Oregon’s waterways have long faced the challenge of abandoned and derelict vessels, from small fishing boats to massive rusting ships. Now, a first-of-its-kind partnership between the BoatUS Foundation and NOAA is providing fresh funding and resources to address the issue. Over the next two years, the initiative will target more than 300 abandoned vessels across six states, with Oregon set to remove dozens of its most hazardous boats. Josh Mulhollem, manager of Oregon’s Waterways Stewardship Program, explains how this funding will be put to work and the positive impact it will have on coastal and river communities, improving safety, environmental health, and waterfront aesthetics.