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Salvaging Solutions to Abandoned and Derelict Vessels.

Webinar: Salvaging Solutions to Abandoned and Derelict Vessels - Funding the Issue

Wednesday, May 26, 2021

We hope you can join this webinar — part of the NOAA Marine Debris Program’s online webinar series, Salvaging Solutions to Abandoned and Derelict Vessels!

Each month’s webinar features experts on a topic related to abandoned and derelict vessels (ADVs). The goal of the series is to share perspectives from across the country on common issues arising from abandoned and derelict vessels, in hopes to help communities better deal with them.

This month's webinar, "Funding the Issue," will focus on sources of funding to address ADVs. It will be presented by the following specialists:

  • Celia Hitchins, Senior Administrator - Monroe County Marine Resources Office
  • Michael Pellerin, Vice President & Director - Underwriting - BoatUS
  • Sarah Lowe, Great Lakes Regional Coordinator - NOAA Marine Debris Program, under contract with Lynker

As part of her role, Celia works to protect the nearshore waters of the Florida Keys through a variety of programs and services including anchoring and mooring management, waterway infrastructure, derelict vessel removal, and vessel sewage pump-out. She will explain the issues of ADVs in the Keys and how Monroe County has established reliable funding streams and contract procedures to quickly and effectively address ADV removals.    

Mike Pellerin is a 29-year veteran with BoatUS. In addition to his current position overseeing the underwriting team at BoatUS/GEICO Marine, Mike has held positions with the product division (prior to being acquired by West Marine), the claims department, and with the Association. Mike is an avid boater who has held a 100 Ton license and currently enjoys boating on his Grady White in North Eastern Florida on Amelia Island. Mike's talk will focus on the value of vessel insurance coverage.    

Sarah has worked in support of the NOAA Marine Debris Program for the past 12 years. As part of her current duties, she works with partners on NOAA-funded regional marine debris projects, including ADV removals. She will share an overview of the NOAA Marine Debris Program's removal funding opportunity, as well as a few examples of funded ADV removal projects.

Please join us, and mark your calendar for the fourth Wednesday of the month at 3 pm ET/2pm CT/12 pm PT/10 am HT — and feel free to share the series with anyone with an interest in abandoned and derelict vessels!