The leader of a marine cleanup group has expressed determination to continue efforts in ridding Nova Scotian waters of debris, even if it means working without compensation. However, the abrupt discontinuation of funding has dealt a significant blow to their operations.
Next fiscal year, Nova Scotia will be terminating the Marine Debris Clean-up Program, which has been instrumental in supporting organizations involved in water debris removal, recycling promotion, and litter reduction in water bodies. Similarly, the federal government has halted 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, emphasized the critical impact of the funding cut, highlighting that without financial support, they will struggle to sustain paid staff. This situation will force team members to seek alternative employment to meet their financial obligations, leading to reduced focus on essential administrative tasks vital for the project’s continuity.
Riley underscored the importance of full-time commitment to beach cleaning activities, emphasizing the necessity of proper permitting for effective shoreline cleanup initiatives.
The issue of abandoned or lost fishing gear, commonly known as “ghost gear,” poses a significant challenge in Nova Scotia, with thousands of lobster traps, bands, and ropes being removed annually from provincial waters.
Expressing disappointment over the funding cuts, Riley criticized the decision as irresponsible, particularly given the substantial volume of garbage present in the region.
Since its inception in 2020, the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture’s Marine Debris Clean-Up Fund has disbursed a total of $95,900 to support eight marine stewardship groups and industry partners.
The province justified its decision to discontinue the program as part of its fiscal responsibility measures in addressing the provincial deficit.
The federal Department of Fisheries announced the development of a ghost gear action plan to provide a strategic framework for combatting ghost gear pollution in Canada.
Riley highlighted the significance of every funding contribution, citing a previous $150,000 grant received from the federal government following Hurricane Fiona, which was utilized to acquire new equipment and vehicles.
She disclosed that the organization had been receiving approximately $2,000 per cleanup from the province, provided they collaborated with the fishing industry.
Riley expressed gratitude for the past support from the Nova Scotia government, emphasizing the critical role of funding in sustaining cleanup initiatives.
Besides relying on volunteers, Riley’s organization comprises 15 team leaders responsible for conducting cleanups 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, noting a significant impact on the organization’s activities.
Mackarous revealed that the organization’s operational capacity had decreased following the funding cut, resulting in a reduction from 100 at-sea and shoreline retrieval days to 15 to 20 shoreline-only cleanups.
In correspondence with Riley, provincial Fisheries Minister Kent Smith assured that the funding application prepared by Scotian Shores would be unaffected, with an upcoming deadline of March 31.
Riley acknowledged the ongoing financial challenges faced by the organization, emphasizing the need to secure sponsors and partners to cover costs, particularly in light of recent funding reductions.
Additionally, Scotian Shores engages in social entrepreneurship by creating art from collected trash, generating supplementary income for their operations.
Riley emphasized the dedication of volunteers and the organization’s cost-efficient operations but stressed the need for fair compensation, recognizing the demanding nature of their work.
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