Adopt-A-Wetland

fisheries are closed by FWC for a short period to give governmental, private, and non-profit groups the
opportunity to remove derelict traps. 8
Derelict Vessels
Florida's waterways are littered with abandon and derelict vessels that pose environmental and public safety
risks. The cost of removing the vessels can be very high, and the removal can be difficult, especially when
the vessels are abandoned on critical habitat. The vessel owner is responsible for all costs, but more often
than not it is virtually impossible to identify or locate the owner. In that case, the expense becomes a state
responsibility.
A main concern related to derelict vessels is public safety. Derelict vessels cause navigation issues and safety
concerns for boaters, especially at night when there are no lights on the derelict vessel. Derelict vessels left
adrift can cause extensive damage to seagrasses and other essential habitats. FWC's at risk vessel program is
working with boat owners whose vessels are showing signs of become derelict. 9
Microplastics
Microplastics are defined as plastic or polymer particles that will fit through a 5mm mesh. Large-scale plastic
production became widespread in the 1950s. By the 1970s, scientists were starting to become concerned
about microplastics and their effects on the environment. Since then, these small floating plastic particles
have been discovered in water bodies around the world. The impacts these small plastics can have are
potentially huge in marine environments.
Today plastic is used in almost everything we use in one way or another, from kids’ toys to packing goods.
As a result, the amount of plastic entering the marine environment has greatly increased and plastic
pollution has become a global issue. Microplastics enter the marine environment from many sources.
8 http://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/trap-debris/
9 http://myfwc.com/boating/waterway/derelict-vessels/
85 DRAFT AUGUST 2015