Washington marinas pledge to support the environment through Clean Marina certifications
Clean Marina Washington is thrilled to announce the certification of Kettle Falls Marina, as well as the recertifications of Tacoma Yacht Club and Des Moines Marina this year. These certifications demonstrate a strong commitment to protect the incredible aquatic life that depends on clean Washington waters.
A voluntary, incentive-based program, Clean Marina Washington certifies marinas doing their part to protect the environment, earning them the right to fly the Clean Marina flag. Currently, Washington has 84 certified Clean Marinas throughout marine and freshwater habitats of the state. From forest lakes to the shores of the Pacific, harbormasters, marina managers, and boaters are doing their part to leave a healthy wake.
Originally designed as part of King County Cooperative’s EnviroStars program, Clean Marina Washington was established in 2005. In 2022, Washington Sea Grant took the reins of the program with the goal to continue protecting Washington’s marine environments and publicly recognize marinas following environmentally-sound practices and procedures. The collaborative partnership between Washington Sea Grant, Washington Department of Ecology, NMTA, Washington State Parks, Puget Soundkeeper, and EnviroStars culminated with a tool to help marinas improve their operations and practices. “One of the most meaningful aspects of the Clean Marina program is its longevity and continued partnership of field experts,” Troy Rowan says. Rowan oversees Pierce County participants in the Clean Marina program, supporting 13 marinas currently participating.
Kettle Falls Marina joins the program
Located along the shores of Lake Roosevelt on the edge of northeast Washington’s Colville National Forest, Kettle Falls Marina offers mooring slips and dockage for both short- and long-term stays. The marina is equipped with laundry facilities, a fueling station, and a pumpout station to meet the needs of its tenants.
Kettle Falls is new to the Clean Marina program, earning its certification for the first time this year. “Kettle Falls Marina is unique among certified clean marinas in Washington because it is on freshwater and very remote,” notes Aaron Barnett, WSG boating specialist. Part of Kettle Falls’ plan is to put extra equipment on their fuel dock in preparation for oil spill response. As one of only six freshwater certified Clean Marinas, Kettle Falls represents a huge step forward in lake habitat protection.
Progress in Pierce County
Rowan highlights that many of the 13 participating Pierce County marinas have engaged with Clean Marina for more than 15 years. In the last year several have been recertified, including Delin Docks, Foss Landing, Dock Street, Foss Harbor, and Tacoma Yacht Club Marinas. Recertifications occur every three years, and facilities undergo rigorous reevaluations to maintain their Clean Marina status. Projects and upgrades may include replacing hazardous lamps with environmentally friendly LED light fixtures, or first responder training to ensure prompt response in the event of an emergency oil spill. In March 2026, long-time participant Tacoma Yacht Club was recertified, and evaluators praised the facility’s swift response to the recent sinking of a guest vessel. The evaluation states: “Spill response procedures were immediately initiated, and containment boom was promptly deployed to control any fuel release to mitigate environmental impacts.”
Rowan describes the hard work Peninsula Yacht Basin has undertaken this year to maintain and update their Clean Marina certification while under new ownership. Tenants now will have the opportunity to review and acknowledge the Clean Marina Best Management Practices (BMPs) as part of their lease/moorage agreement. The Clean Marina program also has an online manual that covers all BMPs for participating marinas. Nearby Gig Harbor Marina and Boatyard is another certified Clean Marina, partnering with Department of Ecology’s Spill Response Team to proactively prepare for potential spill events. Rowan adds that he is hopeful that these facilities will encourage other marinas in the area to join in the effort. As the saying goes, a rising tide lifts all ships.
Des Moines Marina recertifies
The Des Moines Marina has panoramic views of the emerald waters of Puget Sound and peaks of the Olympic Mountains to the west and Mount Rainier to the southeast. From small family fishing boats to large sailing yachts, Des Moines Marina hosts dry and wet moorage options as well as a fuel dock and free waste pumpout station. Guest moorage is available on a first-come basis for vessels up to 100 feet in length. As a participant in the Clean Marina program since 2004, Des Moines Marina demonstrates a long-term commitment to environmental stewardship. Barnett notes that Des Moines Marina is one that has moved their storage and maintenance shops upland: “This is the biggest impact of this program. Storage and maintenance shops are large sources of contaminants in water.”
When exploring Washington shorelines, whether by land or sea, be on the lookout for the Clean Marina logo. “As a boater myself, I value the focus and services provided by our participating Clean Marinas,” Rowan says. “The Clean Marina logo and burgee demonstrate a marina’s commitment to environmental stewardship, quality service, and pride in providing outstanding facilities for the boaters they serve.”
Congratulations to these marinas for sharing their commitment to a healthier Washington state. To learn more about Clean Marina Washington, visit cleanmarinawashington.org.