CM Ariola Announces 18 Derelict Vessels Removed From Jamaica Bay

Councilwoman Joann Ariola has announced that the Office of Marine Debris Removal and Vessel Surrendering removed a total of 18 abandoned and unwanted vessels from around Jamaica Bay in the month of September. The new office, created in April 2024, by legislation sponsored by the Councilwoman, is gearing up to expand its efforts and remove even more vessels from the waterways around New York City in the months to come.

“The Office of Marine Debris Removal and Vessel Surrendering is really hitting the ground running,” Councilwoman Ariola said. “In just a short time, they’ve made a visible impact in cleaning up Jamaica Bay. I’m proud to have created this office, and I look forward to building on its success so future generations can enjoy cleaner, safer waters here and throughout this city.”

“New York is a city of water. By keeping our waterways clear of debris, and helping New Yorkers safely and responsibly dispose of marine vessels they wish to surrender, we’re making our city safer, cleaner, and more resilient,” said Nate Grove, Chief of Waterfront and Marine Operations at NYC Parks. “We’re proud of our work across our city’s shorelines and we look forward to continuing this important initiative.”

“I cannot say enough positives about this program,” said Broad Channel resident Tim Tubridy, who used the office to turn in an old vessel. “I’ve spent my whole life on the bay, and I know all too well the difficulties involved in disposing of a boat. I am so glad to see this program, and to see Councilwoman Ariola and this office’s commitment to cleaning up our waters.”

Environmental groups agree. “The recently created Office of Marine Debris Removal and Vessel Surrendering has had a tremendous positive impact on Jamaica Bay,” said Dan Mundy, President of the Jamaica Bay Ecowatchers, a Broad Channel-based organization dedicated to the preservation, protection, enhancement and restoration of the fragile ecosystem of Jamaica Bay. “To date, they’ve removed hundreds of abandoned vessels, docks and large pieces of debris from the water and off of the wetlands. This year we see a new element to this effort with the boat turn-in program, which allows boat owners to turn in old, no longer used vessels before they break loose and float out and harm the environment.”

“Dozens of boats, which ultimately could have been a threat to the bay, have been turned in under this new protocol, including many of the 18 just last month,” Mundy added. “The Jamaica Bay Ecowatchers commend Councilwoman Joann Ariola for creating the Office of Marine Debris Removal, which has for the first time in the history of the bay created a specific agency responsible for this effort, and for working to protect Jamaica Bay!”

All of the vessels taken by the program are brought to a facility operated by contractor Miller’s Launch in Staten Island, where they are drained of fluids and dissembled. All metal components are separated out at the facility and collected by a metal salvage company, while the remaining debris is crushed and disposed of as landfill.

New Yorkers who wish to surrender a vessel can contact the Councilwoman’s office at 718-318-6411.