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Clew Water Moon <br />ewe <br />DERELICT VESSELS <br />For the past two years, CWC policy has been to encourage enhanced enforcement as the primary means of clearing City and County <br />waters of dangerous and unsightly vessels. City of VB and IR Shores Police Departments, IRC Sheriff's Office, FL FWC patrol officers <br />have all been engaged in this effort to different degrees. Support on the actual removal of vessels has been provided by the County <br />Natural Resources Manager. <br />But today the situation is as bad as it has been in recent years, so I think we have to ask ourselves "Are we on the right track?". it <br />takes constant monitoring and pressure on the enforcement agencies. Even when vessels are eventually approved for removal, the <br />completion of the process usually takes months. I think the answer to the question above, based on the objective evidence, is "No" <br />This conclusion is by no means a reflection on the efforts of the IRC Sheriff's Office and also Eric Charest, County Natural Resources <br />Manager, which have been excellent. <br />So what alternatives are available? <br />A major part of the problem is that FL FWC has five criteria for removal, one of which must be met for the removal process to begin, <br />attached. There are many vessels in City of Vero Beach, Indian River Shores, Sebastian and Indian River County waters which are <br />clearly abandoned, derelict and unsightly but which cannot be removed using FWC historical criteria. Many of these boats have <br />been in the same position and condition for months, if not years. <br />Recognizing this problem, FWC introduced new language which was signed into law on July 12021. <br />This new legislation makes it straightforward for Counties to apply for areas of their waterway to be designated an "anchoring <br />limitation area" (see F.S. 327.4108(2)(a) attached). The applicant needs to be a County so this would require IRC, COVB, IR Shores <br />and City of Sebastian to work together. <br />The Bili which led to this new provision was an Agency Bill. The language presumes that the area will be established. The County <br />notices FL FWC who then publishes the notice. Absent any valid objection the area is then established. The provision does not <br />restrict the ability of a transient boater to anchor and there are provisions for boats to anchor in the event of breakdown or <br />inclement weather. Vessel removal would be funded by FWC 100%, as currently. The vessel removal fund was amply replenished in <br />the current State Budget in excess of $12 million. Additionally, F.I.N.D will reimburse up to 75%, $50,000 per county annually. The <br />County has well established procedures for executing the removals by private contractors following FWC approval. <br />CWC requests that the County leads an effort to establish appropriate Anchoring Limitation Areas. <br />Suggested Anchoring Limitation Areas for discussion; <br />COVB West of Riverside Park <br />COVB areas North of the Marina Mooring Field and Fritz Island, to the City Line. <br />All of IR Shores waters. <br />City of Sebastian waters TBD. <br />Other County Waters TBD. <br />Contact: Keith Drewett, CWC Director and Chair Marine Committee. kKeiltlhndarewett@comcast.net. 410-533-4566 <br />Judy Orcutt, CWC Director and Vice President. jiorcuttftellsouth.net. 772-559-5140 <br />P.O. Box 690761 <br />Vero Beach, FL 32969 <br />The Clean Water Coalition, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) Florida Not -far -Profit Corporation 336 <br />