Baltimore Boat Show opens

Starts Today: Baltimore Boat Show Brings the Best in Boating

Come for the Great Deals and Stay for the Fun Family Activities

Baltimore, Md. – January 24, 2011 -- It’s that time of year again! The Baltimore Boat Show returns to the Baltimore Convention Center this week, bringing local boaters an opportunity to compare and shop hundreds of different boats while enjoying a day of fun with tons of family-friendly activities. “There’s no better way to beat the winter blues than by heading to the Baltimore Boat Show, where you can check out all of our great deals on boats and accessories,” said show manager Tara Davis. “After you’ve shopped the show, be sure to catch one of our free seminars, meet one of our special guests or enter to win one of our fantastic prizes.” Meet and take photos with our special guests, including: Russell Newberry from Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Catch, 2pm–4pm & 6pm–8pm Thursday & Friday and 11am–2pm & 3pm–5pm Saturday & Sunday. Director of Fishes and Aquatic Invertebrates for the National Aquarium Institute and Discovery Channel Shark Adviser Andy Dehart, 11am–1pm Saturday and 3pm Sunday. Former Orioles Right Fielder Joe Orsulak, who played 14 seasons in the majors with the Pirates (1983–86), Orioles (1988–1992), New York Mets (1993–95), Florida Marlins (1996) and Montreal Expos (1997), noon–2pm Saturday. SpongeBob Squarepants, 11am–3pm Saturday and Sunday.

Lawrence, Pizer receive boating access award from BoatUS

A snapshot of the “Accessing the Virginia Coast” website by Lisa Lawrence and Margaret Pizer of the Virginia Sea Grant Marine Extension Program at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science.

GLOUCESTER, Va., January 19, 2011 -- To Virginia’s recreational boaters, sailors and anglers, having access to the water is critical. However, when local communities attempt to increase boat access a range of property issues, regulations, and other hurdles pop up. A new online tool, “Accessing the Virginia Coast” at www.virginiacoastalaccess.net, provides timely, accurate and practical boating access information that can help local governments or individuals grow public boating access across the Commonwealth.

This excellent resource was developed on behalf of the Middle Peninsula Chesapeake Bay Public Access Authority by Lisa Lawrence and Margaret Pizer of the Virginia Sea Grant Marine Extension Program at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS). To honor their work in helping communities achieve more boating access, Lawrence and Pizer are recipients of a 2010 BoatUS Recreational Boating Access Award.

BoatUS (Boat Owners Association of The United States) created the award program in 2007 to highlight successes in protecting water access as boaters and communities were losing marina slips, service yards and boat launching areas. The goal is to draw national attention to innovative solutions and share success stories so that others may help to solve their own waterway access challenges.

Corsica River and Ramp Frozen

The title pretty much says it all.

DNR Releases Improved Online Boating Access Guide

Annapolis, Md. (January 15, 2011) -- The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is pleased to announce the launch of its updated Online Boating Access Guide. The web-based guide provides the location of public boating access sites across the state, as well as site-specific details on amenities, parking, directions, and fees. The new site is located at www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/boatramps.asp

“The previously offered data were out of date, and boaters told us they needed more information,” said Lisa Gutierrez, DNR’s Division Director of Boating Services who oversaw the project. “In addition, we wanted to reflect the growing number of non-motorized recreational boaters who wanted information on soft launch sites.”

DNR’s Boating Services Unit worked for almost two years to produce new maps and collect data from local, state and federal partners for the updated site. Boaters planning to use launch sites are encouraged to check the website before planning a trip. While DNR provides the maps, most boat ramps are operated by county departments of parks and recreation. Contact information for these offices is provided on the new website and boaters should contact the counties for information on parking, fees, and permits, which vary.

“This new guide will help supply boaters all over Maryland, and beyond, with the information they need to access and experience Maryland’s waterways and the Chesapeake Bay,” said Bob Gaudette, DNR’s Director of Boating Services.

For more information visit www.dnr.state.md.us/boating.

Boat Show Brings Baltimore Warm Thoughts and the Best Deals

Baltimore, MD (January 14, 2011) -- The Baltimore Boat Show coming to the Baltimore Convention Center later this month offers Chesapeake Bay boaters a once-a-year opportunity to shop for the best in boats, gear and accessories. A recent Foresight Research report confirms that boat shows are the only place consumers can compare different boats, models and prices from multiple dealers and view and board the boats – all under one roof.

