NEWS / PRESS< Back to Headlines    Oct 20, 2001    Frenchman's Marina Designated Florida’s First Clean Marina On Saturday, October 20, 2001 in Palm Beach Gardens, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Southeast District designated Frenchman’s Marina as a “Clean Marina.” This designation recognizes Frenchman’s Marina’s commitment toward protecting and preserving aquatic ecosystems. Melissa Meeker, DEP's Southeast District Director, welcomed the guests and boaters in attendance. In his opening remarks, Representative Jeffrey H. Atwater, Florida District 83, explained why clean water is so important to his constituents in northern Palm Beach County and all Floridians. Presentations were also made by Lou Daniello, Treasurer, Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County and Cheryl McKee, DEP's Southeast District Clean Marina Coordinator. At the end of the ceremony Ms. Meeker presented Greg Nechay, the dockmaster, with the Clean Marina flag. The flag was raised for all to see that Frenchman's Marina is Florida's First Clean Marina. Today Florida is home to nearly 2,000 marinas and over 800,000 registered boaters. In addition, an estimated 400,000 boats visit our waters annually. Clean water is essential to the multi-billion dollar marine industry and critical for protecting sensitive habitats, manatees and other aquatic animals. The effects of year-round boating activities contribute to constant and growing pressure on Florida’s fragile aquatic ecosystems. The Clean Marina designation recognizes marinas that are operating their facility in an environmentally conscientious manner. The Clean Marina Program was developed by a partnership that includes DEP, Marine Industries Association, Florida Sea Grant Program, and the United States Coast Guard. In order to receive the Clean Marina designation, marinas must comply with all environmental regulations and meet Clean Marina Criteria. Clean Marinas adopt safeguards that help keep solvents, sewage and fuel out of the water, while protecting manatees and other creatures that live in the water. The Clean Marina designation gives boaters a recognizable, environmentally sound choice for their service and mooring needs. Among the environmental services Frenchman’s Marina provides its customers are sewage pump out, plastic and aluminum recycling, biodegradable soaps and other environmental products which are sold in their ship’s store. Frenchman’s Marina provides boaters with environmental education materials including manatee brochures, Lake Worth Lagoon Boater Guides, Clean Boater Habits brochures and information from the Palm Beach County Solid Waste Authority regarding convenient, free disposal of hazardous wastes such as solvents and out-of-date flares generated by boaters. Throughout the marina signs are posted on waste receptacles informing boaters not to place hazardous waste or used oil inside, but to contact the dockmaster for proper disposal. Manatee protection signs and proper fueling methods are posted at the fuel dock. Frenchman’s Marina Contact: Nigel Sykes (561) 627-6358 < Back to Headlines