How to deal with end-of-life vessels

An event has been organized to focus on exploring existing and emerging technologies and best practices for responsible and sustainable disposal of abandoned and derelict vessels (ADVs).

The 2026 Turning the Tide Summit is open to everyone, including environmental experts, boating and waste industry leaders, policymakers and anyone interested in deepening the conversation on responsible and sustainable management of end-of-life vessels and other boating-related waste.

Organized by the BoatUS Foundation, the event will focus on topics pertaining to fiberglass and composite recycling as well as subjects related to shrink-wrap and other boating-related waste.

“No waterway community is exempt or safe from ADVs and boating-related waste,” said Alanna Keating, BoatUS Foundation’s Director of Outreach. “We all have the power to protect our waterways and this summit is one significant way people can learn from each other, network, and share solutions for taking real action that can benefit their communities for years to come.”

This summit is part of the BoatUS Foundation ADV Program, whose ultimate aim is removing and preventing ADVs from the nation’s coastal waters and the Great Lakes to aid in navigational safety and maintain healthy marine ecosystems. It is scheduled for December 6-9 in New Orleans, LA.