The latest round of funding to clean up abandoned and derelict vessels includes $75,675 for the Pender Harbour and Area Residents Association.
The money will pay for the removal of two boats in Gerrans Bay.
"It would be great to get it done because of the danger to marine traffic," said Len Lee the area director for Pender Harbour at the Sunshine Coast Regional District.
Lee told Coast Reporter the boats are both old tugs. One is sunken, but appears above the surface at low tides creating a navigation hazard. The other is on the beach at Dusendury Island.
The new funding, announced July 25, comes just days before the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act is due to take force.
Starting on July 30, 2019 it will be illegal to abandon boats.
The legislation also increases vessel owner liability, and strengthens the response “in cases where owners do not behave responsibly in disposing of their vessels at the end of their useful life,” according to the release announcing the funding.
"Abandoned and wrecked boats pollute the marine environment and can negatively affect tourism, fisheries, local infrastructure and navigation. Our Government funding to assess and remove these abandoned vessels will ensure that Canadians continue to enjoy our coastlines today and for generations to come," said transportation minister Marc Garneau.
- with files from Sophie Woodrooffe
