1. The Ohio Clean Marinas Program Expansion
Science Writers Workshop
August 18-19, 2014

2. Ohio Clean Marinas Program
A voluntary, incentive-based program for Lake Erie marinas.
Offers guidance and technical assistance on Best Management Practices (BMPs) to prevent or reduce pollution.
Participants in the program are recognized for their environmental stewardship.
background

3. Proactive Partnership
Administered by Ohio Sea Grant
Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources (ODNR)
ODNR - Office of Coastal Management
ODNR - Division of Watercraft
ODNR – Division of Soil & Water Conservation
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
Ohio Dept. of Health
Ohio Dept. of Commerce
US Coast Guard
US Army Corps of Engineers
Lake Erie Marine Trade Association
Greater Cleveland Boating Association
Private Sector Marinas
National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (through ODNR)
OSU Extension
Ohio Lake Erie Commission
Funding:
Partnership of academia, agencies, and industry – representing multiple stakeholder groups

4. Steps to Certification
1. Attend workshop & receive guidebook
2. Take the Clean Marina Pledge
3. Site visit & evaluation
4. Incorporate recommendations
5. Final site visit and certification

5. Why should we care?
Marinas act as a final defense before water enters our waterways – our sources of drinking water and recreational activities
Opportunity to engage marinas in the protection of the very resource they need to thrive as a business
Balance of economy and environment encourages a sustainable, long-term marina industry
Significance of program

6. Examples of Best Management Practices
Reducing nutrient runoff by having grass/gravel buffers near the water’s edge, and using non-toxic chemicals near the water
Having oil spill response equipment and making available oil absorbent materials
Examples of ways marinas are reducing their environmental impact

7. Examples of Best Management Practices
Recycling (including shrink wrap recycling)
Posting educational signage for patrons on fueling, aquatic invasive species prevention, and other environmental best practices
Examples of ways marinas are reducing their environmental impact

8. Where We’ve Been: Who Promotes the Program?
NOAA
Sea Grant
Coastal Management Programs
Division of Natural Resources
EPA
Other agencies
Who do they promote to:
Marina Operators
Local Governments
Recreational Boaters

9. Where We’ve Been: Program Impact
44 Certified Clean Marinas along Lake Erie
Over 26% of the wet slips on Lake Erie covered
Implementing an average of 71 environmental and safety Best Management Practices per marina
33 Pledged Clean Marinas
Have attended training, 1st step toward becoming a certified marina
Have signed a pledge indicating their interest and commitment

10. Where We’ve Been: Program Impact
Ohio Clean Boater Program
Over 1,500 boaters have individually pledged to follow Best Boater Practices (BBPs) to keep oil, sewage, toxic boat cleaning and maintenance products, plastics, cigarette butts and other trash, fishing gear and invasive species out of the water.
Example of “trickle-down effect” of program; Ohio Clean Boater Pledge allows boaters to individually take part in protecting Lake Erie.

11. Where We’ve Been: Great Lakes Clean Marina Programs
New York
Pennsylvania
Ohio
Michigan
Indiana- Illinois
Wisconsin
Minnesota
Superior
Huron
Erie
Ontario
Michigan
Partnered with other states to promote clean marinas programs throughout the Great Lakes and encourage boaters to support their local clean marina
Overall:
117 Certified and 95 Pledged Marinas

12. Where We’re Going: Statewide Expansion
Currently only certifying marinas in Lake Erie region
Have had requests from marinas outside of the LE watershed for certification
Opportunity to impact both Lake Erie Watershed and Ohio River Watershed
Expanding Partnership to include ODNR Division of Watercraft

13. Where We’re Going: Statewide Expansion - Goals
Increase education, outreach, and adoption of clean and safe boating best practices by boaters and marinas throughout Ohio
Help recognize and promote marina businesses that are going above and beyond to protect our waters

14. Ohio Clean Marinas & Clean Boaters Programs
For more information
Contact
Sarah Orlando
Ohio Clean Marinas Program Coordinator
ohiocleanmarina.osu.edu
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Ohio Clean Marinas & Clean Boaters Programs