The Foresight research also finds that:

• For those who attended a boat show, the boat show had the most influence on their decision to buy a boat (57% ranking 4 or 5 on a 5 point scale) versus their experience at a dealership (54%) and the Internet (47%).
• Buyers said boat shows have the most influence during the interest/consideration phase of the purchase process. Boat show attendees often “discover” brands they may not have known about. 
• Nearly six in ten new boat buyers (57%) attended at least one boat show in the 12 months prior to buying their boat.
• Nearly 20% of new boat buyers were first introduced to their dealer at a boat show.

“The Baltimore Boat Show is the most effective and fun way to compare boats and visit with a number of boat dealers all in one place. There’s no better way to get a great deal, while getting up close and personal with some of the region’s best and newest boats,” said show manager Tara Davis. “Whether you’re a long-time or novice boater, spending a day at the show will make sure you’re ready to hit the water just as soon as the boating season starts later this year.”

The recreational boating industry’s leading trade group, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), which produces the show, reports that there's pent-up demand for boats and hopes to find buyers come out this year given signs of economic recovery and growth in consumer spending.

The NMMA notes an estimated 66 million Americans who went boating in 2009 increased the time they spent on their boats by four percent, demonstrating boating’s popularity despite the recession. In fact, the NMMA says nearly one million Americans (933,000) bought a powerboat in 2009. Eighty-two percent were pre-owned and 18 percent new versus a normal 72 percent pre-owned indicating people are buying and want to go boating but are choosing what they perceive to be a more value-oriented approach. Manufacturers are responding by offering more value priced new boats in 2011, a number of which can be financed for less than $250 per month and can be found at the show’s Affordability Pavilion.

What’s more, the most recent data from NMMA shows that boating is still big business in the Chesapeake Bay area. The Delmarva area generated $785 million in boat and related sales in 2009 alone and is home to more than 505,000 registered boats.

The Baltimore Boat Show boasts the best in boat shopping, but also offers fun attractions and educational opportunities for boaters of all ages. Visit with Russell Newberry from Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Catch, who will be available daily to meet and greet fans. Brush up on your boating and fishing skills with free seminars from the pros at the Annapolis School of Seamanship, Chesapeake Bay Magazine and the Recreational Powerboating Association. For those with a competitive spirit, try your hand at Saturday’s Crab Pickin’ Contest to win great prizes from Crab Shanty or our Nautical Challenge Trivia Competition to win a 2011 Sea Doo GTI 130 jet ski and trailer package valued at $10,000 from Pete’s Cycle Co. All boaters can appreciate the nautical craftsmanship of long-ago days through an extensive display of vintage boats and motors by members of the Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the Antique & Classic Boat Society.

There’s also plenty to see and do for your youngest boaters, who can join in on the fun by learning their nautical knots, boat navigation and other boating skills through hands-on sessions or interacting with marine life on the Fishmobile. Don’t miss special appearances by SpongeBob Squarepants as well as a visit by special guest marine biologist and Shark Week expert Andy Dehart.

For more information on these features, including seminar schedules and appearance times, as well as a full list of activities at the show, visit www.BaltimoreBoatShow.com.

When:         January 27-30, 2011

                   Thursday and Friday, January 27-28: 11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.

                   Saturday, January 29: 10:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.  

                   Sunday, January 30: 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Where:        Baltimore Convention Center

                   1 West Pratt Street (at Charles Street) 

                   Baltimore, MD 21201

Tickets:       Adults $10 (16 and older)

                   Youth 15 and under are FREE with a paid adult ticket

                   **Advance tickets can be purchased online at BaltimoreBoatShow.com. 

                  

Phone:        212.984.7000

Online:        Visit us online, on Twitter and on Facebook for the latest updates and giveaways.

                  Web:  BaltimoreBoatShow.com

                   Twitter: www.twitter.com/BaltimoreBoatShow

                   Facebook: www.facebook.com/BaltimoreBoatShow

               

Media:         Visit BaltimoreBoatShow.com to sign up for a media badge or contact Christine Pomorski at 202.737-9774 or cpomorski@nmma.org for press materials, photos and interviews.

