A federal initiative supporting marine and beach cleanup organizations is making a comeback, albeit with reduced funding compared to previous years. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) revealed to CBC News that the Ghost Gear Fund relaunch will provide $15 million over a three-year period. Specific details regarding the fund’s reopening date or any altered application criteria were not disclosed by the DFO spokesperson.
Founder of Scotian Shores, Angela Riley, expressed her contentment with the fund’s return, citing past financial assistance her organization received from it. Despite her optimism, Riley pointed out the relatively modest sum of $15 million over three years, emphasizing the broader financial needs in the realm of marine cleanup efforts.
Ghost gear, including lost or discarded fishing equipment, constitutes a significant source of plastic pollution in oceans, particularly concerning in Atlantic Canada due to its historical fishing industry. The Ghost Gear Fund was initially launched in 2020, allocating $58.3 million to 134 cleanup projects domestically and internationally until 2024, with no funding extended into 2025.
Earlier this year, Nova Scotia terminated its Marine Debris Clean-up Program, heightening the importance of federal support for organizations like Scotian Shores striving to maintain clean coastal waters in the region.
Estimating the volume of ghost gear in provincial waters is challenging, but numerous lobster traps and related gear are annually recovered during cleanup operations in Nova Scotia. Scotian Shores has been twice granted funding from the Ghost Gear Fund, receiving $75,000 initially and an additional $150,000 post-Hurricane Fiona in 2022.
Similarly, the Fundy North Fishermen’s Association, based in St. George, N.B., secured funding from Ottawa for their cleanup endeavors. Darlene Norman-Brown, the association’s assistant director, highlighted the fund’s significant impact, enabling more in-water retrieval missions compared to the limited operations without such financial support.
In-water cleanups are costly, with fishermen facing minimal compensation for expenses, fuel, and crew time. Rising fuel prices further strain their financial sustainability, as cleanup activities can span 12 to 14 hours daily, potentially jeopardizing their livelihoods in case of boat damages during operations.
Responsible disposal practices form a core tenet of the Ghost Gear Fund, although recycling efforts can swiftly deplete available funding, as stated by Riley. The DFO spokesperson indicated ongoing efforts to formulate a “Ghost Gear Action Plan” slated for completion in 2027, aiming to enhance sustainable cleanup strategies.
The critical role of marine and beach cleanups in preserving coastal ecosystems and combating oceanic pollution underscores the significance of continued financial support for such initiatives.
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