Florida Coastal Zone Management’s Marine Debris Rapid Response Program
Erin McDevitt, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
The Florida Marine Debris Rapid Response Program was developed by FWC and FDEP through the Florida Coastal Management Program to effectively and efficiently remove debris that is posing an immediate risk to wildlife or human health that does not fall under the purview of other agencies or entities. Examples of debris that fit the criteria of this program include large “ghost nets”, lost cargo containers, debris from marine construction and shipping activities, and heavy industrial garbage. Through this program, a Rapid Response team consisting of many partners, including the US Coast Guard, Counties, NOAA and volunteer organizations was established in 2013 in southeast Florida to test the program protocols and to serve as a template for expanding the program throughout Florida. Ultimately, there will be a total of 5-7 regional teams around the state. Coordination among the partners on the southeast team has been effective and debris has been removed, however, a lack of dedicated funding, time consuming state procurement processes, and permitting requirements have proven to be challenges to the success of the program.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
19100 SE Federal Hwy, Tequesta, FL, 33469
Phone: (561) 882-5715; [email protected]
Erin McDevitt, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
The Florida Marine Debris Rapid Response Program was developed by FWC and FDEP through the Florida Coastal Management Program to effectively and efficiently remove debris that is posing an immediate risk to wildlife or human health that does not fall under the purview of other agencies or entities. Examples of debris that fit the criteria of this program include large “ghost nets”, lost cargo containers, debris from marine construction and shipping activities, and heavy industrial garbage. Through this program, a Rapid Response team consisting of many partners, including the US Coast Guard, Counties, NOAA and volunteer organizations was established in 2013 in southeast Florida to test the program protocols and to serve as a template for expanding the program throughout Florida. Ultimately, there will be a total of 5-7 regional teams around the state. Coordination among the partners on the southeast team has been effective and debris has been removed, however, a lack of dedicated funding, time consuming state procurement processes, and permitting requirements have proven to be challenges to the success of the program.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
19100 SE Federal Hwy, Tequesta, FL, 33469
Phone: (561) 882-5715; [email protected]