Derelict Boats in Florida Harbors Pose Environmental Threats
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Campus
Daytona Beach
Status
Student
Student Year and Major
Sophomore in Aerospace Engineering
Presentation Description/Abstract
Over six hundred derelict boats are removed from docks across Florida each year as these vessels remain a persistent issue. Since the 2008 recession, the number of abandoned and decrepit vessels has steadily increased and recently worsened in the wake of 2020 pandemic-induced economic downturn. Through analyzing journal articles, academic databases, and local news, these vessels pose numerous negative environmental and social effects. These findings suggest that there needs to be a better way to remove these boats and a much more thorough investigation into who owns these vessels, in order for the owner to pay the fee rather than loyal taxpayers. These boats leak gasoline, about 20-30% of their fuel capacity, which enter the waterways, causing harm to wildlife and other boaters. These half-sunken vessels are not easily visible, and mariners end up driving over them by accident, causing damage and endangering passengers. In the past year, fifteen boats have been removed from the Halifax River, costing taxpayers over $10,000 per boat. Removing abandoned boats is a large and complicated expense with removal costs up to $40,000 for boats left out during hurricanes. This cost burdens taxpayers, as they fund companies to remove the vessels. The escalating number of boats requiring removal along with rising removal expenses poses challenges for communities state-wide. Implementing change necessitates enhanced surveillance at docks and increased boater awareness of these vessels. Conducting further research will determine the effects of these unattended boats on a nationwide scale, ensuring safety of public health and the ocean.
Keywords
Derelict, Vessels, Gas Spillage, Hazard, Disposal, Environmental Threat, Demolition, Emergency
Derelict Boats in Florida Harbors Pose Environmental Threats
Over six hundred derelict boats are removed from docks across Florida each year as these vessels remain a persistent issue. Since the 2008 recession, the number of abandoned and decrepit vessels has steadily increased and recently worsened in the wake of 2020 pandemic-induced economic downturn. Through analyzing journal articles, academic databases, and local news, these vessels pose numerous negative environmental and social effects. These findings suggest that there needs to be a better way to remove these boats and a much more thorough investigation into who owns these vessels, in order for the owner to pay the fee rather than loyal taxpayers. These boats leak gasoline, about 20-30% of their fuel capacity, which enter the waterways, causing harm to wildlife and other boaters. These half-sunken vessels are not easily visible, and mariners end up driving over them by accident, causing damage and endangering passengers. In the past year, fifteen boats have been removed from the Halifax River, costing taxpayers over $10,000 per boat. Removing abandoned boats is a large and complicated expense with removal costs up to $40,000 for boats left out during hurricanes. This cost burdens taxpayers, as they fund companies to remove the vessels. The escalating number of boats requiring removal along with rising removal expenses poses challenges for communities state-wide. Implementing change necessitates enhanced surveillance at docks and increased boater awareness of these vessels. Conducting further research will determine the effects of these unattended boats on a nationwide scale, ensuring safety of public health and the ocean.