Every year, the threat from abandoned boats in the Chesapeake increases. Abandoned and derelict vessels (ADVs) crush seagrass and coral habitats, leak fuel and pollutants, block navigational channels and put other boaters at risk.
The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water created the first national abandoned vessel database and urges boaters and coastal residents to report ADVs online. The database is expected to greatly assisting efforts to reduce environmental and safety threats to waterways.
“Every removal is different, and often more complex than people realize,” says Chris Parker, TowBoatUS operator in Gwynns Island, Virginia. “Some vessels can be refloated and towed, while others need to be taken apart piece by piece. It takes time and coordination, but the impact on the community and the bay is significant once removed.”
The cost to remove abandoned vessels averages $24,000, depending on size, location and condition of the vessel.
Typically, the owner of the vessel is attempted to be found and charged with the removal, but often the burden of the costs fall to the community, although grants are available to help cover costs.
“Prevention through proper insurance and responsible disposal can make a big difference,” says Donald Duck, TowBoatUS operator in Portsmouth, Virginia.
In May of this year, 10 abandoned ADVs were removed from waterways across Gloucester and Portsmouth, Virginia. The removal was a joint effort by The BoatUS Foundation, Lynnhaven River NOW and TowBoatUS and the cost of the removal was supported by an award from NOAA’s Marine Debris Program.
The new online database serves as a crowd-sourcing solution to track ADVs. All reports submitted to the database are reviewed, and where appropriate, may be forwarded to the relevant local, state, or federal authorities for further investigation.
Identifying where ADVs are located is the critical first step needed to begin the task of removal.
Resources:
The website for the new national database is:
To report ADVs in Maryland, contact the Maryland Natural Resource Police (NRP) by calling 410-260-8888. To report hazardous debris, such as fuel or propane tanks, call the Maryland Department of Environment at 1-866-633-4686.
In Virginia, go to http://bit.ly/4vLnxHw and fill out the online form.
If you observe a vessel that is actively leaking fuel (gasoline or diesel), oil, or other hazardous substances into the water, or poses an immediate safety concern or navigational hazard, report the situation immediately to the U.S. Coast Guard.
Photos of ADVs found along the East Coast courtesy of BoatUS Foundation
