Ocean Updates: The Ocean Legacy Foundation partners with the Marine Stewardship Initiative to remove marine debris from átl’ka7tsem / Howe Sound

This summer the Ocean Legacy Foundation (OLF) led large-scale marine debris cleanups along the beautiful coast of British Columbia. The Ocean Legacy Foundation has been tackling plastic pollution over the past 10 years.?

In September, the Ocean Legacy Foundation partnered with the Marine Stewardship Initiative to remove debris from átl’ka7tsem/ Howe Sound.?

Why Cleanup Marine Debris?

Cleaning up marine debris is crucial for protecting ecosystems and wildlife, as it reduces hazards for animals and maintains biodiversity. Additionally, it enhances recreational areas, promotes community awareness, and encourages sustainable practices to prevent future pollution.

Throughout átl’ka7tsem winter storms pose a serious threat to the coastal infrastructure, leading to the dispersion of debris throughout the environment. To combat this growing issue, Ocean Legacy Foundation partnered with Marine Stewardship Initiative to spearhead a cleanup initiative aimed at restoring the natural beauty of this vital ecosystem.

Substantial amounts of debris were removed, including tires, styrofoam, and rope. As well as the combined efforts of Ocean Legacy Foundation and Marine Stewardship Initiative, local community members rallied together to assist in collecting debris above the high tide line, making the cleanup efficient and impactful.

All collected debris was transported to the Ocean Legacy Foundation facility in Steveston, where it was weighed, sorted, and either reused, recycled, or disposed of responsibly. This careful process ensures minimal waste and maximizes recovery efforts.

You can read more about this incredible cleanup hereL https://howesoundguide.ca/2024-marine-debris-clean-up/

The Importance of Reporting

Nearly all the cleanup sites in átl’ka7tsem were identified through MSI’s Marine Debris Reporting Tool.

The Marine Debris Reporting Tool is invaluable in helping track debris locations and prioritize future cleanups. This tool is a place to report debris that cannot be easily cleaned up by the community.? This includes debris that is hard to lift, dangerous to access, or too big for the garbage bin!?

You can play a role in keeping your shoreline clean by using the MSI Marine Debris Reporting Tool. Your reports help guide future cleanups and foster a cleaner marine environment for all. You can find the tool here: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/31ba766dd7ac4555844753d74fc73356

How else can you get involved?

There are several ways you can get involved in cleaning up marine debris, not just in? átl’ka7tsem/ Howe Sound.?

• Join Local Cleanup Events: Participate in organized beach or river cleanups in your area. Did you know you can join Sea Smart on a Shoreline cleanup? Our cleanups not only remove debris from the shoreline but 100% of the proceeds fund educational programs for at-risk youth! https://www.seasmartschool.com/shoreline-cleanups
• Educate Others: Raise awareness about the impact of marine debris through social media, community talks, or educational programs. Informing others can inspire more people to take action.
• Practice Sustainable Habits: Reduce single-use plastics and waste in your daily life. Supporting local initiatives and businesses that prioritize sustainability also helps minimize debris.
• Support Environmental Organizations: Donate to or volunteer with organizations dedicated to marine conservation and cleanup efforts.?

By taking these steps, everyone can contribute to reducing marine debris and protecting our ocean. Together, we can make a meaningful impact in the fight against marine debris.

A huge thank you to the Ocean Legacy Foundation for leading the clean up which was funded by the Clean Coast Clean Waters Initiative Fund and the Marine Stewardship Initiative for helping to clean and protect these waters.?