A shared mission for a cleaner Gulf Coast

A derelict vessel near Galveston, Texas is hoisted onto a platform for removal. Credit: Gulf of America Alliance.

Abandoned and derelict vessels are more than just unsightly. They leach pollutants into marine ecosystems, endanger boaters, and block vital waterways. Communities throughout the Gulf Coast are coming together to clean up their local waters.

With support from NOAA's Marine Debris Program, the Gulf of America Alliance is working in coordination with state and local partners on a large-scale, multi-state initiative to remove derelict vessels and restore coastal health and safety. Over the course of four years, vessels are being removed across the Gulf Coast, with recent removals taking place in Texas, Mississippi, and Alabama.

Across the three states, the Alliance and its partners have removed more than 582,000 pounds of debris. In Texas, five derelict fiberglass vessels sunk deep in the Gulf-bottom mud were removed from south Galveston County, including high-traffic areas of Offatts Bayou and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. The boats, located near homes, restaurants, and a major bridge, were hazardous to marine life and the public, and created eyesores in popular coastal areas important to local tourism.

In Mississippi, the Alliance and its partners removed 18 vessels from Hancock and Harrison counties. These vessels varied in type and material - from steel and fiberglass fishing boats to wooden houseboats. The success of this effort is deeply tied to the community and depends on local volunteers who identify derelict vessels and take pride in protecting their waterways and coastal parks.

A derelict shrimping vessel that was removed from the Mississippi Gulf Coast by the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources with support from the Gulf of America Alliance. Credit: Gulf of America Alliance.

In Alabama, the Alliance and its partners removed 10 derelict vessels in Baldwin County and the Perdido River/Bay area, including sailboats, cabin cruisers, houseboats, and barges. In addition to restoring water flow and improving the health of nearshore habitats, removing submerged vessels prevents serious boating accidents. Navigating in limited visibility is dangerous, and GPS often won't detect underwater hazards.

Pieces of abandoned and derelict vessels are loaded onto the barge in Baldwin County, Alabama and sorted by removal crews for disposal. Credit: MD Thomas Construction, LLC.

The removal of derelict vessels reflects a coordinated effort to improve public safety and navigation, restore natural waterways, and reduce environmental toxins and hazards. With continued support from the NOAA Marine Debris Program, the Gulf of America Alliance and its partners are creating cleaner and healthier coastal communities.

To learn more about this project, visit the NOAA Marine Debris Program website.