FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 23, 2014
CONCH HARBOR MARINA BECOMES NEWEST MEMBER OF FLORIDA'S CLEAN MARINA PROGRAM
~Marina takes initiative to become more environmentally friendly~
 Conch Harbor Marina is the first privately-owned marina in Key West to receive this designation.
KEY WEST- The Florida Department of
Environmental Protection, together with the Clean Boating Partnership, welcomes
Conch Harbor Marina to the Florida Clean Marina Program. This voluntary state
initiative recognizes marinas and boatyards for their commitment to the protection
of Florida’s waterways and natural resources.
“It
is wonderful to see the Conch Harbor Marina joining an elite group of
environmental stewards that implement green practices," said DEP Sustainable Initiatives Director Brad
Stombock. “Protecting Florida’s marine resources is instrumental to the
continued health of the state’s natural and business environments and it
is always rewarding to see business actively involved in protecting
these resources."
With the designation of Conch Harbor Marina, there are now 278 Clean Marinas, 42 Clean Boatyards and 19 Clean Marine Retailers statewide. Monroe County now has
designated 23 Clean Marinas, one Clean Boatyard and two Clean Marine Retailers. Conch Harbor is the first privately owned Key West marina to receive the designation.
"I am extremely proud of
the management and staff for the hard work and dedication that is required to
obtain this designation. This award comes in addition to being rated the 1st
choice marina by our customers," said Craig Hunt, owner of Conch Harbor Marina.
The marina, located in Old Town Key West, has
43 slips and a number of on-site amenities. Conch Harbor has taken many steps to
help protect natural resources, including the including the replacement and upgrade of their existing slip
pump out system, an extensive recycling program and by carrying only
environmentally friendly cleaning products for marine vessels. The marina
also requires all customers to use absorbent pads at the fuel dock and educates
customers about their environmental practices by distributing clean boating
flyers and showing clean boating videos.
Conch Harbor Marina received a grant from
United States Fish & Wildlife Service through the Florida Department
Environmental Protection’s Clean Vessel Act Program, which covered
approximately 75 percent of the cost of their upgrade and replacement pumpout system. Although, pumpouts are not a requirement to
become a Clean Marina, they are an essential aspect
in protecting water quality, especially in an area that is designated as a no
discharge zone such as the Florida Keys and Key West.
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 more than 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. Protecting Florida’s waterways is
essential.
For more information about the Florida Clean Marina Program,
visit www.dep.state.fl.us/cleanmarina.
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