As part of an ambitious attempt to restore life to a virtually “dead” body of water, Vanderbilt Partners Ltd. recently contracted Bellingham Marine Industries to install a 55-slip Unifloat dock system at Regatta Marina. In addition, Vanderbilt established a mitigation area of mangrove and aquatic vegetation planted shoreward of the marina to improve water quality and the overall ecosystem of the bay.

Before June of 2002, Vanderbilt lagoon in Naples, Florida, was virtually void of vegetation, fish and other marine life. Since completion of the marina, Bellingham has commissioned a professional, independent study of the biological impact of the floating concrete dock system on the marine environment. Besides the slips, Bellingham installed the electrical system with locker boxes, potable water and fire suppression systems, aluminum gangways and spun concrete guide piling.

Bellingham Marine designs, manufactures and installs Unifloat® floating dock systems, Unideck® fresh water systems and Unistack® dry storage buildings.

Contact Bellingham Marine, PO Box 8, Bellingham, WA 98227. www.bellingham-marine.com.