Since July 2024, when Monroe County entered right into a $3 million contract with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Fee (FWC), county contractors have made vital strides in eradicating derelict vessels from Florida Keys waters. Within the first six months of the contract, 75 vessels have been eliminated, with one other 46 scheduled for elimination.
Derelict vessels create vital environmental and financial challenges for the Keys. These deserted boats pollute water, hinder navigation and endanger marine life, whereas the monetary burden of addressing these points typically falls on taxpayers.
This initiative, funded by way of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), is targeted on bettering water high quality and enhancing public security all through the Keys.
“We’re deeply grateful for the laborious work and dedication of FWC officers and the distinctive efforts of the derelict vessel elimination contractors,” mentioned Brittany Burtner, senior administrator of the Monroe County Marine Assets Workplace. “The officers’ dedication to figuring out and investigating deserted vessels, paired with the contractors’ experience in eradicating these hazards, has been important to this outstanding progress.”
The cleanup efforts have spanned your complete Florida Keys, with notable progress in:
- Key Largo and Islamorada: 23 derelict vessels eliminated
- Marathon: 34 derelict vessels eliminated
- Boca Chica Basin: 19 derelict vessels eliminated
- Key West: 32 derelict vessels eliminated
Officers say this initiative, mixed with the creation of recent mooring fields to supply safe anchoring choices, will assist stop future abandonments and make sure the waterways of the Florida Keys stay cleaner and safer for all.