Chesapeake Bay News

As Marylanders prepare to take to the state’s waterways and parks for Memorial Day weekend and the start of the summer season, the Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) urge boaters and park patrons alike to exercise caution this summer and throughout the year. To promote safety, NRP will be conducting an extensive statewide enforcement effort during the Memorial Day weekend.

The Natural Resources Police will aggressively target boaters operating in a reckless or negligent manner and/or under the influence of alcohol on the waterways. It will also focus on boaters not maintaining a proper lookout and not having the required safety equipment onboard.

Addition emphasis will be placed on conserving Maryland’s natural resources. Officers will concentrate on possession and size limits of our crabs and finfish resources.

Meanwhile, patrols in the parks and forests will focus on picnic areas, pavilions, campgrounds, and waterfront areas for alcohol consumption, and will educate the public as to where these types of beverages are permitted. Patrols will also focus on underage alcohol possession and individuals driving under the influence of alcohol.

“Memorial Day is generally considered to be the official beginning of the boating and camping season in Maryland,” said Colonel George F. Johnson IV, Superintendent of the NRP. “During the busy Memorial Day weekend, the Maryland Natural Resources Police urges citizens to enjoy Maryland waterways and parks while exercising safety and caution.”

NRP also recommends that boaters continue to use good judgment and take extra precautions during this busy holiday weekend. Boaters can help ensure their safety and the safety of others enjoying Maryland’s waterways by:

* Inspecting their vessel and its safety equipment for serviceability.

* Wearing an approved and properly fitted life jacket at all times while boating. Nationwide, approximately 700 people drown each year from recreational boating accidents.

* Knowing and obeying navigation rules, operating at a safe speed and maintaining a proper lookout.

* Be aware of fatigue on boaters caused by the wind, sun, and the motion of the boat.

* Staying in control of your vessel and respecting the rights of others enjoying the waterways.

* Ensuring that your boat is never overloaded.

* Leaving a float plan with someone at home describing where you are going, how long you will remain, and when you expect to return.

* Remaining sober and alert – remember the use of alcohol contributes to accidents on the water.

During 2008, some of the leading causes of boating accidents in Maryland were the result of faulty equipment, operator inexperience and inattentiveness, excessive speed, and excessive wake.

The Natural Resources Police, United States Coast Guard and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will be hosting a boating safety day at Sandy Point State Park, 10:30 am to 3:00 pm on May 30, 2009. The day will include demonstrations, vessel safety inspections, USCG helicopter, and NRP & USCG patrol vessels and Officers.

For more information on safe boating in Maryland, visit the DNR website: http://www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/.

The Yacht Basin Company in Annapolis and the Annapolis City Dock in Anne Arundel County have been designated the 110th and 111th certified Maryland Clean Marinas. Together with 24 smaller facilities designated as Clean Marina Partners, Maryland now boasts 135 certified facilities.

“I commend the managers of these two facilities for taking initiative and becoming a Clean Marina,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “Frequenting these businesses is one way that all Maryland boaters can be involved in the effort to improve the quality of our waterways.”

The Yacht Basin has been a mainstay in the Annapolis harbor for over 70 years and serves locals as well as many visitors. The marina runs a busy fuel dock, its own pump-out boat, and laundry and shower facilities for slip-holders. To meet the Clean Marina Award criteria, marina manager Steve Grace made a few adjustments to existing practices. For example, the marina installed small oil-absorbers in all storm-drain outlets to clean stormwater before it is discharged into the creek. Marina staff also take many precautions when fueling vessels and keep spill response equipment close at hand.

“We have been meaning to pursue the Clean Marina Award for several years but always get busy with other priorities,” said Mr. Grace. “But once I called DNR out, it was done very quickly. I’m glad I didn’t wait any longer and am proud we accomplished this.”

The Annapolis City Dock is a bustling public dock which serves 8,000 – 10,000 visitors to Annapolis each year and also includes the dozens of public moorings throughout city waterways. The Harbormaster’s staff provides environmental education materials as part of every welcome packet and operates a pump-out boat that empties the holding tanks of visiting boats. Also, during a major renovation of the docks last year, several rain gardens were installed in the parking lots to capture and treat polluted run-off.

“The staff understands the need to be environmentally responsible in a city that is known for its environmental initiatives,” said Annapolis Harbormaster Ric Dahlgren. “Earning an award from the DNR is a nice thank you for all we do to educate visitors and protect our waterways.”

