The Clean Marine Project

Background:

This project, although it has no formal MOU, is the only project to have business, government, and academia working together on the task force steering committee to achieve environmental stewardship. The Partnership members will work towards preventing and reducing water, air and land pollution from recreational boating activities in Ontario and across Canada through voluntary environmental stewardship and pollution prevention initiatives.

Partners:

The CMP task force includes Environment Canada - Ontario Region, Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Ontario Marina Operators Association (OMOA), Ontario Sailing Association (OSA), Canadian Marine Manufacturing Association (CMMA), Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons (CPS), Georgian College, Environmental Choice Program, Ontario Boating Forum (OBF) and the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH).

Targeted Substances:

Although no list of specific substances are targeted, the Partnership will promote the manufacture, distribution and use of environmentally responsible marine products in the recreational boating sector.

Major Accomplishments:

Distribution of more than 150,000 copies of the Enviro-Boater pamphlet at boat shows, trade magazines and association newsletters/mailings. Publication of the Clean Marine Practices Handbook in April 1997 which is intended as an educational tool for owners and operators of marinas and yacht clubs who seek to incorporate sound environmental practices into their management systems. Publication of the Enviro-Boater Guide, containing practical how-to tip for boaters. Broadcasting of a seven part Enviro-Boater TV series during 1995 and 1996 seasons on TSN which reaches in excess of 250,000 boaters in Ontario every season. A certification and audit program “Eco-Rating Program” for marinas, marine dealerships and yacht clubs was developed in 1998 to encourage stakeholders to adopt the measures contained in the CMP Handbook into the business practices of their operations.

Current Status:

The CMP will become an industry lead initiative, as agreed upon by the CMP task force. A business plan for the project has been proposed by the OMOA and Terra Choice that serves to provide a future for the continuation of the CMP. A CMP advisory committee will be formed to provide advice and review progress on existing and future program activities.

Future Directions:

Some deliverable for 1999 include increasing the number of marine products certified by the Environmental Choice Program, delivering the Eco-Rating Program and increasing participation to 50 marinas, developing a Clean Marine video and web site of success stories and innovative practices from the recreational boating industry.