Office of Coastal Management
More Louisiana Marinas Join an Elite Group
Five marinas in the state have recently been certified and have joined the state’s Clean Marina Program, according to coastal managers at the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
In October and November of this year, three marinas located in St. Tammany Parish and two in Plaquemines Parish have adopted guidelines and measures to become a part of the department’s program. Additional marinas in Plaquemines are scheduled for certification visits by DNR Office of Coastal Management officials in December.
The five certified facilities joining the Louisiana Clean Marina Program are The Dock in Slidell, Marina Beau Chéne in Mandeville, Marina Del Ray in Madisonville, Delta Marina in Empire, and Myrtle Grove Marina in Myrtle Grove, LA. The designation means being part of a national program in which marina owners and operators employ best management practices that help protect the environment. Marinas are gateways to sensitive marine habitats that should be free of pollution and should be safe for boaters and citizens.
“This program, and the businesses who participate in it, are excellent examples of how we can reach the balance of enjoying our natural resources and protecting them,” said DNR Secretary Scott Angelle.
The program promotes and celebrates voluntary adoption of measures that marinas can take and recreational boaters can participate in to protect waterways in our state. Office of Coastal Management Assistant Secretary Lou Buatt noted that marina businesses can show pride in their practice of maintaining a clean and safe environment and reap some economic benefits at the same time.
The program began in 2004, under Secretary Angelle’s leadership. The goal has been to reach every marina in the Louisiana coastal zone, some 50 or so, with the clean marina guidebook for state certification.
Louisiana’s Clean Marinas receive a certificate acknowledging their environmentally responsible actions, a special flag to fly on their property, authorization to use the Clean Marina logo at their place of business, on their letterhead and in advertising, along with public recognition.
A recognition event to honor these marina owners and operators is expected and will be announced in January.
More information on how to become a Clean Marina can be found online at /index.cfm?md=pagebuilder&tmp=home&pid=124.
Marina Del Ray in Madisonville – La. DNR Coastal Program Manager Charles Reulet
presents operator Annie Wilson with Clean Marina certification on Thursday, Jan. 21st.
Marina Del Ray – St. Tammy parish Coastal Programs Manager Brian Fortson,
DNR Coastal Program Manager Charles Reulet, operator Annie Wilson, and
St. Tammany parish engineer Daniel Bond.
Marina Beau Chene in Mandeville – Marina operator Norma Roberts holds
Clean Marina certification from DNR Coastal Program Manager Charles Reulet.
Marina Beau Chene – Marina operator Norma Roberts received a Clean Marina flag
presented by DNR Coastal Program Manager Charles Reulet and St. Tammany parish
coastal officials, Daniel Bond and Brian Fortson.
The Dock Marina in Slidell – Marina operator Michael Tate is recognized by the
DNR Coastal Program Manager Charles Reulet for completing certification
as a Louisiana Clean Marina.
The Delta Marina in Empire - DNR Coastal Manager Charles Reulet
presents owner Darren Angelo with Clean Marina certification while visiting
the marina on Thursday, January 21st.
The Delta Marina - Marina operator Tony Jennings, Plaquemines parish Coastal
Program Manager Albertine Kimble, owner Darren Angelo, and DNR Coastal Manager
Charles Reulet with Clean Marina flag.
Myrtle Grove Marina in Port Sulphur - Marina operator Leona Squarsich receives
Clean Marina recognition from DNR Coastal Manager Charles Reulet on Thursday, January 21st.
Myrtle Grove - Charles Reulet, Leona Squarsich, and Albertine Kimble with Clean Marina flag.