A federal program aimed at supporting organizations engaged in marine and beach cleanups is set to make a return, albeit with reduced funding compared to previous years. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) spokesperson announced to CBC News that the Ghost Gear Fund relaunch will provide $15 million over a three-year period. Specific details regarding the fund’s reopening date and any potential alterations to application criteria were not disclosed by the DFO.
Founder of Scotian Shores, Angela Riley, expressed enthusiasm about the fund’s resurgence, highlighting the positive impact it could have on her organization. However, she also noted that the allocated $15 million for three years may be insufficient when considering the broader scope of the issue.
Ghost gear, which refers to lost, abandoned, or discarded fishing equipment, poses a significant environmental threat by contributing to plastic pollution in the oceans, particularly in regions like Atlantic Canada with a rich fishing history.
The Ghost Gear Fund was initially introduced in 2020 and supported 134 retrieval projects in Canada and internationally with a funding of $58.3 million over the period from 2020 to 2024. Despite no funding being allocated in 2025, the reemergence of the federal program brings relief to organizations such as Scotian Shores, which work tirelessly to maintain the cleanliness of Nova Scotian coastal waters.
Although the exact amount of ghost gear present in provincial waters is challenging to estimate, numerous lobster traps, bands, and ropes are annually recovered through cleanup initiatives in Nova Scotia. Scotian Shores has previously received funding from the Ghost Gear Fund, with grants totaling $75,000 and $150,000 following Hurricane Fiona in 2022, as mentioned by Riley.
The Fundy North Fishermen’s Association in St. George, N.B., has also benefitted from Ottawa’s funding for similar cleanup efforts. Assistant Director Darlene Norman-Brown emphasized the substantial positive impact of the funding, enabling the association to conduct more in-water retrieval trips to tackle ghost gear.
In-water cleanups are costly endeavors, with fishermen facing minimal compensation for expenses like fuel and crew time. The long hours spent on retrievals, coupled with the use of personal boats, can further strain fishermen’s livelihoods if damages occur during the cleanup operations.
Ensuring responsible disposal of retrieved materials is crucial, with some organizations attempting recycling efforts. However, Riley highlighted that recycling initiatives can rapidly deplete funding resources, underscoring the need for efficient utilization of available funds.
Looking ahead, the DFO is actively developing a Ghost Gear Action Plan expected to be finalized in 2027 to address ongoing challenges related to marine debris cleanup and ghost gear retrieval efforts.