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U.S. Department of Commerce(link is external) | National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration | National Ocean Service

 * Who We Are
   * 2021-2025 Strategic Plan
   * The Marine Debris Act
   * Marine Debris Foundation
   * Contact Us
 * Discover Marine Debris
   * What is Marine Debris?
   * Where Does Marine Debris Come From?
   * Why is Marine Debris a Problem?
   * How to Help
   * Garbage Patches
   * TRASH TALK
   * The Mystery of How Long Until It’s Gone
 * Our Work
   * Prevention
   * Removal
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   * Marine Debris Clearinghouse
 * In Your Region
   * Alaska
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 * Resources
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   * Abandoned and Derelict Vessels
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YOU ARE HERE

 1. Home ›
 2. Discover Marine Debris ›
 3. What is Marine Debris? ›
 4. Abandoned and Derelict Vessels


ABANDONED AND DERELICT VESSELS

Abandoned and derelict vessels in a South Carolina salt marsh (Photo: Peter
Kingsley-Smith, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources).


WHAT IS MARINE DEBRIS?

Want to know more about marine debris? Learn more about the issue and some of
the debris we commonly find.
Plastic

Learn what plastic is, why it’s a problem, and more.

Microplastics

Learn more about these tiny pieces of plastic that can be found throughout the
ocean.

Derelict Fishing Gear

Learn about fishing nets, pots, traps, and other gear that become marine debris.


RESOURCES - LINKS

Abandoned and Derelict Vessel Info Hub
Salvaging Solutions to Abandoned and Derelict Vessels Webinar Series
Abandoned and Derelict Vessel Fact Sheet
Storm Preparedness Fact Sheet
Abandoned and Derelict Vessels Case Studies
Abandoned and Derelict Vessel Publications
Report: Proceedings of the Workshop on State-level Responses to Abandoned and
Derelict Vessels

Marine debris can range greatly in size, from tiny plastic pieces invisible to
the human eye, to large abandoned and derelict vessels. These vessels litter
ports, waterways, and estuaries all over the country, and they can cause major
problems.


WHAT ARE ABANDONED AND DERELICT VESSELS?

Abandoned and derelict vessels are vessels that are no longer taken care of and
pose a threat to people and the environment. Though the legal definition of
abandoned and derelict vessels varies, “derelict” often refers to vessels that
are neglected with an identifiable owner, while “abandoned” vessels are those
where the owner is unknown or has surrendered rights of ownership. 

Vessels become abandoned and derelict for many reasons. Owners may neglect or
abandon their boats when they can no longer afford to maintain them. Some boats
may break loose from anchors or moorings and drift away, and some may be stolen.
Severe weather events, like hurricanes or flooding, can also result in large
numbers of vessels becoming abandoned and derelict. In these conditions boats
can sink at moorings, become submerged in tidal areas, or strand on shorelines,
reefs, or in marshes.


WHY ARE ABANDONED AND DERELICT VESSELS A PROBLEM?

Abandoned and derelict vessels can cause problems for our ocean, waterways, and
Great Lakes by blocking navigational channels, damaging ecosystems, and
diminishing the recreational value(link is external) of the surrounding area.
Some vessels may contain fuel and hazardous materials, which could leak into the
surrounding water. 

Removing abandoned and derelict vessels is often complicated and expensive. Some
vessels are located in hard-to-reach areas, requiring large, specialized
equipment for recovery and transportation. The wreckage may last for many years,
breaking apart and creating widespread debris that threatens marine and coastal
resources. Assessing, removing, and disposing of these vessels also requires
significant financial and technical resources, and the laws around these vessels
can be different across states. These complications can make abandoned and
derelict vessels a difficult problem to address.


HOW CAN ABANDONED AND DERELICT VESSELS BE PREVENTED?

Abandoned and derelict vessels are dangerous and costly problems, but they can
be prevented! The NOAA Marine Debris Program supports abandoned and derelict
vessel prevention and removal efforts across our coastal states and the Great
Lakes, including online resources to educate and inform boat owners and the
public. 

Boat owners should keep their registration current, purchase insurance, perform
regular maintenance, and create an end-of-life plan for vessels. This plan may
include: 

 * Disposing of hazardous materials properly
 * Recycling valuable parts and metals
 * Bringing the vessel to a salvage shop or landfill for recycling and disposal
 * Researching whether your state has a voluntary vessel turn-in/disposal
   program. 


WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR RECOVERING ABANDONED AND DERELICT VESSELS, AND HOW CAN I
REPORT ONE NEAR ME?

The NOAA Marine Debris Program created an ADV InfoHub as a central source of
information regarding abandoned and derelict vessels, or ADVs. It explains how
each coastal state handles abandoned and derelict vessels in an effort to bring
together information and create a comprehensive look at this subject. Users can
access information on local legislation, policies, funding, and available
programs to address the problem, as well as links to relevant publications, case
studies, and legal reviews. Check out the InfoHub to find a contact in your area
for reporting abandoned and derelict vessels.

In addition to the funding available from state agencies and other resources,
the NOAA Marine Debris Program supports abandoned and derelict vessel removal
through a competitive grants process. Through our Marine Debris Removal Grant
opportunity, the NOAA Marine Debris Program has supported the removal of almost
400 abandoned and derelict vessels.


WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I FIND A DERELICT VESSEL OR OTHER LARGE OBJECT THAT MAY
BECOME A HAZARD TO NAVIGATION?

When approaching large or hazardous marine debris, use common sense and follow
general safety guidelines. If you don't know what an item is, don't touch it. If
it appears hazardous, contact the appropriate authorities. 

If you encounter a derelict vessel or other large debris, contact your local
authorities and a state emergency response or environmental health agency to
report the item. If the debris item is a potential hazard to navigation,
immediately contact your nearest U.S. Coast Guard Sector Command Center(link is
external). Do not attempt to move the item.

If the vessel is leaking oil or other hazardous materials, contact your local
authorities, a state emergency response or environmental health agency, and the
U.S. Coast Guard National Response Center(link is external) at 1-800-424-8802 to
report the item with as much information as possible. Do not touch the item or
attempt to move it. If the item poses a serious hazard and requires immediate
attention by authorities, make a 911 emergency call.

For more information on handling marine debris, please see our marine debris
handling guidelines.


ON OUR RADAR

Garbage Patches
Project Clearinghouse
Education
Discover Marine Debris
Derelict Vessel Info Hub
How to Help
Funding Opportunities
Website Revised Sep 11 2023 - 2:02pm
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Web Site Owner: OR&R's Marine Debris Division | Office of Response and
Restoration | NOAA's Ocean Service | NOAA | US Department of Commerce(link is
external) | USA.gov(link is external)



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