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Two marinas along Georgia’s coast have been newly certified under the Georgia Clean Marina Program, recognizing their commitment to protecting coastal waters and implementing environmentally responsible business practices.
Safe Harbor Savannah Yacht Center in Savannah and The Ford Field and River Club Marina in Richmond Hill were certified Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, for adopting Clean Marina Best Management Practices (BMPs), which are designed to reduce or eliminate waterway pollution from everyday marina operations.
The Georgia Clean Marina Program is a voluntary certification program allowing coastal Georgia marinas the opportunity to demonstrate their environmental stewardship through implementation of Clean Marina Best Management Practices (BMPs). Certified marinas are eligible to fly the Georgia Clean Marina flag and use the logo in their advertising and promotional materials, signaling to the boating community their commitment to protecting coastal waterways.
Marinas are assessed in several areas such as fueling operations, boat washing policies and emergency preparedness to demonstrate the policies they have in place to go above and beyond in ensuring their operations are not negatively impacting their coastal environment. They must meet minimum requirements addressing all areas of marina operation to become certified. Certified marinas can use this designation to attract clientele that value the steps clean marinas have taken to be better stewards of our coast.
These certifications mark the third cohort of facilities to earn designation since the Georgia Clean Marina Program was relaunched in 2023. The program is part of a national initiative and is administered through a collaborative partnership between the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Coastal Resources Division (CRD), University of Georgia Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, and the Georgia Marine Business Association (GAMBA).
“The continued growth of the Georgia Clean Marina Program shows how effective this partnership has been,” said Kelly Hill, CRD green growth specialist. “By working together, we’re helping marinas implement practical solutions that protect water quality while supporting a strong coastal economy.”
Marinas play a vital role in Georgia’s coastal communities by supporting recreational boating, marine tourism, and local jobs. Most facilities are located in or near sensitive marshlands and estuarine waters, making environmental stewardship a critical component of marina operations.
“These certifications demonstrate the marine industry’s commitment to balancing business operations with environmental responsibility,” said Lucy Bowie, GAMBA secretary. “Each new cohort strengthens the program and sets a positive example for marinas across the coast.”
Bryan Fluech, associate director of extension for University of Georgia Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, emphasized the long-term impact of the program.
“The Georgia Clean Marina Program is a successful model of collaboration,” he said. “Each newly certified marina represents real progress toward conserving Georgia’s coastal resources for future generations.”
Marinas interested in becoming certified may apply each fall and work closely with program partners throughout the year to meet program benchmarks. For more information, visit GeorgiaCleanMarina.org.
About the Coastal Resources Division
The mission of the Coastal Resources Division is to balance coastal development and protection of the coast's natural assets, socio-cultural heritage and recreational resources for the benefit of present and future generations.
Media Contact
Tyler Jones
Public Information Officer
Coastal Resources Division
Georgia Department of Natural Resources
tyler.jones@dnr.ga.gov
912-230-9709
