PCRP’s Marine Debris Removals
Removal of the Derelict Fishing Vessel “Charito” (Complete)
Project Update
The final pieces of the Charito were completely removed on August 26, 2024! Previously relocated corals will be transplanted back to the project area to ensure a heathy benthic environment for years to come.
Vessel Removal
Project partners included: Deep Blue LLC, Koa Consulting LLC, and Johnson Applied Marine Sciences (JAMS).
This removal was funded by NOAA’s Marine Debris Program, through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
Vessel Information
Vessel Description: 97’ steel commercial longline fishing vessel
Grounding Event: Super Typhoon Winnie - August 12, 1997
Site Characteristics: The “Charito” was located in roughly 4’ of water adjacent to Echo Dock and was approximately 50’ from the DFW Beach Public Boat Ramp in Lower Base. The vessel was in a high-use recreational fishing, boating, and birding area.
Removal Process
Mobilization and Silk Screen Deployment
Disassembling of Vessel and Staging on Echo Dock
Recycling of salvageable steel and disposal of remaining material on-island.
Relocation of previoulsy moved coral back to project area for planting.
Project Partners
Removal of “Sun Long No. 8” from tinian harbor
Vessel Removal
Removal efforts are planned for November 2024 with estimated completion by December 31, 2024.
Project partners include: Deep Blue LLC and Koa Consulting LLC.
This removal was funded by NOAA’s Marine Debris Program, through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
Vessel INformation
Vessel Type: Steel freighter.
Grounding Event: Grounded during Super Typhoon Kim, December 1986.
Site Characteristics: The vessel is grounded in coral reef and rubble with an extensive debris field spread through out the coral reef. Areas where debris occurs appear to have lower % live coral cover than adjacent areas.
Former Military M-Boats off Songsong Village, Rota
Vessel Information:
Vessel Type: Three (106’ long x 29’ wide) U.S. Military “M-Boats”.
Grounding Event: Unknown details of grounding event but sometime in the post-WWII period.
Site Characteristics: The vessels are grounded in 1-3’ of water bordering a popular beach park along the western side of Songsong Village.
These removals are funded through NOAA’s Marine Debris Program.
Project Partners
ADV and DFG inventory in Palau
Marine Debris Inventory
Partnership with Coral Reef Research Foundation (CRRF) to create an inventory of Abandoned and Derelict Vessels (ADVs) and Derelict Fishing Gear (DFGs), specifically payaos, in the waters of Palau.
In the current stage of the project, CRRF staff are in the field identifying marine debris and logging data in an online survey application.
Next stage focuses on prioritizing vessel and payao removals with the goal of removing 10 payaos in year 1.
This project is funded through NOAA’s Marine Debris Program.
Survey platform displaying various marine debris identified in Palau.
Project Partners
