PUYALLUP, Wash. – The Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) issued a light-hearted warning about checking Halloween candy, humorously sharing an image of a half-eaten peanut butter cup with a ship inside.

The fun message underscores a serious issue affecting the Puget Sound ecosystem.

The DNR's Derelict Vessel Removal Program is a key initiative aimed at addressing the problem of abandoned or neglected vessels in Washington's waters. These vessels pose significant risks to public safety and the environment.

Since its inception in 2002, the program has successfully removed more than 1,205 derelict vessels from waterways across Washington. The program is often cited as a model for other jurisdictions.

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