Wreck inventory could help unlock federal money

The founder of the Veins of Life Watershed Society is seeking public help to inventory the number and location of derelict boats that have plagued capital region shorelines for decades. John Roe says he’s working with his partners to get the vessels carted away “once and for all,” but wants to collect information including detailed locations and descriptions by April 1 to access any money earmarked for the issue in the federal budget this month. Roe estimates as many as 50 derelicts have washed up on beaches in the region, including the Gulf Islands. He says federal and provincial governments have “downloaded” the problem to municipalities, but he still favours the hands-on approach that helped him clean up the once-polluted Gorge Waterway. Veins disbanded in 2008, but now it’s back — “doing what we do best, cleaning up everyone’s crap and empowering the community,” he said in an email to the Times Colonist. “No promises made or given, but if we don’t get our act together here in the Islands Trust and the CRD, this problem will continue to grow.” If you want to help inventory derelicts, here is what’s needed: • photos of the vessel, including the inside if possible • photos of damage that makes the boat hard to float • measurements of length, width and depth • GPS location as exactly as possible • identification of any kind, such as engine serial numbers, hull serial numbers, painted-over names and 14K number or contact information. • notation of anything that seems hazardous, such as paints or oils. Fuel tanks should be tapped to see if they sound full or empty. Send information to info@salishsea.ca