Clean Marina partnership making strides in keeping coasts healthy

Clean marina partnership keeps coasts healthy

Michigan has more than one million registered boaters and many more residents and visitors who enjoy paddling coastal waters by kayak, canoe and paddleboard. With that many craft, it’s important to practice clean boating so everyone can experience a beautiful coast.

That’s the vision that the OGL’s Coastal Management Program is aiming for by convening strategic partnerships to support healthy coastal habitats, waters and communities.

One partnership, the Michigan Clean Marina Program, is a collaborative effort of the Coastal Management Program, Michigan Boating Industries Association and Michigan Sea Grant. It provides marina owners and boaters with the knowledge and tools to take part in caring for our waters.

The Clean Marina Program supports heathy relationships between coastal communities and the Great Lakes by promoting sustainable marina and boating practices that reduce pollution and enhance fish and wildlife habitat.

Michigan has 64 marinas that have achieved clean marina certification. 

Marinas can participate in the program through an online or in-person classroom led by Michigan Sea Grant. More information is available at www.michigancleanmarina.org.

“Michigan Sea Grant is enthusiastic about this evolving partnership that works to evaluate the program and implement new approaches to improve and sustain it for Michigan’s coastal marinas,” said Catherine Riseng, Michigan Sea Grant Research Program Manager.

The Coastal Program works with maritime experts at the Michigan Boating Industries Association to ensure that the program’s environmentally-friendly best management practices are scientifically sound and efficient for marina owners to implement.

“The Michigan Clean Marina Program remains one of our most important partner initiatives,” said Nicki Polan, Michigan Boating Industries Association Executive Director. “Our Board and staff are committed to its success and to the goals we have outlined for the program.”

Partners aim to see every coastal marina flying the Clean Marina flag.

Visit Michigan's Coastal Management Program online to explore its work to protect our coastal waters and connect people to the Great Lakes. Contact Program Manager Ronda Wuycheck to learn more.

Michigan's Coastal Management Program celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2018 with Year of the Coast. Follow on social media with #YearoftheCoast2018.