With over 400 marinas in Ohio and over 500,000 registered boats, there’s a lot of activity in the state’s rivers and Lake Erie -- and a lot of potential for pollution, from fuel spills to plastic debris.
Ohio and 5 other Great Lakes states have Clean Marina programs that aim to educate marina owners about ways to improve air and water quality.
When Ohio’s program started over 10 years ago, marinas rushed to get a certification that would label them a “Clean Marina” – one that implements practices to improve air and water quality.
But rules and best practices are changing every year,
That’s where the Ohio Clean Marinas Conference comes in. It’s a training session for marina owners statewide. Sarah Orlando of Ohio Sea Grant – which co-hosts the conference -- says participants will learn about new stormwater permits, managing aquatic plants and controlling wastewater pollution.
“The ODNR Division of Wildlife will be giving an update on Lake Erie fisheries – and this is something I think our marinas will be able to take back to our boaters and share that information,” said Orlando.
The conference will take place later this month in Sandusky.