Japan is affected by the polluting effects of abandoned and sunken small and medium sized boats around its coastal waters. Fortunately, something is being done about it.

In past years, leisure boating became popular, especially those built with fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP). However, when owners tired of their sailing or boating adventure, they often abandoned their boats. These orphaned craft eventually sank in harbors, lakes, rivers and coastal waters.

In addition to these sunken boats becoming an underwater navigation hazard, leakage of oil and gasoline downstream affects seaweed farming and other marine life.

Sunken and sinking boats in bay near Yokohama

Local government authorities were left to clean up these boats in the absence of responsible owners taking care of the problem, but this
depended on whether cities and water authorities had the budget to do the salvaging or not.

The Japan Boating Industry Association (JBIA), an organization supported by The Nippon Foundation, estimates there are at least 1200 known abandoned and sunken boats around the Japanese coastline.

Recycling centers for these boats have been established in Tokyo and Hiroshima at this stage. Hokkaido and Tohoku will be adding their own recycling centers within the near future.

JBIA, with the support of The Nippon Foundation, is contributing to the salvaging and recycling of discarded boats in these different areas of the country. The recycling centers are turning the FRP into reusable materials.

Abandoned boat hauled away to be recyclyed

While FRP is light and easy to use in making motor boats, yachts and fishing boats, the maintenance of such boats takes time and money due to the material characteristics. reduced maintenance, neglect, and eventually abandonment of boats in many cases.

Now with the start of recycling there are already noticeable improvements in the beauty and environment of certain bays, and harbors in different parts of the country.

Humio Hosono, Deputy Director of the Agricultural Land Conservation Division, Yokohama City, said “we are now trying to get the understanding and cooperation of all small and medium boat owners for this recycling system.”

Gradually, Japan is reclaiming its scenic beauty from the eyesores of sunken and abandoned boats.