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About the Baltimore Boat Show

The 57^th annual Baltimore Boat Show is produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the world’s largest producer of boat shows and the leading association representing the recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters and anglers throughout the U.S. and Canada. The association is dedicated to industry growth through programs in public policy advocacy, market statistics and research, product quality assurance and promotion of the boating lifestyle. For more information, visit www.nmma.org.

Choptank Boatworks launches Atkin 22-foot skiff

Denton, MD (January 13, 2011) -- Recently launched from Maryland boatbuilder Choptank Boatworks is a William & John Atkin design based on a Seabright skiff. This 22ft launch is powered by a 25hp Betamarine diesel and is equipped with solid stainless steel hardware. The hull is strip-planked with white cedar on mahogany frames with a marine plywood deck, all sheathed in fiberglass and epoxy. The powerboat will reside in Royal Oak, Maryland.

Established in 2002, Choptank Boatworks specializes in wooden boatbuilding and restoration. Other projects in the boatshop include the restoration of a 41ft Aage Nielsen yawl, the repair of a Flying Dutchman sailboat, and the restoration of a Chuck Paine pocket cruiser.

Owner of Choptank Boatworks, Patrick Mertaugh applies the appropriate traditional and modern methods and materials to every project, practicing skills acquired at the Landing School of Boatbuilding and Design and honed during years of experience in the marine industry.

To contact Patrick Mertaugh about your wooden boat project call 410-479-0050, email patrick@choptankboatworks.com, or visit Choptank Boatworks at 10369 River Road, Unit 3, Denton, Maryland 21629. Visit the website www.choptankboatworks.com for project photos and details.

M Yacht Service seeks crew

Annapolis, MD (January 12, 2011) -- M Yacht Services of Annapolis, a large, full-service marine company, is hiring addtional experienced crew in the following fields: marine systems (mechanical and electrical), carpentry, sailboat rigging, fiberglass/gelcoat/painting. The company offers competitive wages and benefits. Applicants must have in-depth knowledge of their trade and must have a clean driving record. Email resumes to admin@myachtservices.net.

Second Olly’s book available at booksellers

Crofton, MD (January 11, 2011) -- Olly loves cleaning the water in the Chesapeake Bay where he lives with all his friends. But when Olly spies a sunken ship just beyond the oyster reef, he decides to explore the old wreck to see if there is treasure on board. When Olly arrives at the sunken ship, he finds all the treasure he could ever imagine, with silver vases, gold coins, and shiny gemstones everywhere he looks. But what is treasure without a friend to share it? Journey under the Chesapeake Bay with Olly and his friends to learn why his oyster reef is all the treasure he needs. Pre-K to grade 3.

 http://www.schifferbooks.com/newschiffer/book_template.php?isbn=9780764337727

United States Yacht Shows Launches Cruisers University

Baltimore (January 10, 2011) -- Of the millions who dream of cruising into the sunset, only a relatively small percentage actually do it. The difference is often a matter of confidence, a healthy byproduct of knowledge.

United States Yacht Shows, Inc., producer of the renowned United States Sail and Powerboat Shows, is launching a new event for aspiring, as well as experienced, cruisers: The first annual Cruisers University, to be held May 12-15, 2011 at the Baltimore Inner Harbor Marine Center.

Billed as "The Ultimate Aid To Navigation," the program will provide expert instruction in a wide range of subjects pertinent to long-range cruising. Classes range from general cruising topics, such as Crossing the Gulf Stream, Proper Provisioning and Cruising with Children, to master certification courses in Diesel Maintenance, Weather Forecasting and a comprehensive educational package called the Seamanship Series. All classes will be taught by subject matter experts from respected institutions, such as the Annapolis School of Seamanship, while the opportunity to meet other participants who share the cruising dream is a significant bonus.

One of the most unique aspect of Cruisers University is its interactivity, including a large in-water display of boats, both sail and power, outfitted with live-aboard cruising in mind. Participants will not only attend classes, they can become involved with learning through demonstrations of equipment and systems, as well as by taking selected boats out for sea trials during the extended weekend.