Governor O’Malley and the Maryland General Assembly have approved $5 million in State Waterway Improvement Funds and an additional $1 million in anticipated federal funds in the fiscal year 2010 Budget to improve public boating access and support boating safety projects in Maryland’s waterways. Some of the approved projects include: dredging local navigation channels, developing and maintaining public boating access facilities, acquiring fire/rescue and patrol boats, and installing marine sewage pumpout stations.

“Working together with our local governments, these projects are supporting the infrastructure Maryland needs for a vibrant boating community,” said Governor Martin O’Malley, “while ensuring that all Maryland families have the opportunity to enjoy our waterways.”

All boats titled in Maryland experience a 5% vessel excise tax that is directed to the Waterway Improvement Fund. These funds are used to provide grants and loans to federal, state and local agencies for a variety of projects and activities that support the general boating public.

“The Waterway Improvement Fund is essential for continued enhancements to recreational and commercial boating in Maryland,” said DNR Secretary John Griffin. “The 60 projects selected will surely have a positive impact on the lives of Marylanders as they utilize and enjoy our spectacular waterways.”

Since 1966, the Waterway Improvement Fund has provided over 4,200 grants valued at $282 million to develop nearly 300 public boating access sites, complete over 193 navigation projects, and support hundreds of other boating related projects and activities throughout Maryland.

source: DNR press release

The Task Force to Study the Boating Industry in Maryland recently submitted its 2008 Legislative Report to Governor Martin O’Malley, members of the Maryland General Assembly, and Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary John R. Griffin.

“Maryland’s boating industry is a major economic engine in our State, providing a wide array of services to both resident and visiting recreational boaters,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “We appreciate the hard work and dedication displayed by the task force’s members as they developed ideas to address the challenges facing Maryland’s boating industry.”

The Task Force’s report offers specific recommendations on marketing Maryland waters to the out-of- state boating public and creating a more positive environment to grow and expand Maryland’s marine industry.
“Recreational boating is a popular activity in Maryland,” said Senator John Astle, Chairperson of the Task Force. “Over the past eight years, the number of registered boats in Maryland has remained stagnant and has recently started to decline. The Task Force was charged with evaluating and making recommendations regarding protecting and growing the boating industry in Maryland.”

Highlights of the Task Force’s recommendations include:

* Proposing legislation to allow matching funds for grants to be used for supplies and equipment that support best management practices at privately-owned DNR Certified Clean Marinas.

* Explore creating a single boat use permit for publicly-owned boat ramps and landings, registering non-powered vessels and using the sales tax captured in the Waterway Improvement Fund.

* Supporting the Marine Trades Association of Maryland’s (MTAM) effort to create a new consumer website marketing Maryland’s recreational boating opportunities.

* Asking the Department of Legislative Services to conduct an analysis of options for extending the stay of the transient boater in Maryland, while protecting the integrity of the Waterway Improvement Fund.

* Broadening the State’s definition of commercial waterfront property to include facilities that require direct access to, or location on the water; public marinas, boat ramps, boat hauling and repair services, waterfront recreational facilities and commercial fishing services.

* Expanding the federal definition of “commerce” to include marinas and tourism.

“Members of the task force, while representing divergent constituencies, came together to evaluate Maryland’s boating industry and find practical ways to improve and modernize the State’s efforts,” said Susan Zellers of the Marine Trades Association of Maryland. “We believe these proposed improvements will help the industry through new and enhanced policies, programs, initiatives and statutory changes.”

Chapter 523 was enacted during the 2007 Legislative Session to establish the Task Force to study the Boating Industry in Maryland. The Task Force was charged with evaluating and making recommendations regarding protecting and growing the boating industry in Maryland

For the full report, visit http://www.dnr.state.md.us/dnrnews/pdfs/boating_task_force_report.pdf

Maryland Department of Natural Resources Hydrographic Operations crew has broken ice aboard the A.V. Sandusky along the coastline of Kent Narrows.

“Our work of deicing Maryland’s waterways allows accessibility to a variety of people,” said Captain Shawn Orr. “If we let the ice build up on some of these areas for too long, it can inhibit the daily lives of many that rely on our State’s iconic aquatic resources.”

Deicing allows law enforcement units, such as the Maryland Natural Resources Police, commercial watermen using pound nets and public service vessels, such as fuel barges, to operate during winter conditions. The Smith Island community of Maryland relies heavily upon this service to allow boats to transport students to school, the U.S. mail to be delivered and commerce on the island to occur.

The diesel-powered A.V. Sandusky has 700 horsepower and can operate in up to 8 inches of ice. The vessel was built in 1989 and is 80 feet long.

