The Rhode Island Marine Trades Association will host the first environmental conference for the region’s marine trades on April 9, 2019. The Southern New England Marine Industry Environmental Conference will focus both on practical approaches and a forward-looking vision on environmental issues marine businesses in the region are facing. The day-long event will include keynote presentations and break-out sessions with experts on critical topics such as making marina operations greener and more resilient, navigating regulatory issues, the lifecycle and waste management of materials used in marine products and recreational boating, and marketing sustainable practices to consumers.