Abandoned and derelict vessels (ADVs) are a growing problem in the boating community and pose dangerous environmental threats. When boats are irresponsibly discarded and sink below the surface, plastics, glass and pollutants are also left behind, harming marine life and aquatic ecosystems. Debris in the water can cause serious risks to boats, damage other vessels, marinas and properties, and obstruct safe cruising.
Thanks to nationwide environmental organizations, efforts to remove ADVs are increasing with help from federal agencies. The Annapolis-based nonprofit, BoatUS Foundation, recently received a $10 million grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) from its Marine Debris Removal Program. This competitive four-year grant program will support the BoatUS Foundation’s efforts toward Boating Safety and Clean Water. It is funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law through NOAA’s mission to address the marine debris crisis.
In addition to vessel removal, BoatUS Foundation’s project will also develop a national database to track ADVs and support educational research. This database will include an added focus on ADV impact in underserved communities. Most of the funds are dedicated to complete marine debris removal programs along the nation’s coastal regions, as well as extending into the Great Lakes.
BoatUS Foundation Director of Outreach, Alanna Keating, says the team is in the beginning stages of the project and looks forward to working with partners, stakeholders, local government and communities to tackle this large-scale issue nationwide.
“We want to look at why ADVs happen, how to address them on a local and state level, how to be efficient and work through the process with states and entities involved to streamline a structured, efficient removal,” says Keating.
“We’ll utilize that information we receive to work toward the prevention aspect — what can we do to help remove the barriers that prevent people from proper disposal? Whether it’s a cost or permitting issue, access to sustainable disposal, etc., this will give us ideas about how to work on national and state-level prevention.”
BoatUS says they are working diligently to get the project off the ground and see the impact. Stay tuned for updates at boatus.org/ADVGrant.
The NOAA Marine Debris Program awarded 14 recipients, totaling $69 million in federal funding over the 2022-2023 fiscal years. In addition to the BoatUS Foundation, NOAA grantees include the Center for Coastal Studies (New England), Gulf of Mexico Alliance (Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas), Isla Mar Research Expeditions (Puerto Rico) and more. To learn more, visit marinedebris.noaa.gov.
For more information on ADVs, read Marinalife’s recent Eco-Friendly Boating column.
Now that summer is coming to an end, and the kids are back in school, it’s time to toast with an apple for the teachers and an apple-flavored drink for yourself! Here are two fun apple-inspired cocktails that give you that cozy late summer/early fall feeling.
A sweet and spicy flavorful mix of mint
Ingredients:
2 oz White rum (for more of a summery flavor) or spiced rum (for more of an autumnal flavor)
4 oz Apple cider
½ oz Simple syrup
Splash of club soda
Fresh mint leaves
Fresh lime wedges
Instructions:
Muddle the mint and lime wedges in the bottom of a tall glass. Pour simple syrup into the glass. Fill with ice and add white rum, apple cider and stir it all together, then top it off with a splash of club soda for some bubbles.
A twist on the traditional mule with refreshing fall flavors
Ingredients:
2 oz Apple vodka
4 oz Ginger beer
½ oz lime juice
Fresh apple slices
Instructions:
Fill a copper mug with ice and combine all ingredients. Gently stir and garnish with an apple slice.
.png)
At Marinalife, our hearts go out to the people of Maui in the wake of the wildfire disaster. The loss of more than 3,000 acres of land and 2,200 structures includes homes, medical facilities, businesses, marinas and charter boat companies. As Marinalife offers emergency relief and recovery funds to the island, we also encourage our readers, marinas and the boating community to lend a hand. Please join our efforts by supporting some of the following organizations that address essential life issues to help Maui residents on their road to recovery:
As we cruise through summer at what feels like high-speed, it’s time to plan trips and events to close out the season.
Traditionally, Labor Day weekend is when boaters in northern regions soak up the last bit of sun and outdoor fun. From music and boating festivals to races, fundraisers, parades and fireworks, Marinalife has your holiday planning covered. The following events take place across New England, the mid-Atlantic and the Great Lakes.
39th Annual Gloucester Schooner Festival
Gloucester, MA, August 31 – September 3
Every year, schooners from across the globe flock to Gloucester Harbor to race and celebrate the beauty of sailing. Enjoy this four-day festival hosted by Maritime Gloucester featuring the main schooner race on Sunday.
Camden, ME, September 1 – 2
Cruise to Camden Harbor Park to attend shows including the Schooner Talent Show and Nautical Dog Show, performances from Bay Winds North Wind Ensemble, and races such as First Fish Relay Race and Lobster Crate Race.
Charlestown, RI, September 1 – 3
Enjoy a wide range of genres from blues and country to Cajun and Zydeco at this groovy music festival. Located at Ninigret Park, guests can purchase a day pass or pitch a tent for the weekend at onsite campgrounds. Headliners include Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue and Greensky Bluegrass.
Labor Day Fireworks Cruise on Northern Lights
Boston, MA, September 1 – 4
Watch fireworks illuminate the Boston Harbor skyline aboard the beautiful 1920s-style commuter yacht, Northern Lights. One complimentary drink is included with admission, and cheese boards, flatbreads, sandwiches and additional snacks are available for purchase onboard.
Port Henry, NY, September 2
Head to Bridgeview Harbour Marina to watch a spectacular lighted boat display cruise down Lake Champlain. The route travels north to an anchorage just south of Port Henry Pier where the annual Labor Day fireworks show is launched.
Crisfield, MD, September 1 – 3
This annual crab-themed event is a southern Maryland tradition with live entertainment, cooking, crafts, beauty pageants, crab races and crab-picking contests. Enjoy a parade and fireworks and grab seats to the Crisfield Boat Docking event on Sunday.