When not performing this seasonally important responsibility, Hydrographic Operations manages about 2,500 floating and 360 fixed navigational and regulatory aids with a staff of 22 across the entire state of Maryland. The three ice-breaking vessels serve as buoy tenders and their other tailored outboard boats mark safety hazards near dams, as well as state and county lines.

Area’s longest running boat show docks at Baltimore Convention Center January 21-25, 2009

The 2009 Baltimore Boat Show, Maryland’s largest and longest running indoor boating event, is returning January 21-25, 2009, packing the Baltimore Convention Center with hundreds of boats and marine accessories at the best deals of the year.  The Show offers visitors more boats, more exhibits, and more family fun than ever before.

WHEN:

Wednesday, January 21 – Sunday, January 25
Wednesday, 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. (Special Preview Night)
Thursday and Friday, 11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
Saturday, 10:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
Sunday, 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

WHERE:

Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, MD

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS:

Affordability Pavilion – Boating is very affordable compared to other family leisure activities.  Visitors can check out this special selection of boats that can be owned for less than $250 a month.

Green Boating Zone – Visitors can about the latest green boating products and practices to protect the environment and preserve boating fun for future generations

Daily boating and fishing seminars – The Show features daily seminars with boating experts offering advice on everything from fishing to financing.

Discover Boating Center– From the beginner to the seasoned boater, visitors of all interests and skill levels can take advantage of unbiased advice from the experts at the Discover Boating Center.

Ravens Appearances – Meet Linebacker Jarret Johnson and members of the Raven’s cheerleaders.  Fans can win a day long fishing trip with Jarret at BaltimoreBoatShow.com

Five days of family fun and entertainment – The Baltimore Boat Show features family-friendly activities and attractions, including the Take Me Fishing Center and Miss GEICO, the world’s fastest offshore racing boat.

Special Preview Night – The 2009 Baltimore Boat Show opens with its annual Special Preview Night Benefiting the Wish-A-Fish Foundation, an opportunity for guests to have an exclusive first-look at the 2009 Show, enjoy live entertainment and contribute to a worthy local cause.

TICKET PRICES:

$10 for adults
$5 for youth 13-15 years old
FREE for kids 12 years old and under
$20 for Special Preview Night Benefiting Wish-A-Fish

About the Baltimore Boat Show

The Baltimore Boat Show is produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the world’s largest producer of boat shows. NMMA is the leading association representing the $37.5 billion per year recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters and anglers in the U.S. For more information about the NMMA, visit www.NMMA.org.

At the 10th Annual Clean Marina Awards Ceremony held at Clark’s Landing Shady Oaks Marina in southern Anne Arundel County, ten marinas received Governor’s Citations praising their accomplishment of becoming a certified clean marina.  The award ceremony was timed to coordinate with National Marina Day, August 9 to recognize marinas as family friendly gateways to boating and stewards of the environment.

“The voluntary efforts of clean marina owners and managers to reduce pollution and help protect our rivers and the Chesapeake Bay are truly commendable,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “The bay-friendly operations offered by each of these local businesses exemplify the role we all play to preserving this natural treasure.  Action is needed across the State to ensure healthy water and land, and these marinas are to be commended for doing their part.”

Marinas are certified by DNR as a Maryland Clean Marina after they adopt recommendations in the Maryland Clean Marina Guidebook and pass a site inspection by DNR and industry representatives.

“Our livelihood – boating – depends on a healthy Chesapeake Bay,” said Bob Brandon, Owner of Tidewater Yacht Service Center in Baltimore City. “We have to do all that we can to preserve the bay to ensure continued quality boating experiences for today and tomorrow. From the beginning construction of our facility – we strived to build an environmentally-friendly boating center.”

The newly certified clean marina Tidewater Yacht Service Center incorporates many green building features and operations including a living green roof; environmentally-friendly products for sale; and a special water drainage system in the parking lot to prevent run-off from polluting the bay.

Since its establishment in 1997, the Maryland Clean Marina Initiative has certified 130 marinas. The initiative, coordinated in partnership with the Marine Trades Association of Maryland, promotes voluntary adoption of pollution prevention measures.

The following ten newly certified Clean Marinas received Governor’s Citations today:

Anchor Yacht Basin, Edgewater (Anne Arundel County)
Atlantic Marina, Pasadena (Anne Arundel County)
Baltimore Marine Center, Baltimore City
Buzz’s Marina, Ridge (St. Mary’s County)
Cedar Hill Marina, Bivalve (Wicomico County)
Chesapeake Yacht Club, Shady Side (Anne Arundel County)
Clark’s Landing , West River (Anne Arundel County)
Riverside Marine, Baltimore (Baltimore County)
Tidewater Yacht Service Center, Baltimore City

A tour of the Clark’s Landing Shady Oaks Marina following the ceremony showcased some of the best management practices implemented to become a clean marina including: oil filter recycling; an emergency spill response kit; a sewage pump-out station; a waste management plan for chemicals; and native plantings.

