Clean Marine Retailer Sells Boaters on Environmental Stewardship

Caribee Boat Sales & Marina recognized as Clean Marine Retailer

ISLAMORADA –The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Clean Boating Partnership today recognized Caribee Boat Sales & Marina as the eighth Clean Marine Retailer in Florida and the second Clean Marine Retailer in Monroe County. Caribee Boat Sales & Marina was previously recognized as the state’s 107th Clean Marina in 2005. There are now 192 Clean Marinas, 30 Clean Boatyards and eight Clean Marine Retailers statewide.

“This marina’s commitment to environmental stewardship is truly commendable and we are proud to recognize Caribee Boat Sales & Marina for expanding its commitment to the retail side of the business,” said DEP South District Branch Manager Gus Rios. “The environmental education it is providing will help reach the increasing number of boaters enjoying Florida’s waters.”

Clean Marine Retailers provide education and training to new boat owners to encourage safe and responsible enjoyment of Florida’s waterways. Caribee Boat Sales & Marina provides DVDs and printed information to new boat owners, as well as hands-on training to operate new vessels. Caribee also partners with the United States Coast Guard to offer an annual open house to raise awareness of the importance of environmental stewardship in protecting Florida’s 1,350 miles of coastline.

“All of us in the boating and marina business in the Florida Keys depend upon our beautiful coastal waters to help attract customers,” said marina owner Bill Gilbert. “DEP’s Florida Clean Marina and Clean Marine Retailer programs are a sure way we can help contribute to improving and then maintaining the quality of our area waters for everyone.”

The Clean Boating Partnership is a consortium of industry leaders who contribute time and input to the Clean Marina, Clean Boatyard, Clean Marine Retailer and Clean Boater programs, which DEP administers to protect Florida’s waterways. The partnership includes DEP, Marine Industries Association of Florida, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, University of Florida Sea Grant Program, United States Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary.

“The Clean Boating Partnership applauds Caribee Boat Sales & Marina for its commitment to Florida’s environment,” said the Partnership’s Chair Mark Leslie. “The dedication and hard work in becoming both a Clean Marina and a Clean Marine Retailer is an accomplishment this facility can be proud of and we are pleased to recognize this latest accomplishment.”

With more than one million registered motorized vessels in Florida, environmental education within marine industries is the first step toward safeguarding the state’s natural resources. By providing “green” education and alternatives, the Florida Clean Marina Program helps ensure a sustainable future for the environment and a billion dollar marine industry. For more information about the Florida Clean Marina Program, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/cleanmarina.

DEP’s Office of Sustainable Initiatives is comprised of three voluntary, non-regulatory programs that assist Florida industry and citizens in protecting the environment. The Clean Marina Program, the Florida Green Lodging Program and the Florida Pollution Prevention Program offer a variety of services including on-site assessments, consultations, speakers and workshops, all at no cost to citizens or organizations. The goal of the Sustainable Initiatives programs is to meet the needs of the present population without compromising resources for future generations. To learn more about DEP’s Sustainable Initiatives, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/green.