PI: Scott Jackson, UF/IFAS Florida Sea Grant, lsj@ufl.edu
Recap: Florida Sea Grant is working with partners and coastal communities in the Panhandle to remove remaining marine debris and derelict vessels from Hurricanes Michael.
Relevance: Emergency responders with the Coast Guard, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and Emergency Support Function 10 (ESF-10) worked effectively to address high-priority vessels and marine debris problems immediately after Hurricane Michael. The team assessed 1,370 displaced, wrecked, sunken or beached vessels and mitigated or removed 175 vessels from the environment.
Response: In 2020, Florida Sea Grant received a $3 million grant from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) to help restore marine ecosystems and communities by removing marine debris caused by Hurricane Michael in St. Andrew, St. Joseph, and Apalachicola Bays. The team provided funds to aid hurricane-impacted residents in the clean-up of marine debris from local waters and shorelines including structural debris (docks, piers, etc.) and vessels. Through the efforts of the project team, residents were provided with guidance and expertise from marine contractors in the professional removal of hurricane debris.
Results: To date, 2,531,430 lbs. of marine debris have been removed, including 61 derelict vessels and 33 acres enhanced.
Partners: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; Bay County, Gulf, Franklin Boards of County Commissioners; NOAA Office of Response and Restoration
