Removing Abandoned Vessels and Recovering Habitat in Richardson Bay

Richardson’s Bay Regional Agency removed abandoned and derelict vessels from Richardson Bay, protected eelgrass habitats, and prevented additional vessels from becoming derelict or abandoned in the San Francisco Bay.

Type of Project: Removal

Region: California

Project Dates: September 2021 - June 2024

Who was involved?

With support from the NOAA Marine Debris Program, Richardson’s Bay Regional Agency and community partners built upon a previous project to remove abandoned and derelict vessels in Richardson Bay. This was a collective effort with the Coastal Policy Solutions, United States Coast Guard, Marin County Sheriff’s Office, and United States Army Corps of Engineers, as well as community partners, local governments, and social services. 

What was the project and why is it important?

Abandoned and derelict vessels can cause problems for our ocean, waterways, and Great Lakes by blocking navigational channels, damaging ecosystems, and diminishing the recreational value of the surrounding area. In Richardson Bay, abandoned and derelict vessels sink, leak contaminants, break apart in the water, and release hazardous materials into the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. These vessels can also damage vital eelgrass beds, which are important to thousands of waterbirds, commercial and recreational Pacific herring fisheries, and the local economy.

To avoid these dangers, this project removed abandoned and derelict vessels and other large marine debris (e.g., docks, floats, etc.) from Richardson Bay. Following their removal, project partners also monitored eelgrass beds and water birds in the area to understand the benefits to wildlife and their habitats. Project partners also led outreach and education to the boating community to prevent abandoned and derelict vessels in the first place.

What were the results? 

Project partners removed 30 abandoned and derelict vessels from Richardson Bay, resulting in over 213 tons of debris and over 700 gallons of fuel removed. Voluntary compliance with anchoring regulations increased dramatically, with fewer illegally anchored vessels on the anchorage today than in any time since the 1970s. The combined efforts of vessel abatement and increased compliance has reduced the number of illegally anchored vessels in Richardson Bay from 97 in March 2021 to just 33 vessels in March 2024.

For more information about this project, visit the Marine Debris Program Clearinghouse.