The event's structure allows participants to choose from three programs, with tuitions ranging from $450 for the four-day Masters Certification Program or the Seamanship Series to $160 for the one-day Introduction to Cruising Package.  Each package includes breakfast and lunch as well as boat demo boarding passes.  The number of courses and inclusions vary at each level.  Evening social events featuring music, cocktails and a keynote speaker are available for an additional fee. Special hotel and marina rates and VIP parking passes, are also available for Cruisers University participants. 

For a daily admission fee of $15, consumers can view over 150 sail and power cruising boats and 100 boating equipment exhibits.

For tickets and more information, visit www.usboat.com.

 

 

Georgetown drawbridge closing until Jan. 21

Georgetown, MD (Jan. 9, 2011) -- The MD Route 213 Bridge over the Sassafras River, mile 10.0, in Georgetown, MD. will be undergoing mechanical repairs and a temporary deviation from the regulations governing its operation is required. The bridge will deviate from the operating regulation by temporarily not be opening for marine traffic from 10 January, 2011 through 21 January, 2011. Mariners are advised to use caution when approaching the bridge.

Chart: 12274.
From Coast Guard Local Notice to Mariners

Tie-Fest coming

Lefty Kreh will be back at Tie-Fest this year. It should be another great event. Saturday, Feb. 12 at the Kent Narrows Yacht Club. It's free. Great time to check out flies and check out casting techniques. More info on http://www.ccamd.org/.

Timonium Show a great place to start

Can't wait to check out the Timonium show this year. Check out what's going on at http://www.fishingexpo.com/

Fishing Expo at state fairgrounds kicks off boat show season

Timonium (January 8, 2011) - The 27th Annual Fishing Expo & Boat Show, Jan. 13-16, kicks off the show season with an incredible display of freshwater, saltwater and offshore fishing tackle, boats, motors, trailers, marine accessories and many other fishing businesses and organizations. With almost 100,000 square feet of fishing equipment, the show's emphasis this year is on tackle used specifically in this region and tackle not found in even the largest tackle shops. In addition to tackle from all the major tackle manufacturers, exotic, foreign, custom and hard to find tackle from more than 50 manufacturers (most tailored specifically for this region) will be available. Additionally, with more than 70,000 square feet of fishing boats, the selection of both saltwater and freshwater fishing machines is among the East Coast’s most diverse. This, in addition to a seminar series presented by a spectacular lineup of 24 nationally known fishermen, local and regional fishing guides, experts and guest speakers, makes this year's Fishing Expo & Boat Show a must attend event.

70,000 SQUARE FEET OF BOATS AT ONE LOCATION

Climb aboard, put yourself in the helm seat, close your eyes and imagine the wind blowing through your hair as you cruise over the Chesapeake's placid waters. With over 70,000 square feet of fishing boats all at one location, the 27th Annual Fishing Expo & Boat Show offers boating consumers a vast array of both fishing and some pleasure boats to peruse during this exciting, four-day event. Everything from mid-size, bluewater craft capable of

running to the Atlantic's offshore canyons, to open, center console and walkaround boats increasingly popular with the Chesapeake Bay's light tackle enthusiasts, to high-powered, lightning-fast, bass fishing machines, to lightweight, versatile aluminum and jet powered boats will be on display, many at bargain, pre-season prices. The vast majority will be powered with the latest, fuel-efficient, high-performance outboard engines that are quiet, lightweight and extremely reliable. If you're searching for a new boat, the 27th Annual Fishing Expo & Boat Show is the only place to shop.

TieFest set for Saturday, Feb.12

Kent Narrows  (Jan. 7, 2010) - The Mid-Atlantic’s foremost fly fishing event, TieFest, will be held Saturday, Feb. 12, at the Kent Narrows Yacht Club in Gransonville, MD. Once again some of the nation’s top fly tiers will attend to demonstrate patterns and answer questions, including Lefty Kreh (Baltimore Chapter), Bob Clouser, Bob Popovics, Steve Silverio, and Brad Bruzzi.  In addition to tying, there will be a casting demonstration, and members of the Mid-Atlantic Fly Anglers will provide individual casting instruction.  Numerous vendors will have new rods and other gear attendees can sample, and local guides will be available to discuss fishing.

