Monroe County was awarded a $48,475 grant by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Derelict Vessel Grant Program (DVGP). This grant provided reimbursement for 100 percent of the costs associated with the removal of five derelict vessels from the public waters of the Florida Keys. Removal of these vessels has resulted in significant improvements in recreational boating access and recovery of sensitive marine habitats.
The Monroe County Office of Marine Resources Derelict Vessel Removal Program removes an average of 60 derelict vessels each year. The grant funding received from the DVGP expands Monroe County’s Boating Improvement Fund which is generated from recreational vessel registration fees and used to provide important boating and waterway-related services.
To report a derelict vessel, contact the FWC Division of Law Enforcement at 888-404-FWCC.
