The B.C. Government is introducing a new marine debris clean-up project, in partnership with coastal Indigenous Nations.
This summer, more than $9.5 million from the Clean Coast, Clean Waters (CCCW) Initiative Fund will be used to tackle shoreline cleansup and/or derelict vessel removals. The clean up will take place from the North Coast down to Southern Vancouver Island.
The funding is being distributed to four agencies: the Songhees Development Corporation, the Small Ship Tour Operators Association – Wilderness Tourism Association, the Coastal Restoration Society and the Ocean Legacy Foundation.
CCCW responds to the public call to action on marine debris heard from coastal communities during a comprehensive consultation in summer 2019. Some of the concerns raised by local governments and individuals included, abandoned vessels, mooring buoys, polystyrene foam, aquaculture debris and single-use plastics.
The projects will also create a range of employment opportunities from seasonal shoreline cleanup and community education to specialized positions in the logistics, waste management, transportation and tourism sectors.
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