July 2025 WATERLINE | 17 Ocean Marina Jomtien (OMJ), Southeast Asia’s largest and most established marina, has reached a new milestone in its journey toward sustainability, achieving both Clean Marina and Fish Friendly Marina accreditation. These prestigious certifications, awarded by the Marina Industries Association (MIA), recognise the marina’s steadfast commitment to protecting the marine environment while delivering world-class boating and tourism services. Located on Thailand’s Gulf Coast near Pattaya, OMJ features more than 450 berths for vessels up to 75 metres, and offers an extensive range of resort, maintenance, and recreational facilities. These new environmental accreditations add to its impressive credentials, including 5 Gold Anchor Platinum and Superyacht Ready status, affirming its position as a leader in service, infrastructure and environmental stewardship. From its inception over 35 years ago, OMJ has been guided by a vision that paired world-class marina development with a deep respect for the marine environment. Its founder, Mr. Kris Assakul, envisioned the area as a future leisure destination worth preserving. At the time, boating in Thailand faced significant hurdles—limited infrastructure, a lack of local boating culture, and import duties of up to 300% on vessels. Yet, OMJ was established as a five-star facility with a strong foundation in sustainable values. As the marina expanded in 2010 and underwent rejuvenation in 2012, 2014, and 2018, those values evolved into more structured and proactive environmental practices. Seeking Clean Marina and Fish Friendly accreditation was a natural next step in aligning the marina’s operations with international best practices and sustainability goals. The MIA’s Clean Marina Program provides a comprehensive framework for marina operators to minimise their environmental footprint. It focuses on key areas such as waste and stormwater management, spill prevention, washdown procedures, and staff training. The Fish Friendly component recognises additional initiatives that support the health of local marine ecosystems and sustainable fishing practices. OMJ excelled across all criteria, thanks to robust environmental initiatives including upgraded waste disposal systems, strengthened water quality monitoring, refined spill response procedures, and enhanced emergency preparedness through regular training and drills. For the marina’s long-serving team, these efforts reflect a deep, shared commitment to preserving the waters they work in every day. OMJ was formally presented with its 5 Gold Anchor Platinum, Superyacht Ready, Clean Marina, and Fish Friendly Marina accreditations at the 2025 Nautilus Marine Insurance Marina of the Year Awards in Sydney in May. Marina Supervisor Min Sawangphong was also acknowledged, receiving a Highly Commended award in the Woman of the Year category—highlighting the leadership and dedication that continue to drive the marina forward. For Marina Manager Scott Finsten CMM, and his team, the Clean Marina and Fish Friendly certifications are more than symbolic— they reinforce operational excellence, strengthen risk management, and build customer trust. Importantly, they demonstrate that sustainable practices can go hand in hand with growth, innovation, and high-quality service. OMJ is a leading example in the Asia-Pacific region, showing how long-term vision and a strong environmental ethic can build both a world-class destination and a legacy of sustainable marina management. These latest accreditations reflect values that have guided the marina since its inception and continue to shape its future. OCEAN MARINA JOMTIEN EARNS CLEAN MARINA AND FISH FRIENDLY ACCREDITATION, STRENGTHENING ITS LEGACY OF ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP CLEAN MARINA TEN TIPS FOR A FISH FRIENDLY MARINA Marinas are more than just boating hubs—they’re custodians of our aquatic environments. By embracing fish friendly practices, marina operators can play a significant role in preserving marine biodiversity, supporting healthy fish and maintaining clean, thriving waterways that underpin the success of marina businesses and leave the marine environment in an even healthier position ready for future generations to enjoy. Recognising the importance of environmental stewardship, the Marina Industries Association (MIA), in partnership with the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) developed the Fish Friendly Marina program well over a decade ago. The program was built on the foundation of the internationally recognised Clean Marina Program and is an add on accreditation to Clean Marina which offers a practical, step-by-step framework to help marina operators protect and enhance critical fish habitats by improving their surrounding conditions and providing them protective shelters. Here are ten tips for making your marina fish friendly and lead the way in supporting a healthier marine environment: 1. Make Your Infrastructure Fish Friendly Structures like pontoons, pylons, and breakwalls can provide valuable habitats. Use fish friendly designs for new builds, retrofit existing structures to improve habitat value, and install environmentally friendly moorings to avoid damaging seagrass beds. 2. Understand Your Local Fish and Habitats Different species rely on various habitats to complete their life cycles. Learn about the local fish in your area, especially threatened or unique species, and get involved in habitat restoration efforts within or near your marina. 3. Keep Invasive Species Out Marine pests pose serious threats to native species. Maintain clean hulls and internal boat systems, educate customers and staff, and promote reporting of suspicious species to local authorities. 4. Manage Stormwater Runoff Hard surfaces increase runoff, degrading water quality. Install and maintain first flush systems, collect rainwater, and preserve natural ground areas like lawns and gardens to slow and filter runoff before it reaches the water. 5. Control Waste and Pollutants From hydrocarbons to heavy metals, waste can harm fish. Ensure hardstands and slipways are bunded and drained properly, promote the use of eco-friendly products, and provide pump-out facilities for bilge and sewage waste. 6. Minimise Chemical and Fuel Risks Spills and fire-related pollution are harmful and unsightly. Use spill-prevention devices at fuel docks, clearly display emergency procedures, and keep spill kits readily available. 7. Protect Sensitive Habitats Seagrass, mangroves, and saltmarsh are vital fish nurseries. Use mesh decking to reduce shading, route boat traffic away from vulnerable areas, and consider retrofitting seawalls to create fish habitat. 8. Educate Your Customers Visitors love seeing fish. Provide information about local species, display signage with sustainable fishing rules, and share what you’re doing to protect the marine environment. 9. Discourage Wildlife Feeding Feeding fish or birds can lead to poor nutrition, aggression, and disease spread. Ask customers not to feed wildlife, prohibit fish waste disposal into the marina, and direct users to proper waste facilities. 10. Promote Your Efforts Let your customers and the community know you’re fish friendly. Use signage, brochures, and guided tours to showcase your environmental initiatives—and encourage boaters to do their part. The MIA’s dedicated industry website, marinas.net.au, provides all the information, tools, and accreditation support needed to implement fish friendly practices. Whether you're just beginning your sustainability journey or pursuing best-practice certification, the site serves as a comprehensive resource hub for marina operators in Australia and internationally. Adopting fish friendly practices not only benefits the environment but also strengthens business reputation and helps safeguard the future of our waterways. Congratulations to the following marinas for their re-accreditation and fantastic results: • Royal Phuket Marina, Thailand – Clean Marina & Fish Friendly • Marina at Keppel Bay, Singapore – Clean Marina & Fish Friendly • Port Coogee Marina, WA – Clean Marina & Fish Friendly
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