Buoying Washington State's Response to Abandoned and Derelict Vessels

The Puget Sound is home to a diverse marine ecosystem and several endangered species, including southern resident orcas and their primary prey, chinook salmon. The sound is also home to an active boating community, which comes with an unfortunate downside: abandoned and derelict vessels. Owners who have either lost interest or can no longer afford to operate and maintain their vessels often leave them to sit and deteriorate. Over time, decay and storms set many abandoned vessels adrift. These derelict vessels wash ashore or sink and are a major source of pollution harmful to orcas, salmon and other marine wildlife.