Fort Meyers, Fla. - The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Middle Keys Marine Association (MKMA) formally presented 'Clean Marina' designation to the City of Marathon Marina today (12/14/01) for their environmental stewardship. This is the fourth marina to receive such recognition in the Florida Keys.

     "These designations recognize marinas that are operating their facilities in an environmentally conscious manner," said Maury Kolchakian, Assistant Director of DEP's Division of Law Enforcement. "In addition, it provides boaters the opportunity to look for a marina displaying the clean marina flag and patronize that marina. By doing so, boaters are helping to conserve Florida's aquatic environment."

     The Clean Marina program is a partnership of industry, government and educational institutions that provides industry expertise and peer assistance to marinas not only in complying with the regulations but going beyond compliance to protect Florida's waterways. Marinas seeking to achieve designation must address environmental management issues such as sensitive habitat, waste management, storm water control and spill prevention and emergency preparedness. Staff training and boater education are also important components of the program. The City has done that. Additionally, the City of Marathon Marina offers sewage pumpouts to the public for a nominal fee of $5 and has a waste collection center to safely manage and store boater generated wastes.

     Mayor Bob Miller was quick to thank the Monroe County Commission, the City of Marathon, the original Boot Key Harbor Committee, and the Marathon Economic Development Council for their dedicated efforts to establish a marina facility at Boot Key Harbor. "As a City, we cannot expect other marina operators to strive for high standards unless we, ourselves, set an example to follow. I believe that this designation does just that... We move forward from here with the expectation that the future will bring more clean marinas, harbors, and canals to the city of Marathon.