The City of Biloxi, the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources and the Mississippi Clean Marina Program invite the public to two events celebrating the importance of Marinas in our Waterfront City
Friday – August 12, 10 am until 11 am Designation of Point Cadet Marina as a Mississippi Clean Marina at Point Cadet Harbormaster’s building &
Saturday – August 13, 9 am until 2 pm National Marina Day at the Biloxi Small Craft Harbor.
BACKGROUND
(1) The Mississippi Clean Marina Program is a two-year old, voluntary incentive-based program sponsored by the Mississippi Alabama Sea Grant Consortium and the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources. The purpose of the program is to promote environmentally responsible marina management and boating through best management practices covering such areas as sewage handling, fuel management, solid waste management, vessel cleaning and repair, storm water management, staff training and boater education.
Point Cadet Marina’s Harbormaster Frank Duggan and his staff have been working to achieve the goals and objectives of the Mississippi Clean Marina Program for over a year. On August 12, 2005 the Point Cadet Marina will be designated as a Mississippi Clean Marina and presented with the Clean Marina Flag in recognition of their commitment and dedication toward protecting and preserving water quality and our Mississippi marine resources. The USCG Office of Homeland Security will also present Point Cadet Marina with a plaque in appreciation of their participation in America’s Waterwatch Program.
The Point Cadet Marina joins the Beau Rivage Casino Resort Marina and the Palace Casino Marina making the City of Biloxi home of three Mississippi Clean Marina designees – a unique attribute and testimony to the value the City places on waterfront access and protection.
(2) “National Marina Day is an annual celebration of the important role marinas play in waterfront communities all across America,” according to Steven Wakefield with the Association of Marina Industries in Washington, DC, the national trade association of the marina industry. “Each day, this country’s marinas serve as safe, family-friendly gateways to boating and as stewards of the environment. Now, more then ever, Americans need clean, safe and relaxing locations at which to spend their leisure time. National Marina Day reminds us that our local marinas are environmentally friendly, family-oriented facilities where we meet, access and share enjoyment of America’s great natural resources – it’s waterways. We are very pleased with the participation of marinas along the Mississippi Coast and we congratulate the Point Cadet Marina in achieving the accolade as a Mississippi Clean Marina”.
Festivities for National Marina Day begin at 9 am and end at 2 p.m. in the park at the Biloxi Small Craft Harbor. Exhibits will include information about marine resources and boaters safety by the Department of Marine Resources, information about the Clean Marina Program and other Mississippi/Alabama Sea Grant Consortium programs, information about the USCG Homeland Security and America’s Waterwatch program and USCG Auxiliary members will be available for information and courtesy boat inspections.
For further information: Cherie Arceneaux, Mississippi Clean Marina Program Coordinator at 228-806-8811 .
