DEP RECOGNIZES CLEARWATER HARBOR MARINA AS A CLEAN AND RESILIENT MARINA

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PRESS RELEASE: April 17, 2015

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us

DEP RECOGNIZES CLEARWATER HARBOR MARINA AS A CLEAN AND RESILIENT MARINA

~Marina honored for its environmental accomplishments and emergency preparedness~

CLEARWATER - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has recognized the Clearwater Harbor Marina for its designation as a Clean and Resilient Marina. As part of the successful Clean Marina Program, this designation represents the marina’s additional commitments to environmentally responsible practices and emergency preparedness. DEP presented Clearwater Harbor Marina, the 9th marina in the state to receive this recognition, with a Florida Clean and Resilient Marina flag and plaque.

“On top of their commitments to sustainability, our Clean and Resilient Marinas are also leaders in their communities in emergency preparedness,” said Mary Yeargan, director of DEP’s Southwest District. “Businesses like Clearwater Harbor Marina have shown that environmental responsibility includes being prepared to deal with any kind of situation.”

In partnership with DEP and the Gulf of Mexico Alliance (GOMA), the Florida Clean Marina Program encourages a proactive approach to environmental stewardship. To be designated as a Clean Marina, facilities must implement a set of environmental Best Management Practices (BMPs) designed to protect Florida’s waterways. These practices address critical environmental issues such as sensitive habitat, waste management, storm water control, spill prevention and emergency preparedness. Participating facilities receive assistance with BMPs through on-site and long-distance technical assistance by DEP, as well as mentoring by other Clean Marinas.

The Clean and Resilient Program improves and complements GOMA's proven Clean Marina Certification Programs already in place. Facilities like Clearwater Harbor Marina employ practices that achieve an additional level of sustainability and environmental responsibility. Additionally, this program provides recommendations to strengthen local marinas’ ability to withstand natural and man-made disasters.

Florida has nearly 900,000 registered motorized vessels and more than 2,000 marinas -- the largest number of marine facilities in the country -- drawing millions of visitors each year. With more than 1,350 miles of coastline, 50,000 miles of inland and coastal rivers and streams, Floridians depend on water more than any other natural resource. In total, 287 marinas have been designated by the Clean Marina Program in addition to 44 boatyards and 19 designated clean retailers.

For more information about the Clean Marina Program, click here.