Monroe County Marine Sources reached a historic milestone within the removing of derelict vessels with 248 derelict vessels hauled out of the Florida Keys waters in the course of the previous 12 months.
In partnership with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Fee (FWC), this system, funded by a $3 million American Rescue Plan Act grant, has shattered earlier removing data. Eradicating derelict vessels enhances boater security and protects the marine setting.
At present, there are fewer than 80 vessels underneath investigation or pending removing, which is a major lower from the historic vary of 300 to 400 instances at any given time within the Florida Keys.
The grant started on Aug. 6, 2024, with the primary vessel eliminated simply weeks later. In June 2025, a file 36 derelict vessels have been eliminated, marking the best single-month complete.
“This exceptional accomplishment is due to the dedication and experience of pre-qualified contractors working tirelessly throughout the Florida Keys and the consolidation of our efforts underneath one complete contract,” stated Marine Sources Senior Administrator Brittany Burtner. “We’ve streamlined the removing course of, reducing the common removing time from about three months to about one.”
The vessel removing contract shall be in impact by the tip of 2025. Notable upcoming initiatives embody the removing of a 96-foot submarine in Marathon, a 66-foot business trawler, “Dena Marie,” off Islamorada and a 53-foot cabin cruiser off Bahia Honda State Park, which may be seen whereas driving alongside U.S. 1.
