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MARATHON – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), together with the Clean Boating Partnership, today recognized Marathon Yacht Club as Monroe County’s 15th Clean Marina.
“As the 29th Clean Marina in DEP’s South District, Marathon Yacht Club is taking the initiative to protect Florida’s waterways,” said DEP South District Director Jon Iglehart. “Its commitment to the environment protects the Florida Keys and the state’s natural resources for future generations.”
To receive the Clean Marina designation, the yacht club met the Marina Environmental Measures established by the Clean Boating Partnership. In addition, the facility 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 Marathon Yacht Club for its designation as a Clean Marina,” said DEP Division of Law Enforcement Assistant Director Maury Kolchakian. “Marathon Yacht Club should be proud of their achievement and the example of environmental stewardship they are setting for marine facilities in the environmentally sensitive Keys, as well as 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.
“The Clean Marina Program has given the members of the Marathon Yacht Club a continuing opportunity to have a positive effect on the local community and the environment by caring for and protecting the waters we all share in the Keys,” said Marathon Yacht Club Port Captain Ed Kwasnick.
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 the 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 Marathon Yacht Club for its dedication to clean water and its achievement in earning the Clean Marina designation," said Co-Chair of the Clean Boating Partnership Brad St. Coeur. "Its commitment to Florida's environment is to be commended and we welcome them, and the growing number of clean facilities in the Keys, to our Clean Marina family.”
For more information about the Clean Boating Partnership, visit
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/law/grants/cmp.
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