A federal fund aimed at supporting marine and beach cleanup efforts is making a return, albeit with reduced funding compared to previous years. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) disclosed to CBC News that the relaunched Ghost Gear Fund will total $15 million over a three-year period, without specifying the exact commencement date or any potential alterations to application criteria.
Founder of Scotian Shores, Angela Riley, expressed enthusiasm about the fund’s revival, citing the significant impact it could have on her organization. However, she also highlighted that the allocated $15 million over three years may seem insufficient when considering the broader scope of the issue.
Ghost gear, which encompasses lost or discarded fishing equipment, poses a substantial environmental threat by contributing to plastic pollution in the oceans, a concern particularly relevant in Atlantic Canada due to its extensive fishing industry history.
Initially introduced in 2020, the Ghost Gear Fund disbursed $58.3 million to 134 cleanup projects both domestically and internationally from 2020 to 2024, with no funding allocation for 2025. Following Nova Scotia’s termination of the Marine Debris Clean-up Program earlier this year, organizations like Scotian Shores are relieved that federal assistance will be available to support their efforts in maintaining cleanliness along Nova Scotia’s coastlines.
While the exact quantity of ghost gear within provincial waters remains challenging to estimate, numerous lobster traps and associated gear components are annually recovered during cleanup initiatives in Nova Scotia. Scotian Shores has been a beneficiary of the Ghost Gear Fund, securing grants of $75,000 and $150,000 following post-tropical storm Fiona in 2022.
The Fundy North Fishermen’s Association in St. George, N.B., also received funding from the federal program, significantly enhancing their capacity for in-water cleanup operations. Darlene Norman-Brown, the association’s assistant director, emphasized the positive impact of the funding, enabling them to conduct a higher number of in-water retrieval trips.
In-water cleanups are noted to be financially demanding, with fishermen facing minimal compensation for expenses such as fuel and crew time. The rising costs of fuel further strain their resources, making it challenging to cover all operational expenses. The retrieved materials are commonly disposed of in landfills, although some organizations attempt recycling efforts.
The Ghost Gear Fund prioritizes responsible disposal practices; however, Riley cautioned that funding could quickly diminish due to recycling requirements. The DFO spokesperson revealed ongoing efforts to formulate a comprehensive Ghost Gear Action Plan to be finalized in 2027.