New Bedford Harbor
Protecting water quality at America's #1 fishing port through a multi-partner collaboration bringing automated debris removal to Clark's Cove.
The Challenge
New Bedford is the nation's #1 commercial fishing port by value, generating billions of dollars in annual seafood landings. With this level of commercial activity comes a significant debris challenge. Floating waste from fishing operations, vessel traffic, and urban runoff threatens both water quality and the sustainability of the harbor's fishing industry.
The New Bedford Community Boating Center at Clark's Cove, where recreational boaters and youth sailing programs share the waterway with commercial operations, was particularly affected. The community needed a solution that could address debris accumulation continuously while raising awareness about the marine debris issue among both commercial and recreational users of the harbor.
The Solution
On April 26, 2019, a Marina Trash Skimmer was installed at the New Bedford Community Boating Center at Clark's Cove. The installation brought together an impressive coalition of partners united by a shared commitment to harbor water quality: the New Bedford Port Authority, Clean Ocean Access, 11th Hour Racing, the Amgen Foundation, the Island Foundation, the Buzzards Bay Coalition, Imtra Corporation, and Bay Line Inc.
The skimmer operates 24/7 at the boating center, continuously collecting floating debris while serving as a visible symbol of the community's commitment to a clean and sustainable harbor. The installation was coordinated with Port Authority Director Ed Washburn to ensure it complemented the port's existing environmental programs without interfering with commercial fishing operations.
- Installed April 26, 2019 at New Bedford Community Boating Center, Clark's Cove
- Coalition of 8+ partners including Port Authority, Clean Ocean Access, and 11th Hour Racing
- Continuous automated operation protecting both recreational and commercial waterways
- Serves as community education tool raising awareness about marine debris in a working port
The Results
The New Bedford installation demonstrated that a Marina Trash Skimmer can operate effectively in one of the nation's busiest commercial fishing ports. The unit continuously collects floating debris at Clark's Cove, helping protect water quality in an area shared by youth sailing programs, recreational boaters, and commercial fishing vessels.
The installation received coverage from 11th Hour Racing, What's Up Newp, and Fiber Optic Center, and has helped spread the message that a clean and sustainable harbor is achievable even in the most active commercial waterfront environments. The multi-partner model established at New Bedford has become a template for how diverse stakeholders can collaborate on automated marine debris solutions.
By partnering with Clean Ocean Access and the New Bedford Port Authority on the installation of a trash skimmer, we will not only be helping to clean our local waterway, but we'll be helping to raise awareness of the marine debris issue and encourage everyone to engage in positive change.Andy Herlihy, New Bedford Community Boating Center
We are excited to be a partner in this important project, helping spread the message that a clean and sustainable harbor is a top priority in the Port of New Bedford and for the commercial fishermen who are invested in the future of this harbor.Ed Washburn, Director, New Bedford Port Authority
Project Gallery
See How a Marina Trash Skimmer Can Work at Your Location
Whether you manage a small community marina or a large commercial port, our team will assess your site and recommend the right solution.
Request a Site Assessment