Along the Gulf Coast, marinas play a vital role in recreation, tourism and local economies. But with their location directly on the water, marinas can also become sources of pollution and are highly vulnerable to storms. The Clean and Resilient Marina Program, led by the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium, helps marinas reduce their environmental impact while preparing for coastal hazards.
What is the Clean and Resilient Marina Program?
This voluntary certification program encourages marinas, boatyards and waterfront facilities to adopt best management practices (BMPs) that protect water quality and strengthen storm resilience. Marinas that meet the program’s environmental and resilience standards earn the “Clean and Resilient Marina” designation, showing their commitment to clean water and sustainable coastal operations.
Why it matters for water quality
Marina operations including fueling, boat maintenance and waste disposal, can introduce pollutants into coastal waters. Common threats include:
- Oil and fuel spills
- Stormwater runoff carrying debris and chemicals
- Improper sewage and waste disposal
By implementing BMPs, certified marinas help prevent pollution before it enters the water. This protects marine habitats, fisheries and public health, ensuring cleaner waterways for both people and wildlife.
How marinas qualify for certification
To become certified, marinas must complete a detailed checklist covering environmental protection and disaster resilience. Some of the key requirements include:
Pollution prevention
- Safe fuel handling procedures
- Spill containment and cleanup plans
- Proper storage of hazardous materials
Stormwater management
- Vegetative buffers or filtration systems
- Minimizing runoff from paved surfaces
Waste and sewage management
- Functioning pump-out stations
- Proper disposal of solid and liquid waste
Resiliency planning
- Hurricane and flood preparedness plans
- Elevated or protected electrical systems
- Vessel and dock securing strategies
The certification process
- Self-assessment - Marinas begin by completing a checklist to evaluate their current practices.
- Technical assistance - Sea Grant staff provide support to help marinas meet the required standards.
- Site visit and evaluation - An in-person review ensures that the marina’s practices align with the program’s guidelines.
- Certification and maintenance - Certified marinas must maintain their practices and may undergo periodic reviews.
A win for the coast
By becoming a Clean and Resilient Marina, marinas gain environmental credibility, improve their safety and preparedness, and build stronger relationships with customers and regulators. More importantly, they become part of the solution through helping to protect water quality, support coastal communities and preserve our coasts for future generations.
For more information about the program, please contact me at [email protected].
Meet the author
Heather King
Clean and Resilient Marina Program Coordinator
Heather King serves as the coordinator of the Clean and Resilient Marina Program with the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium. She also serves as a graduate research assistant at the Auburn... Read more
Phone: 251-861-3018
Email: [email protected]