ANNAPOLIS (June 6, 2008) — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently certified three new Clean Marinas - Baltimore Marine Center and Tidewater Yacht Service at Port Covington in Baltimore County, and Buzz’s Marina in Ridge, St. Mary’s County. The certification of these marinas brings the total number of clean marinas and partners in Maryland to 130. The new total represents 21 percent of the estimated 600 marine facilities in Maryland, inching closer to fulfilling the Initiative’s goal of 25 percent.
“The three facilities certified represent the differences found from one facility to another, and demonstrate the flexibility of this program,” said DNR Clean Marina Administrator Donna Morrow. “Buzz’s Marina is a simple marina sustained by recreational fishing in the lower Bay. By contrast, Tidewater Yacht Service and Baltimore Marine Center are in the heart of the busy Baltimore harbor, serving many visiting boats, including larger yachts. We work with all types of marinas, boatyards and yacht clubs to help improve their operations in order to protect the Bay.”
“It was an easy process,” said Mike Henderson, co-owner of Buzz’s Marina with his wife, Christy Henderson. “Everybody was helpful and held our hand through it. We wanted to do our part to help clean the bay. Without a clean bay, there can be no marinas.”
Maryland's Clean Marina Initiative, coordinated in partnership with the Marine Trades Association of Maryland, promotes voluntary adoption of pollution prevention measures and seeks to certify at least 25 percent (roughly 150 marinas) of Maryland's marinas. Marinas are certified by DNR as Maryland Clean Marinas after they adopt a percentage of recommendations in the Maryland Clean Marina Guidebook and pass a site inspection by DNR and industry representatives. This collective effort of marina and boatyard operators, and recreational boaters is working to improve the quality of Maryland’s waterways.
Marinas, boatyards, and yacht clubs of any size are encouraged to learn more about the voluntary Clean Marina Initiative by visiting http://www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/cleanmarina/, emailing dmorrow (at) dnr.state.md.us or calling 410-260-8770.
Recreational boaters can also join efforts to protect Maryland's waterways. Boaters are encouraged to visit the Clean Marina webpage to learn how they can prevent pollution and sign the Maryland Clean Boater Pledge, which can be found at http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/boating/cleanmarina/boater.html.
Source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR)