Sandusky, OH The Ohio Sea Grant College Program, Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA), Ohio Department of Health, Ohio Department of Commerce, U.S. Coast Guard, and the Lake Erie Marine Trades Association (LEMTA) kicked off their Ohio Clean Marinas Program at the North American In-Water Boat Show at Cedar Point on Saturday with eight local marinas signing the Ohio Clean Marinas pledge.
Marinas that took the Ohio Clean Marinas pledge included Lakefront Marina, Sandusky Harbor Marina, Huron Lagoons Marina, Battery Park Marina, Sima Marine, Beaver Park Marina, Cedar Point Marina, and the Lake County Yacht Club.
"Lake Erie is arguably the most important lake in the world, but since 1996, the ecosystem has been on a downward spiral," stated Dr. Jeff Reutter, Director of Ohio Sea Grant. "The Clean Marina Program will allow marinas, people who depend on Lake Erie for their livelihood and their recreational enjoyment, to do their part to improve the Lake Erie ecosystem."
To become an Ohio Clean Marina, marinas agreed to within one year bring their marinas into compliance with all state and federal regulations applicable to their marinas; with required management goals identified by the advisory board; and with 50 percent of additional management goals within the Clean Marinas Guidebook.
Workshops will be available for marinas on November 9 from 10:00-3:00 at the Ottawa County Visitors Bureau and November 16 at the Lake Erie Nature and Science Center.
For additional information, go to the Ohio Clean Marinas website.
For Contact Information
Leroy Hushak, Ohio Clean Marinas Program at 614.292.3548
Jill Jentes Banicki, Ohio Sea Grant at 614.292.8949