|
PUNTA GORDA – The Florida Department of
Environmental Protection (DEP), together with the Clean
Boating Partnership, today recognized Fishermen’s
Village Yacht Basin as a Clean Marina. The certification
was presented during the marina’s grand re-opening
celebration following renovations including improved
docks, restroom facilities and fueling stations.
“As the second Clean Marina in Charlotte County,
Fishermen’s Village Yacht Basin is taking the initiative
to protect Florida’s waterways,” said DEP South District
Director Jon Iglehart. “Its commitment to the
environment protects Charlotte Harbor and its resources
for future generations.”
To receive the Clean Marina designation, Fishermen’s
Village Yacht Basin prepared environmental emergency
plans and encourages ecological boating practices among
its clientele. In addition, the facility installed a
fire control system at its docks and offers pump-out
facilities that remove sewage from vessel holding tanks
and discharges the waste into a collection system.
“DEP and the Clean Boating Partnership are pleased to
recognize Fisherman's Village Yacht Basin's designation
as a Clean Marina,” said DEP Division of Law Enforcement
Assistant Director Maury Kolchakian. “Fisherman's
Village should be proud of their achievement and the
example of environmental stewardship they are setting
for marine facilities throughout the state."
With more than one million registered motorized
vessels in Florida, environmental education within
marine industries is the first step towards safeguarding
the state’s natural resources. In response, the Clean
Boating Partnership developed the Clean Marina,
Clean
Boatyard, Clean Retailer and Clean Boater Programs to
protect Florida’s waterways.
“We are proud that as we re-open, we do so under the
banner of Clean Marina and we pledge to the boating
public that our facility will be maintained to the
highest standards of cleanliness and service,” said
Fishermen’s Village Yacht Basin Harbormaster Jim Branch.
The Clean Boating Partnership includes the Florida
Department of Environmental Protection, marina and
boatyard owners and operators, Marine Industries
Association of Florida, Florida Sea Grant Program and
United States Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary. By
providing ‘green’ education and alternatives, the Clean
Boating Partnership helps ensure a sustainable future
for the environment and the billion-dollar marine
industry.
"We congratulate Fisherman's Village for their
dedication to clean water and their achievement in
earning the Clean Marina designation," said
Co-Chair of the Clean Boating Partnership Brad St.
Coeur. "Their commitment to Florida's environment is to
be commended and we welcome them, during this grand
opening, to the Clean Marina family.”
For more information about the Clean Boating
Partnership, visit
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/law/grants/cmp. | 
