SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — The Port of San Diego has finished removing large debris, including sunken or sinking vessels, from the Zuniga Jetty Shoals area.
On Thursday, the Port announced the team successfully removed and disposed of more than 122,000 pounds of underwater debris collected from the 900-acre area, which stretches east of Zuniga Jetty.
The removal project began in November and was done in partnership with Big Bay Marine Services, Inc. doing business as TowBoatUS, the Port said in a news release. Their efforts were funded as part of a $1.4 million grant from Caltrans to address abandoned vessels in the area.
Vessel removed from Zuniga Shoals Jetty. (Port of San Diego)
Vessel removed from Zuniga Shoals Jetty. (Port of San Diego)
During the project, crews worked together to survey all target locations, develop a prioritization plan and minimize the risk to critical marine habitats. Divers were used to recover the debris to limit the use of equipment and anchoring.
According to the Port, vessels are often abandoned in the area, leading to debris that may pose a hazard to other vessels passing through. Abandoned vessels also leach chemicals, plastics and other harmful materials into the water, affecting marine life.
Boaters are encouraged to visit the Port’s website to learn about boating around San Diego Bay and how to report potential hazards and marine pollution.
Abandoned vessels should be reported to the U.S. Coast Guard or the Port of San Diego Harbor Police Department at (619) 686-6272.
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