Working Across the Gulf of Mexico to Remove Large Marine Debris

The Gulf of Mexico Alliance is working across all five Gulf states to lead a regional competitive grant program for large marine debris removal, remove abandoned and derelict vessels, and  assess habitat impacts and recovery.

Type of Project: Removal

Region: Gulf of Mexico

Project Dates: July 2023 - June 2027

Who is involved?
With support from the NOAA Marine Debris Program through Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding, the Gulf of Mexico Alliance is working across all five Gulf states in partnership with Mississippi State University Coastal and Marine Extension Program, the Oil Spill Prevention and Response Division of the Texas General Land Office, the Southern District of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources to remove large marine debris, including abandoned and derelict vessels , and to assess habitat impacts and recovery.

What is the project and why is it important?
Abandoned and derelict vessels can block navigational channels, damage ecosystems, and diminish the recreational value of the surrounding area. Some vessels may contain fuel and hazardous materials, which could leak into the surrounding water, and removing them is often complicated and expensive.

The Gulf of Mexico Alliance (GOMA), a regional ocean partnership of the five U.S. Gulf states and regional agencies and partners, is working to remove abandoned and derelict vessels and other large marine debris from coastal and marine habitats across the Gulf of Mexico. In coordination with project partners, GOMA is  completing this work through a tiered approach focused first on removing nearly 100 known abandoned and derelict vessels in Texas, Mississippi, and Alabama. GOMA is also administering a regional competitive grant program to remove newly identified large marine debris items in all five states. This work not only benefits the environment through the removal of debris, but also helps us better understand and raise awareness of marine debris impacts.

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