A federal program supporting marine and beach cleanup efforts is making a comeback with decreased funding compared to previous years. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans announced that the Ghost Gear Fund will be reinstated with a budget of $15 million over three years. While specific details on the fund’s reopening date and potential changes to application criteria were not provided, Angela Riley, the founder of Scotian Shores, expressed optimism about the fund’s return.
Riley acknowledged the importance of the fund for organizations like hers, emphasizing the ongoing challenge of addressing marine debris, particularly ghost gear, which contributes significantly to plastic pollution in the ocean. The Ghost Gear Fund was initially launched in 2020, allocating $58.3 million to 134 cleanup projects in Canada and globally between 2020 and 2024, with no funding assigned for 2025.
In light of Nova Scotia discontinuing its Marine Debris Clean-up Program earlier this year, the federal fund’s revival brings relief to groups like Scotian Shores, enabling them to continue their efforts in maintaining clean coastal waters. While the exact extent of ghost gear in provincial waters is difficult to determine, regular cleanup initiatives in Nova Scotia recover thousands of lobster traps, bands, and ropes annually.
Both Scotian Shores and the Fundy North Fishermen’s Association have benefited from Ghost Gear Fund support in the past, allowing them to conduct in-water retrieval operations to remove ghost gear. Darlene Norman-Brown, assistant director of the Fundy North Fishermen’s Association, emphasized the positive impact of the funding, enabling more frequent in-water trips to address marine debris effectively.
The cost and challenges associated with ocean cleanups, including in-water retrieval activities, were highlighted by Norman-Brown, who mentioned the financial strain on fishermen involved in these operations. The need for responsible disposal of retrieved materials was underscored, with funding often directed towards recycling efforts, as noted by Riley. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans is currently developing a Ghost Gear Action Plan set to be finalized in 2027 to further address marine debris issues.
