Jane Wherren, operations manager at Crown Bay Marina, and her staff were all smiles Saturday morning as she raised a new symbol of marine excellence high above the marina.

The Blue Flag designation is awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education to beaches and marinas that have met standards for environmental education and management, safety, services and water quality. The flag is awarded annually, as long as the required criteria are met, and is not automatically renewed.

Surrounded by members of the local boating community as well as representatives from the Department of Tourism, Coast Guard Auxiliary and local supporters, volunteer program director Valerie Peters commended the marina staff and its ownership for the achievements, touting the expected benefits not only from the recognition, but the community pride associated with creating a healthy and safe marine environment.

“We are pleased to lead the way on St Thomas so that others may follow," said Wherren. "The marina ownership committed to achieving this goal long before I was hired to fill my predecessor’s shoes, the late Carol Dudley. This flag will proudly waive above Crown Bay for years to come.”

USVI Blue Flag candidates for 2012-2013 are Pelican Cove-The Palms and Green Cay Marina on St. Croix, Trunk Bay and Cinnamon Bay on St. John, and Lindbergh Bay-Emerald Beach, Great Bay-Ritz Carlton and Crown Bay Marina on St. Thomas.