Removal of 15 derelict vessels and 3,000-ton bridge pontoon from Neah Bay benefits tribal economy and the harbor ecosystem
Silver Spring, Md. – November 13, 2024 – The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation announced the completion of a multimillion-dollar effort to remove tons of large marine debris to clean up the Makah Marina in Neah Bay, Washington.
Beginning in July, the Foundation partnered with the Makah Tribe and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Debris Program to remove 15 derelict vessels that were abandoned in the Makah Marina in Neah Bay and barge them to disposal and recycling facilities. In October and November, contractors demolished and removed a massive concrete and steel bridge pontoon, which was once a temporary section of Interstate-90 across Lake Washington in Seattle and had been sunken in Neah Bay for more than 30 years.
Joel R. Johnson, president and CEO of the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, said, “We are proud to partner with the Makah people and the NOAA Marine Debris Program to accomplish the monumental task of clearing the large debris from Neah Bay and restoring the splendor of the harbor. When we do this work, we empower the community to sustain their way of life and create future opportunities. Our job is just beginning. The Foundation is scaling our large debris removal efforts to other sanctuaries because we believe that our nation’s treasured ocean and Great Lakes places and the communities that love them should be free of marine debris.”
The project is part of a nearly $15 million award from the NOAA Marine Debris Program with funding provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. It includes large marine debris removal across five national marine sanctuaries and two Tribal ancestral waters, including Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary and the Makah Usual and Accustomed Treaty Area.
Chairman Timothy J. Greene Sr., Makah Tribal Council, said, “We are deeply grateful for the collaboration with the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation and NOAA Marine Debris Program in restoring the waters of Neah Bay. Removing this debris not only revitalizes our marina and preserves our environment but also strengthens the cultural and economic pillars of our community. This effort demonstrates the impact of partnerships rooted in respect for our natural resources and shared commitment to sustaining our way of life for future generations.”
“We are proud to support these large and impactful marine debris removals,” said Andrew Mason, Pacific Northwest Regional Coordinator and Pacific Team Lead for the NOAA Marine Debris Program. “Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding has allowed our partners to address legacy debris, such as the bridge segment, which has blemished tribal waters for decades. We join the Makah Tribe and the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation in celebrating this historic milestone.”
By the numbers:
- 15 abandoned and derelict vessels removed from Neah Bay
- 280 tons of vessel debris sent to landfill (equal to the weight of 2.5 blue whales)
- 310 tons of recycled metal from vessels (a little bigger than a Boeing 747)
- 14,230 gallons of liquid hydrocarbons from vessels (equal to the average gas tank size of 105 Mack trucks)
- 15 fire extinguishers retrieved from vessels
- 3,000 tons approximate weight of sunken pontoon bridge
Every year, millions of tons of debris and derelict vessels litter our ocean and Great Lakes, releasing toxic chemicals while threatening wildlife and habitats, ecosystems and economies, the food web, and human health.
The large marine debris targeted by the Foundation, the National Marine Sanctuary System, and partners negatively impacts sensitive habitats and cultural traditions, creates navigational hazards, and endangers wildlife and economic prosperity across five national marine sanctuaries and two Tribes’ ancestral waters.
Over the years, the Makah Marina in Neah Bay, which is just outside of Olympic Coast NMS, hosted Tribal, commercial, and recreational fishing activities. Abandoned vessels have accumulated in the marina due to such issues as economic downturns in the fishery, aging of the fishery fleet, or disabled vessels from elsewhere towed ashore by the Coast Guard from nearby waters.
Removing the large debris from Neah Bay benefits the environment, public health, and local economy. The Makah Marina supports Tribal fisheries, community wellbeing, cultural customs, and recreation and tourism, all of which rely on clean water, thriving fisheries, and navigational safety.
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The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, established in 2000, is the official non-profit partner of the National Marine Sanctuary System. The Foundation directly supports America’s national marine sanctuaries through our mission to protect species, conserve ecosystems and preserve cultural and maritime heritage. We accomplish our mission through community stewardship and engagement programs, on-the-water conservation projects, public education and outreach programs, and scientific research and exploration. The Foundation fosters innovative projects that are solution-oriented, scalable and transferable, and develop strategic partnerships that promote the conservation and recovery of species and their habitats. Learn more at marinesanctuary.org.
Contact: Chip Weiskotten
Director of Strategic Communications
301-754-6134
chip@marinesanctuary.org