Amid funding cuts for marine cleanup programs in Nova Scotia, the founder of Scotian Shores, Angela Riley, expresses determination to continue removing trash from the waters, even if it means working without pay. The Marine Debris Clean-up Program, along with the federal Ghost Gear Funding, is being discontinued, impacting the efforts to reduce litter in waterways.
Riley emphasizes the importance of funding to sustain the project, as it enables them to pay workers and manage administrative tasks efficiently. The absence of funding jeopardizes their ability to obtain necessary permits for beach cleanups. The issue of “ghost gear,” such as abandoned fishing equipment, remains prevalent in Nova Scotia, with thousands of lobster traps and ropes being removed annually.
The Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture’s Marine Debris Clean-Up Fund has supported several marine stewardship groups and industry partners since its inception in 2020. However, the discontinuation of this fund and others has raised concerns among environmental organizations like Coastal Action, which has seen a reduction in cleanup activities due to funding cuts.
Riley highlights the significance of financial support in sustaining their initiatives, noting the impact of past government funding on their operations. Despite challenges, Scotian Shores remains resilient, seeking alternative sources of funding and generating income through the sale of art made from collected trash. The organization’s reliance on volunteers and lower operating costs has helped mitigate the financial strain, but the loss of essential funding poses a significant challenge to their ongoing efforts.