Ohio Clean Marina Announces Award Winners

Marina owners, operators, and recreational boating professionals were honored for their commitment to keeping Ohio’s waterways clean at the 9th Annual Ohio Marina Conference. The conference, hosted by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ (ODNR) Office of Coastal Management and Division of Parks and Watercraft, in partnership with the Ohio Sea Grant College Program, celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Ohio Clean Marinas Program, a statewide initiative that has helped keep Ohio’s waterways clean and vibrant for two decades.

As part of the conference, 2025 Ohio Clean Marina Awards were presented to facilities that have gone above and beyond in their commitment to implementing clean boating and marina best practices. There are three tiers of certification for the Ohio Clean Marinas Program: Base, Gold and Platinum. Platinum certification is the highest certification, in which all practices are implemented.

The 2025 Ohio Clean Marina Awards are as follows:

Marina of the Year

Geneva Marina

Partner of the Year

 Firelands Local, LLC – Honored for their dedication to supporting Ohio’s Clean Marinas Program.

Newly Certified Clean Marinas

• Gold Certified Marina-Alum Creek Sailing Association, Hoover Reservoir Marina
• Base Certified-Sawmill Creek Marina

Tiered-Up Clean Marinas (Honoring marinas that have advanced their certification level)

• Platinum Certified Marinas-Catawba Island Club Marina, Lake Milton Marina & State Park, West Branch Marina & State Park
• Gold Certified Marinas-Bay View Yacht Club, Cedar Point Marina, City of Huron Boat Basin, Turtle Creek Marina & Campground, Walborn Reservoir Marina

In addition to marinas that advanced their certification level this year, several facilities renewed their commitment to clean boating practices through recertification, demonstrating their ongoing dedication to environmental stewardship.

Recertified Clean Marinas (Honoring marinas that have renewed their commitment to clean practices)

• Platinum Certified Marinas-Bay Point Resort & Marina, Sugartree Marina
• Gold Certified Marinas-Holiday Harbor Marina, Hueston Woods Marina, Huron Lagoons Marina, Sandusky Yacht Club
• Base Certified Marinas-Beaver Park Marina, Castaway Bay Marina, Catawba Landing, Channel Park Marina, Cooley Canal Yacht Club, Edgewater Marina, Edgewater Yacht Club, Grand River Marine – Fairport Harbor, Grand River Marine, Inc., Happy Days Boating, Hoty Marine (East Harbor State Park & Venetian Marina), Huron Yacht Club, Maumee Bay Lodge Marina, Sippo Lake Marina, Spitzer Marina (Riverside), Valley Harbor Marina, Vermilion Power Boats, Whiskey Island Marina

Celebrating 20 Years of Commitment

The conference also recognized marinas that have maintained their Clean Marina status for two decades, a testament to their long-standing commitment to environmental excellence

• Beaver Park Marina
• Beaver Park North, Inc.
• Cedar Point Marina
• Edgewater Yacht Club
• Oasis Marina at Port Lorain
• Sandusky Yacht Club
• SkipperBud’s Marina Del Isle
• Spitzer Marina (Riverside)

Attendees explored critical topics shaping the future of Ohio’s marina industry, including marine insurance, abandoned vessel management, electrical codes, and the rise of electric boats. The event also provided a valuable networking opportunity for marina professionals dedicated to environmental sustainability.

Launched in 2004 with funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Ohio Clean Marinas Program has expanded across Ohio, promoting environmental stewardship and best management practices among marinas and boaters.

For more information on the Ohio Clean Marinas Program and how marinas can participate, visit www.ohioseagrant.osu.edu/clean.