**** FISHERIES/AQUACULTURE Media Release
Keeping Shorelines and Oceans Clean
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Reducing shoreline pollution and maintaining the clean and pristine waters which the province is known for is important to Nova Scotians.
That is why the new Marine Debris Clean-Up Program is providing financial support to remove lost and discarded marine debris from shorelines and waters.
“Nova Scotia’s seafood is known for coming from a clean, pristine ocean environment,” said Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Keith Colwell. “This program helps keep important fishing and aquaculture areas free of debris and demonstrates our efforts to remain as a leader of an environmentally friendly industry.”
The program provides $100,000 in funding and is open to organizations in the seafood harvesting, processing, buying, or aquaculture industries, and to community organizations working in partnership with these industries. The program funds up to a maximum of $5,000 per project.
Quotes:
“Marine debris is an issue that has global implications on our marine ecosystems. It’s paramount that we keep our oceans debris free. Funding programs such as this will allow our organization to continue our marine debris initiatives and will directly contribute to ocean conservation.”
– Dylan Yates, Cape Breton Environmental Association
“Working with local communities to ensure that our coastal beaches and waters remain pristine and free from marine debris is a responsibility that all seafarmers and fishers share.”
– Tom Smith, executive director, Aquaculture Association of Nova Scotia
“This is a perfect fit for the ongoing commitment of our organization to a clean marine environment. We look forward to working on both land-based and ocean-based portions of this fund and encourage all fishing organizations to take advantage of this new funding opportunity.”
– Ruth Inniss, Maritime Fishermen’s Union
Quick Facts:
— funding must not exceed 40 per cent of total project costs for shoreline clean ups, and 20 per cent of total project costs for ocean-based clean ups
— applications for the program are now being accepted
Additional Resources:
Marine Debris Clean-Up Program, http://novascotia.ca/fish/marine-clean-up/
