The Michigan Clean Marina Program recertified four marinas for the next five years as Michigan Clean Marinas, maintaining the total Certified Clean Marina count at 103. Club Royale in Elizabeth Lake; Waterford, Safe Harbor Detroit River in Detroit; St. Clair Boat Harbor in St. Clair and Sundog Marina in Harrison Township have earned their re-certification.
As participants in the Michigan Clean Marina Program, marinas voluntarily pledge to maintain and improve Michigan’s waterways by reducing or eliminating releases of harmful substances and phasing out practices that can damage aquatic environments. Certified marina facilities earn certification through training and meeting key criteria, and are recognized as exemplary environmental stewards.
“Marinas like these and the many others who participate in this disciplined program show they are aware of and practice good environmental and business stewardship practices” says Mark Breederland, Michigan Sea Grant extension educator and chair of the Michigan Clean Marina Foundation Board. “The program is a win-win by implementing and certifying on-the-dock practices to minimize potential pollution and encouraging boaters to also take good care of the water and within the marina.”
“We commend Club Royale – Elizabeth Lake, Safe Harbor Detroit River, St. Clair Boat Harbor and Sundog Marina for their continuation of following best practices,” adds Nicki Polan, executive director of the Michigan Boating Industries Association. “More boaters are becoming aware of the program and are searching out these facilities as places they want to patronize.
MBIA encourages all marinas to pursue this certification. “It is non-regulatory, not difficult, and there are both financial and environmental gains that come with this effort,” explains Polan.
Visit mbia.org to learn more.
PHOTO: MICHIGAN CLEAN MARINA PROGRAM FACEBOOK
