November 17, 2009

Vessel Groundings

U.S. Caribbean

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Caribbean Vessel Groundings

• Typically 10-15 Incidents Annually

• 1- 2 Large Vessel Groundings

• Majority of Impacts from Rec Vessels

• Generally only able to respond to Oil Tanker Groundings (via OPA)

• Little to no response for majority of incidents.

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Significant Increase in 2009

• 4 fold Increase in Incidents Reported

• More then half had moderate to significant coral damage.

• 46 Incidents so far, on track for 60+.

• Increase attributed to better reporting because rec boating time is down.

• Still estimate we are notified less then 50% of the time.

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2009 Reported Vessel Groundings

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Why groundings matter in the big scheme of reef demise…

•Impacted Corals are often 100’s of years old and a key part of the coral reproductive strategy.

•Impacted Corals have often already shown resilience to bleaching, LBSP, and disease.

•These physical impacts are locally major threats to coral reef health and integrity and present a direct disturbance to the coral environment that can completely alter a reefs structure and function.

•After these acute disturbances, fragments are subject to abrasion, scour, and sedimentation which ultimately result in death..

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Before and After – St. Croix, USVI37’ M/V Slippery When Wet

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Groundings Can Have Big Impacts

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Groundings Can Have Big Impacts

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M/V Atlantique

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S/V Mariah

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M/V Suddenly

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November 17, 2009

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Cayo Ron Orphan Site

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Where we need to go…

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What were doing about it…

•Improved Coordination• USCG• PRDNER & VIDPNR• Commercial Salvors• Boating Community

•Response Capacity• New Dedicated NOAA Staff• Small Response Fund Established• On-call Logistical, Dive, & Scientific

Support Contract

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What were doing about it…

•Improved Coordination• USCG• PRDNER & VIDPNR• Commercial Salvors• Boating Community

•Response Capacity• New Dedicated NOAA Staff• Small Response Fund Established• On-call Logistical, Dive, & Scientific

Support Contract

This allows:- Emergency Response

- Site Stabilization

- Coral Reattachment

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New Grounding Response Strategy

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M/V ATLANTIQUEApril 19th, 2009 Grounding of the

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M/V Atlantique

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M/V Atlantique

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M/V Atlantique

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T/V PORT STEWARTOctober 28, 2009 Grounding of the

November 17, 2009

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T/V Port Stewart

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T/V Port Stewart

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T/V Port Stewart

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T/V Port Stewart

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T/V Port Stewart

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T/V Port Stewart

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T/V Port Stewart

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T/V Port Stewart

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T/V Port Stewart

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Continuing Limitations

•Lack of Clear Statutory Authority

•Limited Funding

•Response to only a Fraction of Sites

•No Long-term Site Restoration

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To Report a Grounding

1 -888-521-NOAA (6622)

or

PRVI.Trustee@NOAA.gov