Funding Available for Shoreline Cleanups, Litter Prevention and Debris Recycling.
Community organizations, seafood industry groups and others can access funding from the Marine Debris Clean-Up Program to help organize cleanups, prevent marine litter and recycle shoreline debris.
“Keeping coastal areas clean and free from litter benefits communities and adds to our seafood industry’s reputation for producing a high-quality product,” said Kent Smith, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. “We want to reduce the amount of debris reaching shorelines and recycle more of the material gathered through cleanup events.”
The Marine Debris Clean-Up Program covers:
- shoreline cleanups – up to 50 per cent of eligible costs to a maximum $1,500, with more support available for multiple events
- litter prevention – up to 50 per cent of eligible costs to a maximum $3,000 per project
- marine debris recycling – up to 50 per cent of eligible costs to a maximum $5,000 per project.
Applications will be accepted until August 30 for the competitive process for debris prevention and recycling projects. Applications for shoreline cleanups are open until February 1, 2025, or until the available funding has been awarded. More details and the application form are available at: https://novascotia.ca/fish/marine-clean-up/
Quotes:
“For many years, Coldwater Lobster Association and its members have had a great experience participating in the Marine Debris Clean-Up Program administered by the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture. Being a program participant, we are certain of the positive impact we have had in keeping our beautiful shorelines clean and free of debris. We encourage those looking to make a difference in their community to reach out to the program team – they are fantastic to work with.”
— Heather Mulock, Executive Director, Coldwater Lobster Association
Quick Facts:
- in 2023-2024, the Marine Debris Clean-Up Program supported projects and organizations that cleaned 98 kilometres of coastline, collected nearly 23,000 kilograms of debris and diverted more than 6,270 kilograms of debris from landfills
- the Department is also working with the seafood processing industry on measures to help prevent litter from reaching shorelines
Additional Resources:
News release – More Support for Shoreline, Ocean Cleanup: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2023/07/14/more-support-shoreline-ocean-cleanup
Fisheries and Aquaculture on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/NSFisheries
Source : Provincial Release