19th Annual DC JazzFest at The Wharf
Washington, DC, September 2 – 3
Both international acts and local talent grace The Wharf’s outdoor stages for two days of jazz music at this signature DC event. Dock at The Wharf Marina and walk the strip of newly developed shops, dining and attractions.
Rehoboth, DE, September 2 – 3
This beach town closes out the summer season with a huge party at one of Delaware’s most popular events. The fundraiser supports CAMP Rehoboth’s essential health, wellness, arts and advocacy programs and hosts a live auction, comedy and drag shows, and nationally recognized DJs that transform the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center into a giant dance party.
Labor Day Weekend Cruise & Crab Feast at Clayton’s
Cambridge, MD, September 3
Come by land or sea to this 25th annual crab feast at one of the oldest crab companies on the Chesapeake Bay — the J.M. Clayton Company. Hosted by Eastport Yacht Club in Annapolis, MD, the event rallies a cruise to Cambridge to gather with fellow sailors for a BYOB happy hour, potluck and crab-picking.
Deal Island Skipjack Races & Festival
Deal Island, MD, September 3 – 4
Witness skipjacks along Deal Island Harbor while enjoying live music, vendors arts and crafts, kids’ activities, an antique car show and a parade. Catch the fishing tournament, silent auction, Blessing of the Fleet and the 64th Annual Skipjack Race on Labor Day.
Chicago, IL, August 31 – September 3
Programmed by the acclaimed Chicago Jazz Institute, this Labor Day weekend tradition showcases local talent and international artists to raise awareness of the arts. Concerts are held throughout neighborhoods citywide.
Air Show Parties at the Great Lakes Science Center
Cleveland, OH, September 1 – 3
Witness the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds amazing air show from the deck of steamship William G. Mather or from the Science Center’s terrace overlooking North Coast Harbor. Enjoy family-friendly games, activities and a lunch buffet. Dock at Oasis Marinas at North Coast Harbor.
Middleburg Heights, OH, September 1 – 4
Head to the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds for two weekends celebrating the popular German tradition. Sample cultural food and drinks, enjoy live entertainment and check out the Bier Garten and VIP Jägermeister tent. The festival returns September 8 – 9.
Annual Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Walk: Cross the Mighty Mac
Mackinac Island, MI, September 4
The unique town of Mackinac hosts this annual tradition drawing thousands to cross the beloved Mackinac Bridge. Participants walk hundreds of feet above where Lake Michigan and Lake Huron meet and traverse the midpoint from Mackinaw City and St. Ignace, then walk back.
Madison, WI, September 4
Of all the activities through Labor Day weekend, this event is an ode to the holiday’s true meaning: to honor those who made sacrifices for worker protection and benefits. The Milwaukee Area Labor Council union members celebrate with a day of children’s entertainment, science and magic shows, and live music along the lakefront.
The eastern shore is about to experience an awe-inspiring sight as the World’s Largest Rubber Duck sets sail for Maryland waters. The gigantic yellow duck, also known as “Mama Duck,” will be making its maiden voyage to the Bay region in August, promising a quacking good time for all!
After captivating crowds in Michigan and New York this summer, the World’s Largest Rubber Duck will be visiting the Leonardtown Wharf for the Wharf Fest from August 4-6, followed by an appearance at Crisfield’s Little Big Townfest held at Somers Cove Marina from August 11-13. Attendees of both events can expect a delightful lineup of duck-themed activities, including duck selfies, music, games, and an array of vendors offering delectable food and drinks.
Since 2014, Mama Duck has been traversing the country, spreading joy, and encouraging people to appreciate and preserve our precious natural resources. With its whimsical charm and larger-than-life size, the giant rubber duck has become a global icon that brings smiles to faces of young and old alike.
As the World’s Largest Rubber Duck sails into Maryland waters, keep an eye out for this iconic bath toy on its mission to inspire joy and conservation. To stay updated with Mama Duck’s adventures, you can follow its journey on the official website, or social media.
As summer gets cranking and boats fill the waterways, it’s important to remember the workers, mariners and notable moments that helped build today’s boating community. While planning your trips and events, be sure to check out celebrations for nationally recognized days. Here are a few to enjoy through July and August.
July 16
Whether you’re an experienced watersport lover or just want to test drive a different activity, this day is for you! Launched by two wakeboarders in 2014, the Pass the Handle project inspires watersport enthusiasts to get others out on the water and try a new aquatic activity such as wakeboarding, tubing, waterskiing, etc. If you’re an experienced adrenaline junkie, take a first timer out to sea on Sunday, July 16. Share your experiences and hashtag #PassTheHandle across social media channels.
August 4
This August, celebrate the United States Coast Guard’s 233rd birthday and commemorate the legacy of our service men and women. Check out nationwide events such as the Coast Guard Day 5k Run/Walk & 1-Mile Fun Run in Yorktown, VA, on August 5. To learn about U.S. Coast Guard history, visit history.uscg.mil
August 7
This annual commemoration pays homage to the first federal lighthouse commissioning in the United States. In 1789, Congress approved an act to support and regulate lighthouses, beacons, buoys and public piers. Two centuries later, President Ronald Reagan officially signed into law the National Lighthouse Day Bill in November 1988. Today, we honor the historic structures that symbolize a safe guide for our seas with community events and ceremonies.
Looking to plan your next trip? We’ve done the leg work for you! Find world class marinas, fun spots to dock, and lots to explore.
Stay up to date with the latest articles, news and all things boating!
.png)
Have you ever planned a boat trip? If so, you know how difficult it is to find and compare marinas. Even more difficult is booking a slip once you find a marina you like.
We hear your frustration. That’s why we developed Snag-A-Slip — the fastest and easiest way to explore marinas and book slips from your desktop or mobile device.
%20(500%20%C3%97%20400%20px).png)
%201.svg)
