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Richardson’s Bay Regional Agency, in partnership with Coastal Policy Solutions, removed 220 tons of large-scale debris, including 11 abandoned and derelict vessels from Richardson Bay, which contains protected eelgrass and waterbird migratory 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 - February 2024
Who is involved?
With support from the NOAA Marine Debris Program, Richardson’s Bay Regional Agency and community partners worked collaboratively to remove abandoned and derelict vessels and other large-scale debris 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, including the Richardson Bay Audubon Center and Sanctuary, Merkel and Associates, local governments (Belvedere, Tiburon, Mill Valley, and Sausalito), and social services.
What is 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.
What were the project results?
To avoid these dangers, this project removed 11 abandoned and derelict vessels and other large marine debris from Richardson Bay. After their removal, project partners also monitored the area's eelgrass beds and water birds to understand the benefits to wildlife and their habitats. The total weight of debris removed was over 220 tons. Additionally, project partners led outreach and education to the boating community to prevent abandoned and derelict vessels in the first place.
For more information about this project, visit the Marine Debris Program Clearinghouse.