An environmental group was called for the removal of about 122 abandoned boats and wreckage located around the island.

Keep Bermuda Beautiful found the remnants during a three-day survey that serves as part of its abandoned boat programme, which earlier removed 100 boat wrecks.

KBB said the findings would be used to advocate for legislative changes and stronger marine management practices to keep boats from becoming abandoned hazards.

Katie Berry, the vice-president of KBB and a member of the Abandoned Boat Project, said: “This project matters because these boats don’t just disappear on their own.

“They become environmental hazards, safety risks and, too often, permanent fixtures in our bays and along coastlines.”

The survey was supported by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources with help from the marine conservation and marine enforcement sections.

The vessels, according to the group, are being assessed to determine if the boats are abandoned or derelict.

Considerations include whether or not a vessel is sunk, wrecked, unseaworthy or discarded by its owner, as well as whether its owner can be identified and located.

Boats that match removal criteria will be referenced to the Ministry of Public Works and Environment for action.

KBB said a proposal has been submitted to the ministry for consideration.

Jaché Adams, the Minister of Public Works and Environment, said: “The removal of abandoned and derelict vessels is about more than tidying our coastline.

“These vessels can pose real risks to marine ecosystems, navigation safety and the overall health and beauty of Bermuda's waters.

“The Ministry of Public Works and Environment remains fully supportive of this initiative and the collaborative efforts that have already resulted in the removal of more than 100 vessels from our waters.

“As KBB advances this important work, I encourage boat owners to ensure their vessels and moorings are properly registered and maintained and I invite members of the public who are able to support the initiative through donations or community advocacy.

“Protecting Bermuda's natural environment is a shared responsibility and together we can continue to make a meaningful difference.”

KBB said it is using a $65,000 fund for the project, though removals costs about $200,000.

The group encouraged boaters to make sure that their moored or water-bound boats display a 2027 registration sticker and that all mooring buoys show the 2027 mooring registration sticker issued by the Department of Marine and Ports.

Failure to do so is an offence and may cause confusion when searching for abandoned or derelict boats.