“Derelict” frequently refers to vessels that are dilapidated with an identifiable owner, while “abandoned” vessels are those where the owner is unknown or has surrendered rights of ownership. - noaa.gov
Derelict and abandoned vessels can negatively impact many aspects of our marine environment and community. These vessels can create a navigational hazard and impact recreational and cultural access. Additionally, derelict vessels pose a threat to the marine environment by contributing marine debris and pollutants.
In January 2023, Senator Patty Murray prioritized funding for the Northwest Straits Commission. A portion of the funds were directed towards derelict vessel removals by Marine Resources Committees (MRCs) to benefit local and tribal marine conservation priorities. The Northwest Straits Commission formed a working group made up of MRC members and tribal partners to guide the collaborative project and identify vessels of concern.
The Northwest Straits Commission and workgroup members have partnered with the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Derelict Vessel Removal Program (DVRP) to target derelict vessels impacting the nearshore environment, cultural and treaty rights, and recreational resources.
Tidelands free of marine debris, including abandoned vessels, are critical to preserving traditional practices and protecting the Treaty-reserved rights of the Swinomish people. Swinomish is thankful for the opportunity to partner with Northwest Straits Commission and the DNR to remove vessels from the tidelands and restore them to their historic condition.
Steve Edwards Chairman,
Swinomish Indian Tribal Community
Next steps
We’re also exploring preventive measures, like testing co-hosted vessel turn in recycling events with DNR and local partners. These events would provide vessel owners a designated time and location to recycle their old vessels, preventing them from becoming derelict. This partnership has the added benefit of advertising DNRs vessel turn in program and disposal opportunities.
13
Vessels Removed
$663,722
Project Funds
14
Workgroup Participants
ORGANIZATIONS REPRESENTED ON THE WORKGROUP
CLALLAM MRC
Jesse Waknitz
ISLAND MRC
Kelly Zupich, Kelly Webb
JEFFERSON MRC
Sarah Fiskin
MAKAH TRIBE
Carol Reamer
NORTHWEST INDIAN FISHERIES COMMISSION
Cecilia Gobin
SAN JUAN MRC
Sam Whitridge, Adam Parrott, Phil Green
SKAGIT MRC
Lynne Wenberg
SNOHOMISH MRC
Elisa Dawson
SWINOMISH INDIAN TRIBAL COMMMUNITY
Catey Ritchie
WHATCOM MRC
Bob Cecile, Austin Rose
THANK YOU!
The Northwest Straits Commission would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who played a pivotal role in the 13 successful derelict vessel removals in 2023! In particular, Senator Patty Murray for your support in funding and driving this initiative forward. The seven MRCs for leading the charge and engaging in the workgroup, demonstrat ing their commitment to our environment. We want to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the leadership and teamwork of Troy Wood, Laurel Schoenbohm, and Jerry Farmer within the Derelict Vessel Removal Program have been instrumental. We are also grateful to the Tribal Nations, particularly Swin omish Indian Tribal Community (SITC), Makah Tribe, and Lummi Nation with a special thank you to the incredible coordi nation and support efforts of Catey Ritchie (SITC) and Carol Reamer (Makah) and all the other partners who have joined forces. The collaborative efforts of counties and ports have been indispensable in achieving our goals. Your combined support, funding, and hard work have been the driving force behind our success. Thank you all for your com mitment to the Northwest Straits waterways and environment.
In the News
- Derelict vessel recycling program kicks off in Port Townsend on Monday
Peninsula Daily News - June 3, 2023 - Sailboat abandoned since 2009 removed from Similk Bay
Skagit Valley Herald - July 26, 2023 - Tribe and agencies join to remove abandoned sailboat
La Conner Weekly News - August 9, 2023 - County, state seek to remove abandoned boats
Whidbey News-Times - August 18, 2023 - Ghost ship ends eerie journey on Clinton Beach
South Whidbey Record - October 6, 2023
Contact
Dana Oster
NW Straits Commission Marine Program Manager
This report was prepared using Federal funds under award NA22NMF4690358 from NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of NOAA or the U.S. Department of Commerce.
2023 Accomplishments Report pdf