New Projects Underway To Clean Up 1,900 Km Of B.C. Shoreline

New provincial funding will help tackle marine debris and plastic pollution along BC’s coastlines.

“British Columbians and communities along our spectacular coastline want and deserve to enjoy an environment free of marine debris and plastic pollution,” said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy.

“We now know the harms that plastic waste causes to marine life and also how it finds its way into human-food sources as it breaks down. We are proud to support these innovative projects to reduce and collect plastic waste and create a cleaner, healthier shoreline for communities and wildlife to enjoy today and in the future.”

As part of the Clean Coast, Clean Waters initiative, the Province is investing $8 million for 17 more projects in 2024 in collaboration with small businesses, non-profit organizations and First Nations to help with the issue, while supporting economic development and job creation.

One of this year’s recipients is Let’s Talk Trash. Field Supervisor Kyle Watters says what people often miss when marveling at the beauty of British Columbia is the devastating impacts humans have caused to the marine ecosystem.

“The CCCW funding allows us to contribute directly to maintaining the health of this beloved ecosystem, which is an essential life-support system of the planet and has inherent value in climate resiliency.”

Since 2020, the Clean Coast, Clean Waters initiative has removed 215 derelict vessels and cleaned up more than 2,100 tonnes of marine debris from more than 6,400 kilometres of shoreline, while creating or maintaining nearly 2,400 well-paying jobs.

This year’s projects are expected to clean an additional 1,900 kilometres of shoreline, remove at least 31 derelict vessels and clean at least six derelict aquaculture sites, creating 639 new jobs. Seven of the 17 projects are being led by First Nations.

The funding is part of a $25-million provincial investment announced in May 2023, which brings the Clean Coast, Clean Waters funding to $49.83 million.

The CCCW initiative is part of the CleanBC Plastics Action Plan to reduce pollution from plastic waste.

The initiative is also closely tied to the Province’s new Coastal Marine Strategy, developed in collaboration with First Nations.

To learn more, visit Government of British Columbia.