Unfortunately, excesses on the part of industry and careless individuals are jeopardizing the health of the waterfront - and swelling a tide of public outcry for environmental regulation.

States from Rhode Island and New Jersey to Florida and Texas are imposing waterfront restrictions ... Over 7OO environment-related initiatives were introduced to the 101st Congress... and the U.S. Supreme Court has cleared the way for even broader state regulation of coastlands.

Most of us in the boating industry understand the need for - and welcome - environmental protection. At the same time, we also see the possibility that overzealous permitting processes and outright moratoria on marina construction threaten to shut down our industry.

The challenge to marina owners and operators? To understand the issues, fairly decide a correct balance and recognize the potential opportunities inherent in this situation.

Taking the Lead With Responsible Master-Planning

Clean-up, followed by expansion with "environmentally friendly" facilities, is the trend we have seen in waterfront development communities worldwide. Boston Harbor offers one example. On a microlevel, the Harbor is slated for clean-up of decaying docks and old shipyards; on a macro level, the city is looking to develop pedestrian spaces, marinas and other waterfront facilities that invite renewed use.

Similarly, Riviera Beach in Florida is currently seeking approval for a down-town-wide Development of Regional Impact (DRI). As part of that DRI, environmental agencies are reviewing marinas to determine the number of wet and dry slips to permit.

This opens opportunities for marina owners and operators. We must take the lead, proposing not just clean-ups, but comprehensive master-plans which also provide for facility growth. Ultimately, this approach benefits the marina industry, regulating bodies and the public.

A master plan incorporating immediate clean-up satisfies regulatory agencies and our own sensitivities to environmental problems. Perhaps more importantly, it enhances the likelihood of approval for facilities that provide for maximum current usage and future expansion, as well as marinas that can be developed in incrementally or successfully marketed for sale.

Shaping the Regulatory Process through Participation

Another pro-active step we can take as an industry is participation - in all public forums with a goal of becoming part of the regulatory process itself.

Currently, there are large numbers of non-boaters playing major roles in the decision-making process shaping the future of our industry. We need knowledgeable people who understand the dynamics of boating to step forward and take the lead in developing fair, appropriate regulations that will ensure a healthy environment - as well as a vibrant, dynamic boating industry.