What is the Clean and Resilient Marina Program?
The Alabama-Mississippi Clean and Resilient Marina Program assists marina, boatyard and yacht club operators to protect the resources that provide their livelihood: clean water and fresh air. It is a voluntary program that gives managers the resources they need to minimize pollution and storm damage. The program also recognizes environmentally responsible facilities as "Certified Alabama-Mississippi Clean and Resilient Marinas."
The Clean Marina Programs in the five Gulf of Mexico States are voluntary, incentive-based programs promoted by NOAA and cooperating state agencies. They are designed to encourage marina operators and owners to protect coastal water quality by employing best management practices to prevent or reduce water pollution. Practices promoted address stormwater runoff management, proper wastewater and waste management, spill prevention, emergency preparedness and sensitive species habitat protection.
The program covers several environmental, operational and management topics, which are listed below. The Clean and Resilient Marina Guidebook lists best management practices marinas need to implement to become designated clean marinas:
- Marina design and siting
- Emergency preparedness
- Evacuation procedures
- Stormwater management and erosion controls
- Sea level rise adaptation
- Outreach and education for marina boat operators
Why should I be a Clean and Resilient Marina?
By adopting pollution prevention measures, marina operators:
- Reduce costs associated with waste disposal
- Generate new sources of revenue
- Attract responsible customers that will respect and follow good boating practices
- Enjoy free publicity
- Take satisfaction in the fact that you are doing your part to protect our waterways.
Steps to becoming a Clean Marina
1. Learn more about the Alabama-Mississippi Clean and Resilient Marina Program.
Contact the Clean and Resilient Marina Coordinator to receive a copy of the Alabama-Mississippi Clean and Resilient Marina Program Guidebook, pledge form, award checklist and other program information.
2. Take the Alabama-Mississippi Clean and Resilient Marina Pledge.
By signing the pledge, you commit to do your part to keep our waterways free of harmful chemicals, excess nutrients and debris. Send us your signed pledge and then display the original in a public area so your customers will be aware of your commitment to clean water and resilience. We will issue a news release acknowledging your participation in the Alabama-Mississippi Clean and Resilient Marina Program. The pledge expires one year from the date you sign it. You may renew the pledge by contacting the Alabama-Mississippi Clean and Resilient Marina coordinator if you are unable to achieve the goal in one year.
3. Call the Alabama-Mississippi Clean Marina staff to answer any questions.
Do not be discouraged if you initially have difficulty meeting the minimum scores. We want to help you become a Clean and Resilient Marina. Please call your Clean and Resilient Marina Program Coordinator. Part of our program is providing technical assistance to those marinas who have made their pledge. The program is supported by a number of agency, industry and marina representatives—we have the expertise to find the solution to your problem.
4. Schedule a confirmation visit.
Once you are satisfied that your facility meets the award standard described on the checklist, contact your coordinator to schedule a confirmation visit. A Review Team from the Program will visit your facility to verify the items checked on the award checklist.
5. Enjoy your rewards!
As a designated Clean and Resilient Marina, you will be authorized to use the program logo. You will receive a certificate and a flag to fly from your property. Your facility will also be promoted in all program publications and public displays. The Clean and Resilient Marina Program will also issue a news release recognizing your demonstrated commitment to environmental stewardship.
6. Maintain your Clean and Resilient Marina status.
Each year confirm in writing that you continue to meet the award standards described on the Alabama-Mississippi Clean and Resilient Marina checklist. An Alabama-Mississippi Clean and Resilient Marina representative will contact you every two years to schedule a meeting at a mutually convenient time to reaffirm your status.