Marine debris and derelict vessels are the target of five groups across the province who were awarded government funding for their work. (BC Government)

By Alex Rawnsley

marine debris

Nanaimo & Island groups funded for important coastal cleanup work

Nov 24, 2023 | 9:51 AM

NANAIMO — New funding is advancing critical clean up work along B.C. coasts.

Five research and restoration groups had projects approved by the provincial government recently, with $10.5 million in funding officially announced on Thursday, Nov. 23, including to Nanaimo-based Rugged Coast Research Society.

The group will use $1.9 million to begin tackling 629 kilometres of coastline along western Vancouver Island deemed “high marine-debris accumulation areas”.

“The Clean Coast, Clean Waters initiative allows our team to do more of what we love, which is to carry out remote restoration projects,” Renny Talbot, RCRS director, said in a statement. “We look forward to continued collaboration with partner non-profits and Indigenous governments.”

Areas under particular focus for Talbot’s group include Nootka Sound and Kyuquot on northwestern Vancouver Island, as well as Chatham Sound on B.C.’s north coast.

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Another nearly $500,000 was also received by Rugged Coast and will be devoted to derelict vessel removal in Kyuquot Sound, in partnership with local First Nations.

At least 14 vessels will be pulled from the water with another six to 10 identified as potential candidates for removal as well.

In addition to the environmental benefits, the funding will also see the creation of 66 jobs with Rugged Coast.

Coastal Restoration Society received $2.8 million for shoreline cleanup and vessel removal in a 670-kilometre span which includes Snuneymuxw First Nation.

They’ll also remove at least 33 derelict vessels across the Island coast, including in both Snuneymuxw and Stz’uminus waters.

Ocean Legacy Foundation, Campbell River Association of Tour Operators and K’yuu Enterprise Corp. will also share in funding from the province for similar work in their respective areas.

Overall, the funding is expected to result in over 1,400 kilometres of shoreline being cleaned up and the removal of at least 70 derelict vessels from B.C. waters.

Around 630 jobs are expected to be created as a result of the funding.

All projects funded in this round must have their work completed by Feb. 29, 2024.

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