43 boatyards and 19 designated clean retailers.
For more information about the Florida Clean Marina program,
click HERE.
|