FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 10, 2004
CONTACT: Jill Johnson, (904) 759-2795

Arlington Marina Recognized as ‘Clean Marina’

--Marina takes important steps to protect water quality--

JACKSONVILLE – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection, together with the Clean Boating Partnership, today recognized Arlington Marina as the State’s 83rd Clean Marina and the 12th in Duval County.

“Arlington Marina is leading by example with the environmental improvements at its facility,” said DEP Northeast District Director Mario Taylor. “The Clean Marina designation verifies that marinas are taking the necessary steps to protect our most precious resource.”

Confirming their commitment to clean water, Arlington Marina upgraded its facility with environmentally friendly waste storage and an improved fueling area. By promoting clean boating for their customers, Arlington Marina is ensuring that Florida’s waterways remain clean and protected.

“With thousands of boaters using Florida waters every day, this public-private partnership benefits the marine industry and the environment,” said DEP Division of Law Enforcement Assistant Director Maury Kolchakian. “The Department of Environmental Protection and the Clean Boating Partnership are proud to recognize Arlington Marina for their commitment to protecting the waters of this state.”

More than 2,000 marinas currently provide services to thousands of boaters using state waters daily. The effects of year-round boating activities contribute to constant and growing pressure on Florida’s sensitive aquatic and marine ecosystems. In response, the Clean Boating Partnership, which includes the Department of Environmental Protection, Marine Industries Association of Florida, Florida Sea Grant Program, United States Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary, developed the Clean Marina Program to help marinas, boatyards and boaters protect Florida’s waterways using simple environmental practices that prevent pollution.

Florida’s Clean Marinas go above and beyond required environmental regulations by adopting safeguards that keep solvents, sewage, fuel and oil out of the water, while protecting manatees and other marine creatures.

Formed in 2000, the Clean Boating Partnership, which includes the Department of Environmental Protection, Florida’s marine industry, Marine Industries Association of Florida, Florida Sea Grant Program, and the United States Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary developed the Clean Marina Program to help marinas, boatyards and boaters to protect Florida’s waterways using simple environmental practices that prevent pollution.

“Clean water is the lifeblood of tourism, the marine industry and the boating public in Florida,” said Susan Kingston, Chair of the Clean Boating Partnership. “Our Partnership goal is to protect fragile ecosystems while ensuring continued public enjoyment of our waters. The link between this industry and clean water is clear. By recognizing Clean Marinas, boaters can apply what we call ‘pier pressure’ on behalf of the environment.”