Removing and Preventing Derelict Vessels on Tribal Tidelands in Washington

Type of Project: Removal

Region: Pacific Northwest

Project Dates: October 2024 - July 2027

Who is involved?

With support from the NOAA Marine Debris Program through Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources is partnering with the Squaxin Island Tribe to remove abandoned and derelict recreational vessels from tribal tidelands. Additionally, the Department of Natural Resources is hosting vessel turn-in events to prevent future abandonment and debris reaccumulation.

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 the Puget Sound, abandoned and derelict vessels sink, leak contaminants, break apart in the water, and release hazardous materials into the marine environment. These sensitive marine habitats are vital for the health and growth of important species such as salmon. These waters are also home to many other threatened or protected species such as killer whales and other marine mammals. This project is addressing some of the harmful effects of abandoned and derelict vessels by removing them on Squaxin Island tribal tidelands and preventing future accumulation through expanding Washington State’s Vessel Turn-in Program.

Squaxin Island Tribe are the People of the Water. Squaxin Island is looked upon by the Tribe as the bond that unites their past, present, and future generations. The island is only accessible to tribal members and is used for fishing, hunting, shellfish gathering, camping, and other activities. Removing abandoned and derelict vessels addresses debris and pollution in locations that are critical for cultural, recreational, and subsistence activities for tribal members. By partnering with the Squaxin Island Tribe, and with NOAA Marine Debris Program support, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources is leveraging their existing vessel removal operations to address eight abandoned vessels on tribal lands, something that they cannot do using state funding.

Additionally, this project is hosting vessel turn-in events in six areas throughout Washington to capture as much geographic range as possible and to include vulnerable communities that have high cost barriers to vessel disposal. These events could intercept up to 180 vessels.

Overall, this project will improve navigational safety, reduce vessel related pollution, improve access to Squaxin Island by tribal members, and reduce future abandoned vessels across Washington State.

For more information, visit the Marine Debris Program Clearinghouse.