FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 6, 2014
OCEAN KEY
RESORT AND SPA RECEIVES CLEAN MARINA DESIGNATION
~Ocean Key Resort and Spa becomes Monroe County's 25th Clean Marina~
KEY WEST – The
Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Environmental
Education and Sustainable Initiatives welcomes the Ocean Key Resort and Spa
into the Clean Marina family today. This voluntary state initiative recognizes
marinas and boatyards for their commitment to the protection of Florida’s
waterways and natural resources.
“We're proud to honor Ocean Key Resort today in recognition of their environmental stewardship," said Clean Marina Program Administrator Brenda Leonard. "I am honored to look around the state and see these marinas serve as environmental leaders within their local communities."
Ocean Key
Resort and Spa has been designated as the 287th Clean Marina in Florida. The Ocean Key Resort
and Spa has six slips that will be added to the Clean Marina community. Built in the mid '80s, the slips are available for lease for water-sport companies that offer activities like day-boating or jet-ski rental. Additionally, Ocean Key Resort is in discussion to partner with the city of Key West to compost all seaweed in the marina.
“Ocean Key Resort & Spa is proud to be in
collaboration with DEP in order to promote ecological awareness and sustainability
for the waters surrounding Key West,” said Assistant General Manager Johan Amneus of Ocean Key Resort and Spa.
“Educating ourselves and our guests regarding
better boating and marina practices is an important step to preserving the
beautiful and historic waters that we all enjoy.”
The Clean
Marina Program was launched as a voluntary partnership program between the department and
marinas to promote the health of Florida’s vitally important water resources.
To earn the Clean Marina designation, marinas must implement a set of
environmental Best Management Practices designed to protect Florida’s
waterways. These Best Management Practices address serious environmental issues
such as sensitive habitats, waste management, stormwater control, spill
prevention and emergency preparedness.
Florida
has nearly 1 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
supplement 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. Protecting Florida’s waterways is essential for the
continued growth of our state's aquatic industries. To date, 287 marinas have been
recognized by the Clean Marina Program in addition to 44 boatyards and 19 designated clean retailers.
For more information
about the Florida Clean Marina Program, click here.
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