Ghost Boats Beware: Feds Launch National Database to Hunt Abandoned Vessels
Published Date: 1/7/2026
Notice
Summary
The Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee is hosting a free virtual meeting on January 29, 2026, to talk about new federal efforts to tackle ocean trash. They’ll unveil a cool new national database tracking abandoned boats, helping communities and agencies clean up faster. Anyone interested in marine life and ocean health should tune in, but spots are limited to 500 people, so don’t wait!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
New Abandoned Vessel National Database
You can report abandoned and derelict vessels through the new Abandoned and Derelict Vessel (ADV) National Database launched by NOAA. The database is meant to help identify the scope of the ADV problem and track prevention and removal efforts.
Virtual Public Meeting Access Details
You can join the Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee virtual public meeting on January 29, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. EST via Google Meet (https://meet.google.com/jct-mevc-wpv) or by phone at +1 631-260-1193 PIN 887 629 280#. Attendance is limited to the first 500 individuals who join the virtual meeting room.
No Comment Period; Meeting Not Recorded
The meeting will not include a public comment period and it will not be recorded. Because attendance is limited to the first 500 participants and there is no recording, you cannot submit live comments at the meeting or watch it later if you cannot join live.
Accessibility: Captioning and Auxiliary Aids
The meeting will be accessible to people with disabilities and closed captioning will be available. If you need other auxiliary aids, you must request them from Sophia Maginnes at [email protected] or Google Voice (301) 458-0362 by January 20, 2026.
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Key Dates
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