Derelict Vessles

With a coastline longer than that of the Lower 48 states combined, Alaska has numerous coastal and riverine communities that are accessible only by water and not connected by road. Consequently, these communities experience significant marine and riverine vessel traffic. Although relatively young, Alaska now hosts an aging fleet of vessels due to federal and state fishing rationalization programs, economic downturns, rising maintenance costs, and stricter vessel regulations and permits. As a result, many of these vessels have become uneconomical to operate and often remain moored in public harbors or anchored in public or state tidelands.

This situation has led to an increasing number of derelict and abandoned vessels throughout Alaska’s coasts and rivers. Without a clear and proactive strategy for managing abandoned and derelict vessels (ADVs) in public waters, their numbers will continue to rise, resulting in greater environmental risks and increased costs borne by the public.