The Ohio Clean Marinas Program hosted a workshop aimed at sharing practical tools and demonstrating new technologies to combat trash in waterways. Participants from 11 different marinas across the state attended the "Marine Debris Workshop for Marinas" held at Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve.

HURON, Ohio – The Ohio Clean Marinas Program held an interactive workshop to help marinas take a stand against trash and litter in Ohio waterways. The Ohio Clean Marinas Program is a partnership between Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Parks and Watercraft, Office of Coastal Management, and the Ohio Sea Grant College Program

Trash in Ohio’s waterways harms wildlife, damages ecosystems, entangles equipment, and is costly to remove. Marina owners are in a unique position to lead the way in reducing this pollution.

Topics and practical tools presented at the “Marine Debris Workshop for Marinas” included:

• Marine debris prevention
• Microplastics and emerging contaminants like PFAS
• Boater education and engagement
• Monitoring and cleanup programs and tools

“Through enhanced funding and support from local and state partners, we focused our efforts over the past year on better understanding the role marinas play in addressing marine debris and homing in on the most impactful practices we can employ to reduce trash in our waterways,” says Sarah Orlando, Clean Marinas Program Manager.

The workshop took place June 12 at ODNR’s Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR). Workshop participants from 11 different marinas also got an up-close look at innovative cleanup technologies, including a BeBot, which is a beach cleaning robot, and a Seabin, an in-water trash trapping device. They also took part in a beach cleanup with supplies donated by a local nonprofit, Eriesponsible. Participants were also offered equipment such as monofilament fishing line recycling bins to place at their marina.

The workshop was made possible thanks to a Lake Erie Protection Fund grant to Ohio Sea Grant and the Ohio Clean Marinas Program from the Ohio Lake Erie Commission.

What Else Can Marina and Waterfront Business Owners Do?
As boating season ramps up, marina owners can make an immediate difference by implementing a few simple best practices:

• Provide an adequate number of covered trash cans for patrons
• Encourage staff to keep dumpster lids closed
• Offer recycling options, including:
  • Fishing line recycling stations
  • Boat shrink wrap recycling
• In shops or restaurants, consider:
  • Using reusable silverware
  • Avoiding plastic bags unless requested
• If single-use products are necessary, avoid Styrofoam and opt for recyclable or paper alternatives

By working together, marina operators and boaters can help keep Ohio’s waterways clean, safe, and thriving.

Launched in 2004 with support from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Ohio Clean Marinas Program is a partnership between ODNR’s Office of Coastal Management and the Ohio Sea Grant College Program to help marina owners implement innovative, voluntary best management practices that protect the natural resources vital to Ohio’s recreational and economic well-being. The initiative expanded statewide in 2015 through funding from the ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft. For more information on the Ohio Clean Marinas Program, visit: www.ohioseagrant.osu.edu/clean

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.