Up From the Depths: Marine Debris Program Partners Remove Derelict Vessel and Fishing Gear
AUGUST 3, 2017--In mid-July, the NOAA Marine Debris Program's funded partner, the BoatU.S. Foundation, along with other local groups, removed an abandoned and derelict sailboat from Lake Erie waters. The BoatU.S. Foundation received funding through the Community-based Marine Debris Removal grant funding opportunity. Impacting local habitats and species, this vessel was removed and disposed of with the aid of the local TowBoatU.S. and marina operators.
As part of the same project, the BoatU.S. Foundation also removed a 1500 pound derelict fishing net drifting several miles offshore from Ocean City, Maryland. The large net was a threat to valuable marine habitat and could have led to entanglement of marine species.
For additional information, please contact: Sarah.Lowe@noaa.gov.
