The Abbey Marina in Fontana was certified as a “clean marina” during the Clean Marina Workshop at Spinnaker’s Restaurant in Racine recently – becoming the state’s first inland marina to gain such status.
Racine mayor John Dickert and Bayfield mayor Larry MacDonald of Bayfield announced the newly certified “clean marinas” at last week’s event.
The new Wisconsin Clean Marina Program certification process was launched in July 2010 and many Wisconsin marinas have since taken steps to voluntarily adopt practices for certification.
There are now a total of nine Wisconsin certified Clean Marinas in just five months.
Marinas participating in the program adopt up to 100 “best management practices” depending of the type of facility, ranging from docks only to full service businesses with fueling, storage, repair and maintenance capabilities.
The marinas have typically improved 10-25 practices ranging from procedures for preventing and cleaning up gas spills to installing better hazardous waste containment, sewage collection or hull wash water treatment systems.
Through this program, marinas will prevent pollution and protect fish and wildlife and public health knowing that a cleaner environment is important to their boating clientele, their livelihood and Wisconsin’s coastal communities.
“The Clean Marina Program provides technical assistance and training for marina managers and recognizes marinas that are good stewards of Wisconsin’s environment,” said Victoria Harris, Water Quality Specialist with UW Sea Grant.
The Clean Marina Program is a partnership between the Wisconsin Marina Association (WMA), the UW Sea Grant Institute and the UW Extension Solid and Hazardous Waste Education Center, with support from the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program.
“Wisconsin is blessed with more than 15,000 inland lakes and lakes Michigan and Superior which are popular destinations for boating and fishing,” Jon Kukuk, owner of Nestegg Marine (Marinette) and Chair of the WMA statesd in a release.
“There are nearly 300 marinas in the state – 125 of which are located on our two Great Lakes. Participating marinas will implement practices that help cut operating costs through reducing waste disposal, conserving water and attracting new customers who appreciate patronizing an environmentally friendly operation.”
Wisconsin’s Marine Industry provides a positive impact to the state’s economy. Healthy waterway’s support the state’s $14 billion in tourism revenue where recreating on our waters plays a large role.
In Wisconsin fishing generates $2.75 billion in economic impact and supports 30,000 jobs. There are 1.4 million fishing licenses sold annually and 635,000 boats registered.
The state is also home to world famous boat builders and manufacturers like Palmer Johnson, Burger Boat Company, Marinette Marine Corp., Bay Shipbuilding, Cruisers Yachts, Marquis Yachts, Harken Inc., Mercury Marine, and dozens of smaller boat builders that contribute over $1 billion in economic output and support over 3,500 maritime jobs.
Additionally, Wisconsin’s Commercial Ports supported 9,550 jobs, handled over $7 billion in goods, and generated over $1.6 billion in annual revenue and nearly $462 million in personal income in 2008.
For more information, visit wisconsincleanmarina.org.