NEWPORT HARBOR — Strategies for cleaner boating, reducing illegal holding tank dumping and reducing high copper readings in the bay were discussed by boat owners, environmentalists and marine industry professionals during the second Newport Beach Clean Boating Networking Conference, Feb. 10.

More than 20 members of the public engaged in discussions focused on improving the water quality in Newport Harbor, and conference participants even pondered the idea of issuing random dye tablet tests.

Representatives from the city of Newport Beach, Orange County, local marinas, boating companies, yacht clubs and local residents attended the meeting — and many shared their concerns regarding illegal dumping and copper issues.

“We wanted to create a forum where you folks can come and chat among yourselves,” explained Jim Sinasek, special projects coordinator for the city manager’s office.

The networking meetings, launched last year, are intended to draw in a variety of people to bring issues to the attention of others who share the harbor. Aside from discussing concerns, guest speakers presented information on issues related to the harbor, boating and water quality.

Gary Brown with the Orange County Coastkeeper presented information on the group’s latest copper Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) study that is being conducted in Newport Harbor and discussed the study the group conducted on pumpouts throughout Orange County. Grace Lee from the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Foundation informed the public about the sewage pumpout monitoring project.

“On discharge: It’s a problem,” Sinasek said. “It’s an issue.”

By the end of the meeting, participants supported investigating a proposal issuing a random dye tablet test in sewage holding tanks, as many referred to the successful policy practiced at Avalon Harbor. The topic will be discussed at a future meeting in May.