FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  February 21, 2003
CONTACTS: Deena Wells, (850) 245-2112 or (850) 528-2155

Amelia Island Yacht Basin Designated First 'Clean Marina' in Nassau County

JACKSONVILLE -- This afternoon, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), together with the Clean Boating Partnership, designated Nassau County’s first ‘Clean Marina.’ Amelia Island Yacht Basin received the ‘Clean Marina’ flag and plaque at a special designation ceremony.

Amelia Island Yacht Basin was Florida’s first full-service marina on the Intracoastal waterway when it opened in the 1960s. Upon joining DEP’s Clean Marina Program, the facility made many operational changes to benefit the environment, adding new pump out stations, extra receptacles for trash, and advising customers and employees on how to best protect Florida’s coastal resources.

“We are proud to be the first ‘Clean Marina’ in Nassau County,” said Gregg Smith, the manager of Amelia Island Yacht Basin. “Our involvement shows that staff and management are environmentally sensitive, and we understand the benefits of our participation in the program. We wish that there were more marinas involved.”

Florida is home to nearly 2,000 marinas and over 800,000 registered boaters. In addition, an estimated 400,000 boats visit our waters annually. The effects of year-round boating activities contribute to constant and growing pressure on Florida's fragile aquatic ecosystems. Clean water is essential to the multi-billion dollar marine industry and critical for protecting sensitive habitats, manatees, and fish nurseries. To address these environmental issues the DEP and the Clean Boating Partnership, which includes representation from the Marine Industries Association, the Florida Sea Grant Program, and the United States Coast Guard developed the Clean Marina Program.

To receive ‘Clean Marina’ designation, marinas go above and beyond required environmental regulations. ‘Clean Marinas’ adopt safeguards that help keep solvents, sewage, and fuel out of the water, while protecting manatees and other marine creatures. By improving operations at marine facilities to prevent pollution and working to educate boaters, Florida's ‘Clean Marinas’ are helping to ensure a sustainable future for the environment, for boaters, and for the marine industry.

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