PORT Denarau Marina scored a first in the South Pacific by being accredited Level 3 Clean Marina and Fish Friendly status in May this year by Marina Industries Association (MIA).
The independent Clean Marina auditor was particularly impressed by the significant efforts of the marina’s previous managing director, Nigel Skeggs, to improve environmental practices in Fiji.
Mr Skeggs had been actively involved in contributing to the writing of a new Environmental Code of Practice and Fiji’s Clean Boating Program.
“Achieving Clean Marina and Fish Friendly Marina accreditation is very important for the marina and the wider community,” he said.
“The accreditation criteria provided a framework for us to plan and prioritise our infrastructure spending.
“In a fast developing marine tourism destination such as Fiji, it is important that marinas such as ours play a strong environmental leadership role,” he said.
“The Clean Marina Program has provided important guidelines for us to provide this leadership.
“Our team is very proud of what we have achieved.”
The accreditation comes at an important time for Fiji as the country co-chair Ocean Conference and chair of the UN Conference of Parties dealing with Climate Change and Sustainable Innovation (COP 23).
Fisheries Minister and ocean champion Semi Koroilavesau congratulated Port Denarau Marina for attainting Level 3 International Clean Marina and International Fish Friendly Marina accreditation.
“Our honourable Prime Minister will be co-chairing the Ocean Conference with Sweden in New York in June and we hope to include these achievements as a Voluntary Commitment to the Ocean Conference,” he said.
The Clean Marina Program is a voluntary accreditation program for marinas, yacht clubs, boat clubs, slipways, boatyards and associated industry operators which emphasise environmental and managerial best management practices that surpasse regulatory requirement.
A typical Clean Marina Program will cover marina sighting and design considerations, marina management, emergency planning, petroleum control, sewage and gray water, stormwater management, waste containment and disposal and boater education.
Fish Friendly Accreditation has been developed to inform marina managers on how to improve fish habitat and species protection within the marina.
Fish Friendly Accreditation is an effective tool in maintaining and promoting responsible planning to ensure that the infrastructure is fish friendly by modifying existing structures to improve their value, managing stormwater, keeping invaders out, managing chemical, oil, fuel and fire risks, managing waste and creating awareness for customers and tenants.
Port Denarau Marina is the largest private marina in Fiji and has been designed to cater for both commercial and private vessels.
The marina includes three main jetties or wharves, two of which are used by commercial operators and the third by private vessel-owners.
The private jetty includes several superyacht berths.
The marina also provides moorings and wharf facilities for temporary or day use by local residents and cruise ship ferries.
Port Denarau marina provides a refueling and pump-out facilities, a hardstand area with vessel lift, a dry dock, boatyard, and several tenanted workshops, as well as retail and restaurant outlets.
Information supplied: Port Denarau Marina
Source: Fiji Times