About the Program
NOAA Abandoned Vessel Program
Abandoned and derelict vessels pose unique legal, ecological, and technical challenges, and many state and local jurisdictions struggle with these issues, often developing ad hoc and poorly documented approaches. These vessels pose an array of threats, including:
- physical destruction of marine habitats
- release of oil and other pollutants
- navigational obstructions and
- entanglement hazard for marine life
Many vessels end up sinking at moorings, semi-submerged or stranded on shorelines, on reefs or in marshes. As these vessels break apart, the debris and contaminants from the disintegrating vessels may be widespread along shorelines and across benthic habitats.
The NOAA Abandoned Vessel Project focuses on:
- research to address abandoned vessel issues, including legal issues
- developing an abandoned vessel database
- conducting field surveys
- documenting removal efforts and
- developing guidance materials for state, territorial, and local governments
Developing a national perspective on the problem, including case histories, has allowed NOAA to share successful policies and approaches.
Limited funds have been provided to assist with vessel removals, with activities currently focused on coral habitats in both the Pacific and Caribbean, including surveys in Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Partners in these activities include states and territories, the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, and industry, including the American Salvage Association.
This project is housed within NOAA's Ocean Service, Office of Response and Restoration.
