Orange Beach, Ala. — (GSN) — The City of Orange Beach’s Waterways and Shoreline Enhancement Program (WSEP) continues to serve as a vital force for coastal preservation along the Alabama Gulf Coast. This year alone, the initiative has successfully removed 65,000 pounds of debris from the area’s extensive network of marshes, beaches, and shorelines.

A Systematic Approach to Cleanup

Established in 2014 as a pilot initiative, WSEP was designed to identify and systematically clear human-made materials that threaten coastal health, wildlife habitats, and marine navigation. The program's scope is significant, covering over 46 miles of coastal and intertidal environments.

How They Work

Success relies on a combination of technology and field expertise:

• Sonar Surveys: Two specialized skiffs patrol the waterways five days a week, utilizing side-scan sonar to detect submerged hazards.
• Heavy Machinery: A dedicated work barge, equipped with a knuckle-boom crane, manages the removal of large items such as abandoned fishing gear, derelict piers, and heavy debris.
• Specialized Divers: Trained dive teams perform essential underwater operations, rigging debris that would otherwise be difficult to access and restoring the seafloor.

Broader Environmental Impact

Funding for these efforts is provided through the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA), which enables the city to maintain the full-time staff and equipment necessary to keep the program operational.

Since its inception, WSEP has removed over 400,000 pounds of trash, significantly reducing the risks to navigation and the local ecosystem. The program operates in tandem with the city’s "Leave Only Footprints" initiative, which focuses specifically on beach maintenance and has collected over 242,000 pounds of debris so far this year. Together, these programs highlight Orange Beach’s long-term commitment to maintaining a clean and safe environment for both residents and visitors.