Three Certified as Georgia Clean Marinas

Three coastal Georgia marinas have been certified for meeting the requirements of the Georgia Clean Marina Program, a voluntary program recognizing marinas that reduce or eliminate the pollution of waterways during daily marina operations. Delegal Creek Marina and Savannah Boathouse Marina, both in Savannah, along with Barbour River Yacht Club in Darien, joined the program for their commitment to environmental stewardship through the implementation of Clean Marina best management practices (BMPs).

The recently revised Georgia Clean Marina Program is administered through a partnership between Georgia Department of Natural Resources Coastal Resources Division (CRD), University of Georgia Marine Extension, Georgia Sea Grant, and the Georgia Marine Business Association (GAMBA). Kelly Hill, a CRD green growth specialist, credits this unique partnership and the efforts made by each of these marinas for the success of getting the Georgia Clean Marina Program up and running again.

Thomas McCarthy, managing partner of Savannah Boathouse and owner of Freedom Boat Club Savannah and Richmond Hill said, “During planning and since opening the Savannah Boathouse, we have looked to maintain the highest standards for marinas and to preserve our beautiful waterways,” McCarthy said. “The Savannah Boathouse is very excited to be certified as a Clean Marina”.

Marinas can apply to the program each fall and work with program partners throughout the year towards meeting their certification goals. Applications are open online at www.GeorgiaCleanMarina.org.