Revamped Clean Marina Program offers streamlined process for marinas

NEWPORT – Rhode Island’s Clean Marina Program, adopted by the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) in 2007, has been revamped and streamlined through a public-private partnership, and a webinar slated for June 10 at 12 p.m. will offer information for marinas, boatyards, yacht clubs, and others in the industry interested in learning more about the program in its revised form.

The free webinar can be found here - http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07ehzgjrjt8fb963c2&llr=iwch8rcab, and attendees can learn more about new certification protocols, program materials, and logistical details surrounding the Clean Marina Program.

This effort was one between the CRMC, Rhode Island Marine Trades Association (RIMTA), Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), industry representatives, the University of Rhode Island Coastal Resources Center (CRC), and Rhode Island Sea Grant. The voluntary program, adopted by the CRMC in February 2007, was designed to protect the state’s coastal waters and benefit the marina industry. The CRMC developed the program with the cooperation of DEM, RIMTA, and Save The Bay.

“The program was very popular when first introduced, and we’re pleased from a regulatory perspective to be able to now provide an even more useful version for stakeholders,” said Dan Goulet, marine infrastructure coordinator for the CRMC. “The CRMC will remain in its regulatory role and conduct final inspections, but through RIMTA we hope thus program will be even more successful.”

Since its inception, five marinas have undertaken the program – Allen Harbor Marina, Point Judith Marina, Ram Point Marina, Conanicut Marine Services, Inc., and New England Boatworks.

“Clean Marina programs around the world have been effective because the connection between science and real practical solutions and the resulting for clean marina environments has always been key,” said Pam Rubinoff, a coastal manager for CRC and Rhode Island Sea Grant. “What we’ve done for the update is work in efficiency for the practices, while supporting the learning with easy-use tools and information.”  

The CMP provides education and the support of a cohort to participants who learn basic science concerning coastal environments, engage with experts who lead discussion and dialogue about pollution issues specific to the marina industry, and share the information with their own members and stakeholders. While the focus of the program is clean marina policy and practice, participating businesses will also have access to information about other key issues, including climate change and resilience building. 

“We are thrilled to provide this new and improved version of Clean Marina Program,” said Even Ridley, Director of Environmental Programs for RIMTA. “We know more than ever that economic success in the marina and yachting community is hinged to environmental health, and this program answers that need.”