In a significant environmental cleanup endeavor, Miami-Dade County's Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources’ Division of Environmental Resources Management (RER-DERM) recently hit a substantial milestone by removing the 500th derelict vessel from Biscayne Bay. This action is a part of the ongoing Marine Debris Removal and Prevention Program that tackles the surge of abandoned and at-risk vessels cluttering the county's waters. According to Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, "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," as reported by Miami-Dade County News.
Having the issue of abandoned vessels has severely impacted the marine ecosystem, these dilapidated vessels stretch over 2.55 miles end-to-end, demonstrating the extent of the problem. The effort has encompassed a range of coastal areas, from the Oleta River to the Miami River and throughout Biscayne Bay. Lisa M. Spadafina, RER-DERM Director, noted the intensive labor that went into the initiative: "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," she told Miami-Dade County News.
Removing these vessels involves complex process that goes beyond hauling boats out of the bay. RER-DERM collaborates with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and other marine law enforcement agencies to document and schedule the removal of these threats. Enforcement actions by local law enforcement and other agencies have also resulted in additional vessels being removed by responsible parties. The funding for the vessel removal and disposal work in Miami-Dade County comes through channels that includes the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND), the FWC, and the Biscayne Bay Environmental Enhancement Trust Fund.
For Miami-Dade residents and environmentalists, the removal of the 500th vessel also enhances the safety and enjoyment of recreational activities for everyone. Concerned citizens can partake in these efforts by reporting abandoned, at-risk, or derelict vessels to the FWC at 1-888-404-3922 or to the RER-DERM Environmental Complaint Desk at 305-372-6955, or via email at [email protected]. Complaints may also be submitted online as part of the county's ongoing commitment to address and manage marine debris for the continued health and safety of Biscayne Bay.
