“As a former resident of Galveston Island for over a decade, preserving the health and beauty of its coastal waters is a mission close to my heart."
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN, Texas – Today, Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D., announced that the Texas General Land Office (GLO), in coordination with the Gulf of America Alliance (GOAA), supported the removal of five abandoned vessels from South Galveston County totaling approximately 21,040 pounds of debris.
“As a former resident of Galveston Island for over a decade, preserving the health and beauty of its coastal waters is a mission close to my heart. The safe removal of abandoned boats is essential to the GLO’s efforts to protect marine life and coastal communities from the considerable risks presented by these unsightly hazards, including leakage of fuels and toxic chemicals," said Commissioner Buckingham. “I am thrilled that five abandoned boats in Offatts Bayou and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway were safely removed through our partnership with the Gulf of America Alliance. I thank everyone at the Gulf of America Alliance for their expertise in the Galveston area and look forward to achieving many more wins for the Texas coast and the people and wildlife that call it home.”
As fiberglass boats sunk in heavy Gulf-bottom mud, these vessels posed a significant threat to marine ecosystems as these types of vessels can release toxic residue into water and sediment. Like other vessels, these boats were also at risk of leaking hazardous wastes into delicate marine environments, including fuel and lubricants.
The abandoned vessels also detracted from the beauty and safety of highly trafficked fishing and recreational boating spots in Offatts Bay. They were left in high-visibility areas near residential properties, beachfront restaurants, and Galveston Island's main bridge. Removing these unsightly hazards will help support tourism and commerce on the island.
The Gulf of America Alliance is a regional partnership focused on enhancing the environmental and economic health of the region through increased collaboration. Led by the five Gulf states, GOAA's network includes over 165 participating organizations.