“TieFest continues to grow and is now one of the premier events in the region,” said CCA MD Executive Director Tony Friedrich, who organizes the day. “Last year we had more than 600 participants. One of the great opportunities is that anyone there can walk up and talk to some of the giants in fishing.” TieFest is free to the public, and more information will be available on the CCA MD website.

DNR Hosts Workshops For Marinas And Boatyards

Annapolis, Md. (January 4, 2011) — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hosting three Clean Marina Roundtable workshops for marina and boatyard operators.

The roundtables will discuss Maryland’s Clean Marina Initiative, a voluntary program that promotes and celebrates efforts of marinas, boatyards and yacht clubs to reduce their pollution. Free copies of the Clean Marina Guidebook, award checklists and educational materials for boaters and staff will be provided. Participants will network with local Clean Marina managers and program staff to learn how they can meet award criteria.

“Although attending a workshop isn’t required to become a Clean Marina, it’s the best way for marina operators to learn about the program in a short amount of time,” said Donna Morrow, DNR’s Clean Marina Administrator. “By networking with other marina operators, participants will hear about practical ways to become a Clean Marina. Maryland’s waterways need everyone doing their part and the Clean Marina program is a tangible way for marinas to help.”

Dates and Locations:
January 11, Spring Cove Marina, Solomons
January 13, Port Annapolis Marina, Annapolis
January 20, Skipjack Cove Yachting Resort, Georgetown

All roundtables will run from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and there is no charge to attend. Weather permitting, a tour of the host facility will follow the roundtable discussion. In addition to helping reduce pollution and protect our waterways, Clean Marinas often enjoy discounted insurance rates, reduced clean up costs and improved relations within their community. All marine facilities are encourage to participate and seek the award.

Marine facilities of any size are encouraged to pursue the Maryland Clean Marina Award. To qualify, a facility must meet all permitting requirements and adopt a significant portion of recommendations from the Maryland Clean Marina Guidebook.

DNR staff and mentors offer assistance and site visits to marinas pursuing the award. They are re-certified every three years. To date, 143 facilities (roughly 23 percent of Maryland marinas) have achieved the designation.

Advanced registration is requested as space is limited. Marina managers may register by sending an email to dmorrow@dnr.state.md.us and indicating which roundtable they wish to attend. The roundtables are for operators and staff of Maryland marine facilities and not for product demonstrations, solicitation, or similar purposes. Information on the Maryland Clean Marina Initiative can be found at http://dnr.state.md.us/boating/cleanmarina/ or by contacting Donna Morrow at dmorrow@dnr.state.md.us or 410-260-8773.

Pleasure Island Dredging Project Completed

Baltimore, Md. (January 5, 2011) — Baltimore County has nearly completed the Pleasure Island dredging and beach replenishment project paid for by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and its partners. Using a combination of Waterway Improvement funds from DNR, federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds, and funds from the Maryland Port Administration, this project will restore safe access to the navigation channel for recreational and commercial vessels.

"This is truly money well spent since it supports Baltimore County's vibrant recreational boating industry while enhancing water quality and providing habitat for marine life,” said Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz. ”This project will improve the waters of the county and the Chesapeake Bay.”

Baltimore County dredged the channel between the Miller's Island Community and Pleasure Island to a depth of -8 foot mean lower low water (mllw) and will use the dredge material to create a beach behind a series of offshore segmented breakwaters and sills along the south shoreline of Pleasure Island. The newly created beach will be stabilized with wetland vegetation. The total shoreline length is about 2,200 feet.

Additionally, the county constructed a groin along the north side of the Island at Hawk Cove to help trap sand that was deposited in the channel.

The next step in the project is to plant wetland vegetation on the beach of Pleasure Island to create a living shoreline, improving water quality and clarity. Additionally, the project will reduce the need for maintenance dredging of the Pleasure Island channel known as "the cut.”

Of the $4.7 million project cost, the Waterway Improvement Fund contributed about $1.9 million. The Waterway Improvement Fund is funded by the 5 percent excise tax that boaters pay when they register a boat in Maryland. The Port Administration contributed $100,000 and the remaining costs were covered by the federal ARRA.

