The Province has awarded over $330,000 to successful applicants to continue tsunami debris removal projects along B.C.’s coastline.

The funding will be used for tsunami debris cleanup efforts including:

• training and education about debris identification;
• sorting, recycling, repurposing and disposal of debris;
• transportation of volunteers and collected debris in and out of remote areas; and
• cleanup supplies.

The funding was made available through a one-time grant of approximately $1 million from the Government of Japan to help clean up tsunami debris.

This final round of funding included the following awarded amounts:

• $115,000 - Haida Gwaii Tsunami Debris Committee
• $85,000 - Living Oceans Society
• $70,000 - Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council
• $30,000 - District of Ucluelet
• $25,000 – Ocean Legacy Foundation 
• $6,100 – Surfrider Foundation – Vancouver Island

The final funding amounts allocated between 2013 and 2016 for tsunami debris cleanup are:

• $254,000 - Haida Gwaii Tsunami Debris Committee
• $206,893 - Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup – Vancouver Aquarium
• $166,200 - Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council
• $111,538 - District of Ucluelet
• $85,000 - Living Oceans Society
• $60,000 - Coastal First Nations
• $10,179 - Surfrider Foundation – Vancouver Island
• $25,000 - Ocean Legacy  Foundation

Additionally, the ministry has developed a mapping tool to assist those receiving funding with cleanup efforts. The map combines high-resolution aerial photographs from along B.C.’s coast with information about the existing debris at each photo location. The North Pacific Marine Science Organization (PICES) was awarded $65,000 to provide the aerial photos and corresponding data.

The map can be accessed at: http://ow.ly/4nnuBI  

For more information on tsunami debris please visit http://ow.ly/4naUVN

Quotes:

Mary Polak, Minister of Environment –

“The collective effort by those receiving funding, both this year and in the past, to clean up tsunami and other marine debris is truly commendable. Thank you to the Government of Japan for providing this generous grant and thank you to everyone involved for putting in the time and effort to help clean up our beautiful west coast.”

Karen Wristen, executive director, Living Oceans Society –

“We’re excited to be co-ordinating efforts on the west coast of Vancouver Island this year, ensuring that marine debris removed from sensitive habitats is properly recycled. The ministry’s mapping and analysis of debris identified by aerial photography will help everyone to target areas of highest debris concentration, ensuring we’re even more effective with our work than ever before.”

Trent Moraes, Skidegate Band Council, Skidegate, Haida Gwaii –

“As tsunami debris continuously reaches our shores, we have obligations to the land and animals it is affecting. We are actively monitoring the shores and following our protocols for marine debris collection and recording. We are thankful for the many organizations that support and carry out the plans set forth. Haida Gwaii and the coast of British Columbia are a focal point for tourism in North America and we will do our best to keep our lands in their natural conditions for all to enjoy.”

Learn More:

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