“The Clean Marina Initiative is a great sustainable business effort that benefits the health of our environment, waterways, and local business,” said Jeff Truesdale, Managing Partner at Clark’s Landing. “We are honored that all of Clark’s Landing waterfront facilities in Maryland are certified clean marinas.  Each of our employees are specially trained to encourage our boaters to use clean boating practices.”

With more than 25 years of experience, Clark’s Landing is proving to be a sustainable leader in the marine industry by encouraging boaters and sailors to commit to clean boating habits. Clark’s Landing has locations in Maryland, Virginia and New Jersey offering new and certified pre-owned boat sales, service, storage, parts and boat brokerage.

A complete list of certified Clean Marinas and program information can be found at www.dnr.maryland.gov/boating.

Virginia’s Biggest In-Water Boat Show Returns to Downtown Norfolk Waterfront September 12 – 14, 2008

NORFOLK, Va. – May 14, 2008 – The 4th annual Virginia In-Water Boat Expo and SAILFEST returns to the Downtown Norfolk waterfront, September 12-14, 2008. As the state’s largest in-water boating exhibition, this growing event caters to every boating enthusiast, who along with their friends and family can enjoy a wide selection of the newest boats and cutting edge marine products and accessories, all in one place for the best deals all year round.

This three-day boating spectacular will showcase hundreds of the latest in luxury and cruising yachts, sport fishers, bass boats, performance boats, personal water craft, sailboats, engines, and marine accessories. The Expo will also feature live entertainment nightly, interactive exhibits and a Discover Boating pavilion, where experts will be on-site to provide unbiased information for novice boating enthusiasts and the most experienced of boaters.

Hours are Friday, from noon to 8 p.m., Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $10.00 for adults and $8.00 for military personnel and their spouses. Children 15 and under are FREE. Tickets are good for same-day re-entry with display of wristband. Take advantage of the $2.00 per ticket discount through Thursday, September 11, when you purchase your ticket online at VirginiaBoatExpo.com.

For advance tickets and show information, visit www.VirginiaBoatExpo.com or call 757-441-2345.

Sponsors of the 2008 Virginia In-Water Boat Expo and SAILFEST include TowneBank, Jeep, Discover Boating, Boaters World Marine Center, Geico and the City of Norfolk.

The Virginia In-Water Boat Expo and Sailfest is co-produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and Norfolk Festevents. NMMA is the world’s largest producer of boat shows and the leading association representing the $37.6 billion per year recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters and anglers in the U.S. For more information about the NMMA, visit www.NMMA.org. Norfolk Festevents, LTD is a private not-for-profit organization dedicated to producing premier concerts, festivals, ship visits and special events and city celebrations for residents and guests of Hampton Roads. Celebrating its 26th season, Norfolk Festevents has garnered international acclaim for its outstanding quality programming. Norfolk Festevents is the official event marketing and production agency for the City of Norfolk.

The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) is observing National Safe Boating Week through May 23 to highlight the need for boaters to wear a life jacket at all times while on the water as well as abide by other safety precautions.

“Safe boating saves lives,” said Col. George F. Johnson, NRP Superintendent. “When you boat in Maryland, remember to practice safe and responsible boating, always wear your life jacket, and be alert and aware while on the water.”

On average a dozen people die each year in boating-related incidents on Maryland waterways, most of which could have been prevented had a lifejacket been worn. Last year, Maryland saw an increase in fatalities, from eight in 2006 to ten in 2007, and injuries went from 163 to 208. Records show that the majority of accidents are the result of wake and/or excessive speed, reckless or negligent operation and operator inexperience or inattention.

Nationwide, 3,474 injuries and 710 fatalities resulting from boating-related accidents were reported in 2006. Overall, two-thirds of all fatal boating accident victims drowned. Of those who drowned, 90 percent of the victims were not wearing their life jacket. Eight out of every ten boaters who drowned were using boats less than 20 feet in length.

source: DNR press release

The Friends of Anne Arundel Trails, Inc. will present a three-party Maryland Basic Boating Safety Course from 7 to 10 p.m. April 7, 11 and 14 at the Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company’s top floor meeting room, 161 Ritchie Highway in Severna Park. The course provides an overview of the rules and fundamentals of safe boating. Pre-registration is required and must be made in person at the B & A Trail Park Office, 51 West Earleigh Heights Road, Severna Park.