Port Denarau Marina is an International Level 3 Clean Marina and an International Fish Friendly Marina. We were independently audited with the audit being valid through to May 2020.
Port Denarau Marina was the first marina in the South Pacific to be accredited Level 3 Clean Marina and Fish Friendly status in early May 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. Nigel has been actively involved in contributing to the writing of a new Environmental Code of Practice and Fiji’s Clean Boating Program.
Nigel said “achieving Clean Marina and Fish Friendly Marina accreditation is very important for the marina and the wider community. 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. The Clean Marina program has provided important guidelines for us to provide this leadership. Our team are 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 (COP23) in June. The Honourable Semi Koroilevesau said in May, “As Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Champion, I wish to congratulate Port Denarau Marina on its recent achievements in receiving the Level 3 International Clean Marina and International Fish Friendly Marina accreditation status. Fiji’s 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.” The accreditation comes at an important time for Fiji as the Country Co-Chair of the upcoming Ocean Conference and Chair of the UN Conference of Parties dealing with Climate Change and Sustainable Innovation (COP23) later this year. The Honourable Semi Koroilevesau said, “As Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Champion, I wish to congratulate Port Denarau Marina on its recent achievements in receiving the Level 3 International Clean Marina and International Fish Friendly Marina accreditation status. Fiji’s 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.”
What is Clean Marina Program (CMP)?
Clean Marina Program is a voluntary accreditation program for Marina’s, Yacht Clubs, boat clubs, slipways, boatyards and associated industry operators which emphasizes environmental and managerial best management practices that surpasses regulatory requirement. A facility must meet all legal regulatory requirements and a percentage of voluntary best management practices to become a Certified Clean Marina. This international Program is administered by the Marina Industries Association (MIA).
A typical Clean Marina Program will have components that cover marina sighting and design considerations, marina management, emergency planning, petroleum control, sewage and gray water, storm water management, waste containment and disposal and boater education.
The Clean Marina Program is beneficial because it is an effective tool in maintaining and promoting environmental responsibility; with the end result being cleaner water, clean air and thriving marina businesses. The voluntary, non-regulatory nature of the program encourages participation and cooperation between the marina, the boating public and our tenants.
The program is valuable to marina operators because it can help reduce waste disposal costs, generate new sources of revenue, increase confidence with government, the community, the neighbors within the marine tourism, leisure and recreation sectors, improve environmental conditions for everyone and attract responsible customers that will respect and follow good boating and best management practices. This improves company image and increases customer patronage.
Level 4 Fish Friendly Accreditation (FFA)
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 valuable as it is an effective tool in maintaining and promoting responsible planning to ensure that the infrastructure is fish friendly (modifying existing structures to improve their value), managing storm water, keeping invaders out, managing chemical, oil, fuel and fire risks, managing waste and creating awareness for customers and tenants.
Background
The marina directly offers berthing/mooring, leasing, boat retrieval and launching, pump-out and dry stacking services. All other activities are undertaken by tenanted contractors or external contractors approved by the marina. Workshops/suppliers at the marina include:
- Engineering/welding workshop
- Hydraulic workshop
- Outboard/jet ski repairs
- Aluminum fabricators and boat builder
- Stainless steel fabrication
- Repairs and maintenance
- Sail and canvas maker
- Marine chandleries
- Painting and antifoul.
- Fiberglass and repairs
Any works for vessels at the marina must be undertaken in the hardstand or relevant workshop areas. No activities are allowed in water or in the boat storage yard.
The marina provides 24/7 security personnel as well as surveillance cameras. Best Management Practices:
- The hardstand area has been designed to ensure storm water, runoff etc. is captured and treated prior to discharge and/or reuse. Currently the boat storage yard and the workshops drain are being upgraded to include an oil separator to treat runoff prior to discharge.
- All significant works are undertaken by appropriately licensed/trained operators within work sheds or the hard standards, with curtains etc. used for activities that cause aerial emissions, dust etc.
- Refueling and recycling of used oil is managed by an onsite contractor.
- The marina has a rubbish recycle facility with an outside contractor
- In line with MSAF regulations, Port Denarau Marina is the first to have black water pump out system available for all vessels use in the marina without any charge.
- Personnel at the marina are trained, with an ongoing commitment by the marina to provide relevant training to all marina staff.
- Regular audits are undertaken by marina staff of workshop areas to ensure spills and potential pollution sources are managed appropriately to minimize discharge to the environment.
- The marina utilizes rainwater for pressure cleaning.
- The marina has solar panels on almost all buildings and is considered to have the most solar panels of any marina in Southern Hemisphere.
- While government-based support for ‘fish friendly’ activities in marinas (e.g. programs, educational information) is not available, the marina has invested in activities consistent with a fish friendly status.
Background information:
The Marina Industries Association (MIA) is the peak representative body for marinas, slipways, boatyards, berthing, mooring and other marine storage facilities as well as sailing and cruising boating clubs. MIA membership comprises marinas and suppliers from Australia, NZ, Asia-Pacific regions and the Middle East.
MIA’s mission is to contribute to the sustainable development of the industry through the promotion of marinas and the provision of education, environmental accreditation and research programs and policies. This is undertaken in conjunction with the Global Marina Institute and the various State Boating Industry Associations.
MIA’s International Clean Marina partner is OLEOLOGY Pty Ltd.