The leader of a marine cleanup group expressed determination to continue efforts in clearing Nova Scotia’s waters of debris, even if it means working unpaid. However, the discontinuation of funding has dealt a significant blow. Nova Scotia is halting the Marine Debris Clean-up Program in the upcoming fiscal year, which provides support to organizations involved in debris removal and advocates for recycling and reducing litter in water bodies. Additionally, the federal government has ceased the Ghost Gear Funding initiative, which distributed $58.4 million to various groups dedicated to shoreline cleanliness between 2020 and 2025.
Angela Riley, the founder of Scotian Shores, highlighted the impact of the funding cut, stating that the inability to pay team members will force them to seek alternative employment, reducing their availability for crucial administrative tasks essential for the project’s continuity. The presence of abandoned or lost fishing gear, known as “ghost gear,” poses a significant challenge in Nova Scotia, with thousands of lobster traps, bands, and ropes being extracted annually from provincial waters.
Riley emphasized the necessity of full-time commitment to beach cleaning efforts, citing the importance of proper permitting for effective operations. The Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture’s Marine Debris Clean-Up Fund, launched in 2020, has allocated a total of $95,900 to eight marine stewardship groups and industry partners. The decision to terminate the program was attributed to the province’s need to manage expenses diligently and contribute to addressing the provincial deficit.
The federal Department of Fisheries is developing a ghost gear action plan to outline strategies for tackling this issue nationwide. Despite the challenges, Riley remains optimistic, leveraging sponsorships, partnerships, and a social entrepreneurship aspect to sustain Scotian Shores’ operations. The organization also generates income by selling art created from the collected debris. However, the recent funding cuts have intensified the pressure to secure financial support, as volunteers and team leaders continue their cleanup efforts across the province.
Kelly Mackarous, the coastal & marine program manager at Coastal Action, expressed disappointment over the decision to cut funding for the Marine Debris Clean-up Program, emphasizing the setback in supporting long-term initiatives for program stability. The reduction in financial support has led to a significant decrease in cleanup activities, underscoring the vital role of funding in sustaining environmental conservation efforts.