Biscayne Bay boaters be aware of misguided bill

In the serene waters of Biscayne Bay, a storm is brewing in the form of proposed state legislation aimed at restricting overnight anchoring.

While the intent of Senate Bill 192 and House Bill 437 may seem noble — to address concerns about the impact of transient or live aboard boaters — the focus on limiting anchorage overlooks the true menace lurking beneath the surface: derelict abandoned vessels.

At the heart of the matter lies a fundamental misunderstanding. By targeting overnight anchoring, lawmakers risk penalizing responsible boaters while sidestepping the root cause of the problem. Derelict boats, those abandoned relics of maritime neglect, pose a far greater threat to the bay’s ecosystem and safety than the transient vessels seeking temporary respite along its shores.

The proposed bills seek to carve out exclusive zones along Biscayne Bay, effectively privatizing public waters for the benefit of a select few waterfront property owners. But such measures fail to address the core issue of derelict vessels, which continue to blight the bay’s landscape and endanger its delicate ecology.

Indeed, the legislation’s focus on limiting overnight anchoring overlooks the multifaceted nature of the problem. Vessels often abandoned after storms or left to decay in neglected waters pose a dual threat as both environmental hazards and navigational impediments. These abandoned relics not only mar the beauty of Biscayne Bay, but also drain taxpayer resources for their removal and disposal.

Some have also claimed that the unlawful disposal of sewage is another reason for the bills, but in reality, data from the Miami Beach chapter of the Surfrider Foundation challenges this assertion. Their Blue Water Task Force’s monitoring efforts reveal consistently low levels of fecal bacteria in Sunset Harbour, a hub for boat dwellers, with spikes occurring only during sewage spills or construction activities.

Moreover, testimonies from responsible boat owners attest to the community’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

Rather than penalizing responsible boaters seeking temporary anchorage — which brings some revenue to the area through shopping, entertainment and more — policymakers should direct their efforts towards comprehensive solutions to tackle derelict vessels head-on. Local initiatives, such as MiamiDade County’s plans for mooring fields and anchorage limitation areas, offer a more nuanced approach to managing waterway usage without unduly burdening lawabiding boaters

Existing federal and state laws already provide avenues for addressing derelict vessels and waterway discharges. Instead of crafting redundant legislation, resources should be allocated towards enforcing these laws and bolstering efforts to identify, remove and properly dispose of abandoned vessels.

It’s time for lawmakers to recognize that the real issue plaguing Biscayne Bay is not overnight anchoring by transient boaters, but the persistent presence of abandoned vessels. By shifting the focus away from punitive measures and towards proactive solutions, we can safeguard our shared waterways.

In the spirit of preserving Biscayne Bay for future generations, let us urge policymakers to reject Senate Bill 192 and House Bill 437. Instead, lawmakers should champion measures that address the root cause of the problem and ensure that our waters remain accessible, safe and pristine for all who seek to enjoy them.