**** FISHERIES Release
Funding Available for Ocean, Shoreline Cleanup
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Community groups, fishing-related organizations and others can once again access funding to support ocean and shoreline cleanup projects throughout Nova Scotia.
The Marine Debris Cleanup Program covers up to 75 per cent of eligible costs for shoreline projects and up to 50 per cent for ocean-based ones, to a maximum $5,000 per project.
“In Nova Scotia, the ocean has shaped our economy and our communities just as it has our shoreline – and keeping it clean is important to all of us,” said Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Steve Craig. “This funding supports the community-based organizations and businesses that take on the important work of keeping our oceans and shorelines clean and free of debris – to the benefit of all Nova Scotians.”
The program is open to organizations in the seafood harvesting, processing, buying, or aquaculture industries, as well as economic development organizations, community associations, and environmental groups. Applicants must be listed with the Registry of Joint Stocks to be eligible.
Applications will be accepted until March 31, 2023, or until all available funding has been awarded. More information and funding applications are available at: https://novascotia.ca/fish/marine-clean-up/
Quotes:
“Funding through this program helped us host a one-day, volunteer-led cleanup near Baccaro Point. The project gave us a unique opportunity to come together – and work together – as a community. And at the end of it, you can truly see the impact you’ve made. I can’t think of a better reward than clean, beautiful shoreline as far as the eye can see.”
– Dustin Newell, Coldwater Lobster Association
Quick Facts:
— Nova Scotia has 13,000 kilometres of coastline
— the Marine Debris Cleanup Program supports community-based efforts to clean shorelines and ocean waters of discarded coffee cups, six-pack holders, ropes, buoys, rubber lobster bands, bottle caps, food wrappers, plastic cups, bottles, bags, utensils and other marine litter
Additional Resources:
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture website: https://novascotia.ca/fish/
