As boating season ramps up and more people head back onto the water, another familiar sight tends to resurface too - abandoned and derelict vessels sitting along shorelines and in harbors.
These boats are more than just an eyesore. They can leak fuel, damage marine habitats and create real safety concerns for other boaters trying to navigate busy waterways.
Last year, the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water teamed up with NOAA’s Marine Debris Program to launch a national database that tracks abandoned vessels across the U.S., including territories and freely associated states. This spring marks the first full boating season with the technology in place.
The tool lets anyone report a vessel they come across, helping build a clearer picture of where these problem boats are and how communities can prioritize removing them.
“With boating season around the corner, boaters have an opportunity to spot and report abandoned vessels that might otherwise go unnoticed,” BoatUS Foundation Director of Outreach Alanna Keating said. “Each report helps communities better address the issue of abandoned and derelict vessels by supporting both removal efforts and prevention.”
With boating activity picking up in the months ahead, there’s a simple way to pitch in. Reporting an abandoned vessel takes just a few minutes, and each report helps support cleanup efforts that can cost more than $24,000 per boat. To report an abandoned vessel, click here.
