The Waterside Marina and Nauticus Marina, both in Norfolk, Va., were recently awarded Clean Marina status.
The marinas were the first to receive Clean Marina status since the Clean Marina Program and the Elizabeth River Project's River Stars Program joined together with the goal of reducing pollution and improving habitat of coastal areas.
Waterside and Nauticus serve about 2,000 boaters annually and attract boaters that may live on their boats or cruise long passages.
"The value of [the Clean Marina program] for us is that we get recognized that we are actively doing the right things, and it makes boaters think about their actions as well," said Tom Van Benschoten, general manager of the marinas, in a statement.
In addition to becoming certified as Clean Marinas, Waterside and Nauticus are pursuing River Star designation. To obtain River Star designation, the marinas have taken steps to create habitat, including planting oysters.
Currently, there are 65 Clean Marinas in Virginia and 68 River Stars.