Wrecked and abandoned vessels can pose hazards to the environment, marine transportation, public health and safety, and local economies.
Under the Oceans Protection Plan, the Abandoned Boats Program was launched in 2017, providing funding to assess and remove hazardous boats. In 2019, the Wrecked, Abandoned and Hazardous Vessels Act made it illegal to abandon vessels in Canadian waters. Together, these actions are keeping local communities, the environment, and marine transportation safer through the removal of hazardous vessels.
The Government of Canada is continuing to implement a Comprehensive Strategy for Vessels of Concern to address, remove, and prevent hazardous vessels that threaten local communities and the marine environment.