OCRM: Outreach & Initiatives

Marine Debris Initiative

Abandoned Vessel Removal

Marine debris is a serious threat to South Carolina's marshes, creeks and rivers. Dozens of abandoned vessels and other hazards litter the coast and present serious navigational problems for boaters and can also significantly impair the recreational and tourism value of tidal marshes and estuaries. Debris may also threaten wildlife populations if pollutants such as oil and gasoline are leaked. Several times each year, the SC DHEC Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (DHEC-OCRM), the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the US Coast Guard (USCG), and the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACOE) receive requests to remove sunken and/or abandoned derelict vessels. These agencies have regulatory authority over boating, tidal marsh areas, and open water areas along South Carolina's coast. In 2004, these four agencies agreed to create the Marine Debris and Abandoned Vessel Removal Task Force to coordinate efforts to manage debris removal and to raise public awareness about the problem. Site Evaluation Criteria: Environmental impacts Relationship to shellfish beds If the vessel/object to be removed has been pumped of hazardous materials, such as oil or gasoline. Navigational impacts Recreational use Economic impacts (recreation and tourism) Legal and/or regulatory authority Public interest Lack of success through normal enforcement mean Charleston Harbor Area Pilot Project In September 2004, DHEC-OCRM received a NOAA award to begin implementation of a marine debris removal project in the Charleston Estuary Area. The Task Force began by constructing a database of debris sites in and around Charleston Harbor. DHEC-OCRM organized existing data maintained in other Task Force agency databases and also recruited the public's help in site identification by advertising in local newspapers. Additional sites were also documented during routine fieldwork conducted by DHEC-OCRM and DHEC Office of Environmental Quality Control (EQC) staff. A total of 60 sites were identified as having major debris material. These sites were then evaluated based on the criteria agreed upon by the Task Force. This process reduced the debris locations designated for the Charleston area phase to 22 sites. Five of these sites were subsequently voluntarily removed via regular enforcement avenues, leaving 17 targeted sites for the pilot project.	A derelict and sunken shrimp trawler (The Hope) located in the open-water area of Shem Creek.
	Pile structures located in the marsh area of the Ashley River.
	A derelict and sunken blue and white shrimp trawler located in the open-water area of the Cooper River

Phase II

In 2005, DHEC-OCRM received an additional NOAA award to begin implementation of the marine debris removal project in the Beaufort area. Inventory and assessment data was completed for 26 debris items. In May 2006, major debris removal operations were conducted, removing 10 vessels from sites in Beaufort and 2 additional vessels from sites in Charleston.

Phase III - Forging New Partnerships

DHEC-OCRM has forged innovative cost-sharing partnerships with local municipalities to remove inventoried items. In May 2006, OCRM partnered with the Town of Hilton Head to remove 12 derelict and sunken shrimp trawlers from the waters of Skull Creek on Hilton Head Island. In 2007, DHEC-OCRM partnered with the City of Georgetown to remove 8 vessels from Goat Island in Georgetown.

Phase IV

In 2007, DHEC-OCRM received supplemental funding from the SC General Assembly to continue its abandoned vessel removal program. Operations under this phase are slated to begin in early 2008.

Towards the Future

To date, over 50 abandoned and derelict vessels have been removed from coastal waterways and marshes in South Carolina. However, keeping South Carolina's waters free of marine debris and abandoned vessels will continue to be a daunting challenge. In order for our efforts to succeed, a long-term strategy must be developed and implemented:

Aggressively pursue and hold accountable those parties responsible for abandoned boats and marine debris.
Establish a recurring funding source for removal when no responsible party can be found.
Construct framework consisting of local, state and federal government cooperation and participation from the general public must be created to secure ongoing funding and draft new laws and/or ordinances to manage future marine debris issues.
Educate South Carolina's citizens about the negative effects that abandoned vessels and marine debris have on our coastal environment
Ensure availability of proper disposal options.