The Council is a Federal Advisory Committee Act group that works with the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to advise the Secretary of the Interior, on aquatic conservation endeavors that benefit recreational resources and recreational boating and that encourage partnerships among industry, the public, and the government.   

Sarah and Russ Dunn, NOAA National Policy Advisor for Recreational Fisheries, shared updates during the NOAA session.  Sarah provided an overview of the issue of abandoned and derelict vessels (ADV) in coastal communities and highlighted challenges for vessel owners, local and state governments, and the federal government.  She also gave examples of how the NOAA Marine Debris Program provides support to these groups through removal funding opportunities, the ADV InfoHub, state Emergency Response Guides, and the Salvaging Solutions to ADV webinar series.  

If you’re interested in finding out more about ADV topics, you can visit the Salvaging Solutions to ADV website to watch recordings of previous ADV topics or join us for the August 25th webinar focused on the coordination needed to successfully remove ADVs left during blue skies and after a disaster, along with the challenges that can arise. 

For more information, contact Sarah.Latshaw@noaa.gov.