Miami-Dade County removes its 500th derelict vessel

The Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources’ Division of Environmental Resources Management (RER-DERM) recently removed its 500th derelict vessel from Biscayne Bay as part of the Marine Debris Removal and Prevention Program.

“Derelict vessels and marine debris pose a serious threat to the health of Biscayne Bay because they release pollutants into the water, damage marine life, threaten boater safety and cost Florida taxpayers millions of dollars each year in removal and disposal,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. "By reaching this milestone, we are taking a significant step toward preserving the beauty and health of Biscayne Bay, which is not only a critical part of our ecosystem but also vital to our economy and quality of life.”

The 500 vessels were removed across the County’s coastal areas, from Maule Lake to Manatee Bay, from the Oleta River to the Miami River, and throughout Biscayne Bay. Collectively, they would measure over 2.55 miles (approximately 13,490 feet) if placed end-to-end, about the distance across the Bay from the mainland to Miami Beach.

“This accomplishment is a reflection of the extraordinary RER-DERM staff efforts, which include countless hours spent locating, inspecting, researching, and physically removing abandoned, derelict and at-risk vessels,” said RER-DERM Director Lisa M. Spadafina. ”It is a big win for Biscayne Bay and for everyone who enjoys recreational activities on the Bay.”

RER-DERM partners with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and other marine law enforcement agencies to document and remove derelict vessels. Additional vessels have been removed by responsible parties because of enforcement actions taken by RER-DERM or area law enforcement or other agencies.

Vessel removal and disposal work in Miami-Dade County has been funded by the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND), the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and the Biscayne Bay Environmental Enhancement Trust Fund.

Learn more about the Abandoned, Derelict and At-Risk Vessels program.  To report an abandoned, at-risk, or derelict vessel, call the FWC at 1-888-404-3922 or the RER-DERM Environmental Complaint Desk at 305-372-6955, email [email protected] or submit a complaint online.