–New Web site simplifies Florida Clean Marina Program application process and provides educational

resources for boaters, marinas and marine retailers–

TALLAHASSEE - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today unveiled its newly remodeled Clean Marina Web site encouraging marinas, boaters and marine retailers to help keep Florida's waterways clean by adopting environmentally friendly practices. The remodeled Web site allows users to access resources which simplify the Florida Clean Marina Program application process, offer educational tools and tips, and lists all designated marinas, boatyards and retailers as well as the members of the Clean Boating Partnership.

"Using the internet to educate Florida's citizens of the importance of adopting sustainable, eco-friendly practices both on land and in water is a huge stride towards protecting the state's delicate water resources," said DEP's Director of Sustainable Initiatives Deas Bohn. "With the new site, boaters can now locate Florida Clean Marina Program designated facilities in their area and learn how to implement clean boating practices, marine retailers can download an action plan for adopting best management practices, and marinas can save resources by applying online to become a Clean Marina."

The new Web site allows browsers to apply for Clean Marina, Clean Boatyard and Clean Marine Retailer-Clean Boating Partnership programs, and receive instructional materials online rather than processing paper applications through the mail. The remodeled site also offers a listing of all Clean Marina designated facilities by region with a picture, press release and link to the facility's Web site.

"More than 18,000 wet slips, or 30 percent of the state's wet slips, and more than 12,500 dry storage slips now fly the Clean Marina flag, making Florida the leader among states with Clean Marina programs," said Clean Boating Partnership Chair John Naybor. "With the launch of the new Clean Marina Web site and eco-friendly boating tips we hope to better educate boaters, marinas, boatyards and marine retailers about clean boating practices."

With the peak boating season approaching, boaters wishing to adopt environmentally friendly practices should implement the following boating tips:

Fueling

• Fill fuel tanks just before leaving on a trip.

• Use oil absorbent material to catch drips from the fuel intake and the vent overflow.

• Fill portable fuel tanks ashore where spills are less likely to occur and easier to clean up.

• Add a fuel conditioner to tanks if the engine is used infrequently.

Controlling Oil

• Place oil absorbent material or a bioremediating bilge "sock" in the bilge to prevent oil leakage into waterways; replace regularly.

• Place an oil absorbent pad under the engine.

• Check fuel lines for damage; replace with alcohol resistant hoses.

• Secure fuel hoses to prevent chafing and leaks.

• Never discharge bilge water with a sheen; it is illegal.

Cleaning

• Wash boats with a sponge and plain water.

• Use phosphate-free, biodegradable and non-toxic cleaners.

• Wax boats; a good coat of wax prevents surface dirt from becoming ingrained.

• Conserve water; use a spray nozzle on hoses.

Vessel Maintenance

• Share leftover paint and varnish with fellow boaters rather than disposing in the trash, where it can end up in a landfill and seep into waterways.

• Bring used solvents and waste gas to hazardous waste collection sites.

• Keep vessel engine clean to spot and repair leaks.

• Use premium two-cycle engine oil.

• Use alternatives to toxic bottom paints.

Containing Sewage

• Never discharge raw sewage. Use marina pumpout stations and rinse holding tanks regularly.

• If pumpout stations are not available, encourage marinas to install them through Clean Vessel Act funding.

• Use restrooms on shore.

• Use approved Marine Sanitation Devices (MSDs) when underway.

• Conduct regular maintenance for Marine Sanitation Devices.

• Use enzyme-based products to control odor and reduce solids in holding tanks.

• Avoid holding tank products that contain quarternary ammonium compounds (QAC) and formaldehyde.

Protecting Sensitive Habitat

• Proceed slowly in shallow areas and do not disturb wildlife.

• Avoid contact with submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) such as fragile seagrass beds.

• Watch the wake; it can lead to shoreline erosion and disturb wildlife.

Contain Trash

• Do not let trash get thrown or blown overboard.

• Buy products without plastic or excessive packaging; plastic is deadly to fish and birds.

• Do not toss cigarette butts overboard; they are made of plastic (cellulose acetate).

Be A Responsible Boater

• Learn about environmentally safe products and practices.

• Obey laws governing speeding, littering and discharge.

• Encourage boating facilities to provide trash cans, recycling bins and pumpout stations.

• Support marinas that are environmentally responsible.

The Clean Boating Partnership is a consortium of industry leaders who contribute time and input to the Clean Marina, Clean Boatyard, Clean Marine Retailer and Clean Boater programs, which DEP administers, to protect Florida's waterways. The partnership includes DEP, Marine Industries Association of Florida, Florida Sea Grant Program, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the United States Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary. To date, the Florida Clean Marina Program together with the Clean Boating Partnership has designated 162 Clean Marinas, 29 Clean Boatyards, four Clean Marine Retailers, and 18,903 boaters have signed the clean boating pledge.

To view the new Clean Marina Web site and learn more about the Florida Clean Marina Program and Clean Boating Partnership, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/cleanmarina.