The District of Ucluelet has been awarded $81,538 over one year to manage tsunami debris and clean up local shorelines.

The funding will go toward the Ucluelet and Barkley Sound Shoreline Cleanup Program which covers a 100-kilometre area within sections of Ucluelet, Pacific Rim National Park, including the Broken Islands, and along Yuulu?il?ath territory.

The funds will help with cleanup projects in priority areas, both accessible and remote, and supporting the volunteer efforts assisting with shoreline cleanups.

The successful proposal from the District of Ucluelet also is supported by significant in-kind contributions in terms of volunteer efforts and resources from 26 collaborative partner agencies and organizations. The district has several other cleanup projects planned in 2014 with its collaborative partner agencies and organizations.

The District of Ucluelet has conducted several successful cleanup programs over the past two years including collaborations with the Japan Love Project, the Japanese Consulate in Vancouver and several other volunteer organizations and educational institutions.

Approximately 80 volunteers from the Japan Love Project and the International Volunteer University Student Association will be conducting a cleanup March 8-12 on the third anniversary of the tragic 9.0 magnitude earthquake and resulting tsunami that struck Japan on March 11, 2011.

The funding is available through the one-time grant of approximately $1 million the Government of Japan presented to the Government of Canada last year to help clean up tsunami debris.

To date, over $376,000 has been awarded to successful applicants to put toward their collaborative efforts in developing plans for managing and cleaning up tsunami debris along B.C.'s coastline.

Quotes:

Mary Polak, Minister of Environment -

"The District of Ucluelet has shown exemplary leadership by establishing a collaborative shoreline cleanup program and working with volunteers to help clean debris and keep our beautiful West Coast beaches in pristine condition."

"I thank the Government of Japan for their gracious donation and look forward to this grant going to the collective efforts in the Ucluelet area to clean up tsunami debris."

Bill Irving, mayor of Ucluelet, District of Ucluelet -

"We are very appreciative of the funding provided to the district by the Japanese Government and allocated through agreement with the B.C. Ministry of Environment. The partnerships between Japan, Canada, British Columbia and coastal communities in response to the disaster and resulting debris has been a remarkable example of co-operation which bodes well for our future efforts to protect our shared marine environment."

Karla Robison, manager, Environmental & Emergency Services, District of Ucluelet -

"The immense teamwork from our partners will ensure an efficient and effective shoreline cleanup program, while raising awareness about the long-term marine debris issue."

"We applaud the honourable spirit of the people of Japan for their support and assistance with cleanup initiatives, and will make every effort to return recovered personal or sensitive driftage material to the people of Japan."

Quick Facts:

• The tsunami washed an estimated five million tonnes of debris into the sea. An estimated 70% 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.
• 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.

Learn More:

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

Media Contact:

Ministry of Environment Communications
250 953-3834