The Wisconsin Marine Association (WMA) presented seven Wisconsin marinas with “Clean Marina” certificates at its fall conference in Rothschild, held last week. The awards recognize marinas and boatyards for implementing numerous green practices that protect water quality, public health and fish and wildlife habitat.
Apostle Islands Marina in Bayfield received its first Clean Marina certificate, while six other marinas were re-certified for another five years; those include Bayfield City Dock, Bayfield; Harbor Club Marina, Sturgeon Bay; Pikes Bay Marina, Bayfield; Racine Yacht Club, Racine; South Bay Marina, Green Bay; and Washburn Marina, Washburn. There are now 21 designated clean marinas in Wisconsin and one in Dubuque, Iowa.
The designations are the result of a rigorous training and certification process carried out by the WMA, University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute and other partners.
“Marinas and boatyards work very hard to achieve the prestigious clean marina designation and deserve recognition in their communities,” said the WMA’s Clean Marina Program Coordinator Vicky Harris. “Certified clean marinas are safer and healthier facilities for employees and boaters while also protecting valuable public benefits like swimming, fishing and drinking water. Participating marinas and boatyards benefit in many ways, including cost savings from reduced hazardous waste disposal, fewer pollutant cleanups and lower insurance rates. They are also more desirable destinations for recreational boaters and can attract more customers.”
“We feel it was important to make sure that our marina would not be a threat to the health and well-being of Lake Superior, one of the most pristine lakes in the world,” said Bill Peterson, manager of Apostle Islands Marina. “Getting clean marina certification helped us understand where the threats were and how to eliminate them.”
“The Racine Yacht Club is privileged to be located adjacent to the most beautiful beach on Lake Michigan and is proud to help maintain the beauty and quality of the lakefront for all to enjoy,” said Bob Sample, RYC Commodore.
Marinas and related industries and services contribute more than $2.7 billion to Wisconsin’s economy. The voluntary, industry-led Clean Marina Program ensures clean boating practices that benefit the environment and marinas alike. Best-management practices prevent the release of water pollutants from marina operations like fueling, sewage pump-outs, power washing, anti-fouling paint application, and boat and engine maintenance. Certified marinas strive for continuous improvement in daily environmental stewardship practices.
The Wisconsin Clean Marina Program is administered by the WMA with assistance from the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program and Wisconsin Sea Grant. Michigan Sea Grant, as coordinator of the Great Lakes Clean Marina Network, also provided funding for this year’s work from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. Additional partners include the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources-Office of the Great Lakes and the U.S. Coast Guard.
