A partnership of local governments and First Nations have been awarded $139,000 over two years to establish a tsunami debris management and cleanup program on Haida Gwaii.

The successful proposal was made by the Haida Gwaii Tsunami Debris Committee (HGTDC) comprising the communities of Queen Charlotte, Skidegate, Old Massett, Masset and Port Clements.

The committee also works with the following:

• BC Parks
• Gwaii Haanas National Park
• Haida Fisheries Program
• Haida Gwaii Marine Stewardship Group
• School District 50
• Skeena-Queen Charlotte Regional District

The HGTDC is a locally formed working group that has taken an active role since early 2012 in addressing tsunami debris arriving on the shores of Haida Gwaii.

The funds will be used to establish at least four accessible and four remote access cleanup sites, promote education and volunteer cleanup activities, monitor tsunami debris accumulation and develop a protocol for managing the debris. Reusing and recycling will be emphasized over disposal. The Village of Queen Charlotte will administer the award on behalf of the committee.

The funding is available through the one-time grant the Government of Japan presented to the Government of Canada earlier this year, for approximately $1 million, to help cleanup tsunami debris resulting from the tragic 9.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Japan on March 11, 2011.

Funding will be available for the next two fiscal years to help with shoreline cleanup efforts and disposal of debris. Regional, collaborative applications with affected coastal First Nations and local governments are encouraged. More information on the application process, including criteria, can be found at: www.tsunamidebrisbc.ca

All funding decisions will be made by the federal-provincial Tsunami Debris Coordinating Committee (TDCC). Representatives from Environment Canada and the B.C. Ministry of Environment serve as co-chairs of the TDCC.

Quotes:

Mary Polak, Minister of Environment -

"The leadership shown on Haida Gwaii by First Nations, local governments and partners in this collaborative effort is to be commended. The spirit of volunteerism on Haida Gwaii is amazing and I look forward to seeing these funds go to good use by expanding the islands' collective effort in cleaning up tsunami debris."

Peter Weeber, chief administrative officer, Village of Queen Charlotte -

"We recognize the possibility of tsunami debris reaching the shores of Haida Gwaii. This financial contribution will help our collaborative efforts to develop a plan for managing tsunami debris. Thank you to the Government of Japan for this financial contribution and the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia for their support as we continue to monitor our coastlines and protect our island communities."

Quick Facts:

• The tsunami washed an estimated five million tonnes of debris into the sea. An estimated 70 per cent sank off the coast of Japan, leaving approximately 1.5 million tonnes floating in the Pacific Ocean.
• Since leaving the coast of Japan, the debris has been widely dispersed by ocean currents and winds. Some of it continues to sink or be trapped in the garbage gyres. To date, B.C. has seen less debris than originally anticipated.
• The Tsunami Debris Coordinating Committee continues to co-ordinate with American Pacific coastal agencies in Hawaii, California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska and with the Japanese Government.
• Large collections of debris or significant objects should be reported to: DisasterDebris@noaa.gov
• If a person sees something on the beach that appears to be a source of pollution or hazardous material, they should contact the Provincial Emergency Coordination Centre at 1 800 663-3456.
• To see a map of confirmed tsunami debris sightings, please visit: http://marinedebris.noaa.gov/tsunamidebris/debris-map.html

Learn More:

BC Newsroom - Ministry of Environment: http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/ministries/environment-1

Media Contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of Environment
250 953-3834