The project will benefit thousands of recreational and commercial boaters by restoring boating access and improving navigation of the Pleasure Island channel. "The cut" is used as a safe navigation channel to access protected waters.

DNR Funds Dredging And Jetty Work In Wicomico County

Nanticoke, Md. — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Waterway Improvement Fund has approved a project at Wicomico County’s Nanticoke Harbor totaling $1,605,000. The project includes maintenance dredging 13,600 yards of material and repairing two existing stone jetties totaling 1,373 feet in length.

“This project is beneficial to the commercial and recreational boating citizens of Wicomico County and visitors who use Nanticoke Harbor,” said Gary Mackes, Director of Wicomico Parks, Recreation & Tourism.

Dredging will make the harbor more accessible to recreational and commercial boats that use the facility. Currently, some boats must wait to come and go at high tide to avoid running aground in the shallow channel. Rebuilding the stone jetties will help to keep sediment from accumulating in the harbor. Over the years the jetties have settled, reducing their effectiveness. This also means they are covered by water in high tides, rendering them a hazard to anyone not familiar with their location.

The dredging will begin immediately, followed by the reconstruction of the stone jetties. The project could be completed by the end of March. The contract was awarded to Corman Marine Construction.

This project is funded entirely by the Waterway Improvement Fund, which is funded by the five percent excise fee boaters pay when they register a boat in Maryland.

Bob Gaudette, Director of DNR’s Boating Services, said jobs like the Nanticoke Harbor project support marine contractors.

"It really is a stimulus program for those in the marina industry. Contractors have indicated to me they would have laid off employees without the projects," said Gaudette.

To learn more about DNR’s Waterway Improvement Fund, visit www.dnr.maryland.gov/boating.

New Technology Aids Maritime Law Enforcement In Maryland

Annapolis, Md. – Maryland citizens and visitors will soon benefit from enhanced search and rescue, homeland security, and law enforcement operations on Maryland waterways thanks to a new system of radar and camera sites on the Chesapeake Bay region. The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) has launched the Maritime Law Enforcement Information Network to monitor vessel activity and assist first responders.

“This new technology allows our maritime law enforcement officers to be more effective in enforcing conservation law and responding to emergencies,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “Increasing our enforcement capabilities sends a clear message that violating the public’s trust and stealing from future generations of Marylanders will not be tolerated.”

By coordinating information among law enforcement agencies, MLEIN will eventually allow officers to view incidents in multiple jurisdictions through radar signatures and images. For example, officers will be more efficient in monitoring areas prone to oyster poaching using the network. Planning is also underway to have NRP camera equipped vessels transmit images back to command centers, providing instantaneous information to all responding units. The information received through the network will be transmitted to NRP officers in the field through mobile data terminals.

“We can now better protect Marylanders’ lives, property and natural resources using this technology, which provides real time information to NRP and its allied agencies as situations unfold,” said NRP Superintendent Colonel George F. Johnson IV. “MLEIN will also assist responders in finding stranded vessels or other emergencies, in cases where mariners lack the local familiarity or electronic equipment to provide their exact location.”

The new system augments other recent enhancements to conservation law enforcement under the O’Malley-Brown Administration. DNR established a new tougher penalty system for commercial fishing violations in February, which allows the agency to impose suspensions for a single conviction, or when public health, safety or welfare requires emergency action. DNR has also established a pilot program with the Annapolis District Court, through which the court hears a docket devoted exclusively to natural resource violations on the third Friday of every month.

“Devoting a docket exclusively to fishing, hunting and forestry violations lets judges and state’s attorneys focus on natural resources law, become acquainted with repeat offenders, and better assess the gravity of natural resources violations," said DNR Deputy Secretary Joe Gill. "This program has been very successful and we are hoping to expand it to other jurisdictions.”

The new MLEIN system, currently being phased in throughout Maryland’s Portion of the Chesapeake Bay, is monitored 24/7 by the NRP at their Sandy Point Communication Center. NRP responds to more than 3,000 maritime calls a year, including vessels in distress, accidents, search and rescue missions and boating law violations.

MLEIN was funded by Port Security Grant through the Department of Homeland Security for approximately $1 million and additional grants, totaling approximately $2 million.

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