Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Marine Environment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents urge action on cruise-ship anchoring, warning of eelgrass and noise impacts
Summary
Public commenters urged the council to pursue regulation and environmental protections as large cruise ships increasingly anchor in San Juan County waters, raising concerns about anchor scour, underwater noise and invasive species transfer.
During public access time at the May 5 meeting, residents urged the county to consider local measures to address impacts from large recreational and cruise vessels anchoring in sensitive nearshore habitat.
Ben Straub of Canoe Island told the council he has tracked increased anchoring of large vessels — "between 243 feet and 270 feet in length" — and said many anchor events occur in Indian Cove, a known eelgrass habitat. "These ships are listed on the websites as 3,000 gross tons... you have to imagine tens of tons of chain dragging across the sediments on the sea floor," Straub said, describing what he called physical damage to benthic habitat and concerns about underwater noise and ballast-water transfers.
Other commenters, including members of the Marine Resources Committee and the Department of Fish and Wildlife, praised the Environmental Stewardship department and urged continued funding for marine protections, derelict-vessel mitigation and oil-spill prevention programs.
What council heard: Speakers asked for research, regulatory options and collaboration with state and federal agencies; they also urged the county to consider mechanisms such as permitting, size limits in sensitive areas or excise/impact fees to reduce impacts from very large recreational vessels.
Council response: Council members acknowledged the issue and discussed how Environmental Stewardship and advisory committees could help evaluate local policy options and grant opportunities. No formal action was taken at the meeting.
