Ship to Shore

Ship to Shore


- Addressing Fishing Industry Waste Management -

 

The Ship to Shore program, funded by the Resource Recovery Fund Board (RRFB), Nova Scotia Environment, Nova Scotia Fisheries and Aquaculture and the Canadian Plastics Industry Association, was created to address waste management practices in the commercial fishing industry in Nova Scotia. The program is administered through partnerships with regional waste management programs, with DFO Small Craft Harbour Regional Managers and with participating Harbour Authorities and Managers.

 

The core purpose of Ship to Shore is to protect the health of our ocean waters. One of the greatest threats to ocean health is marine litter. Dramatic results from local beach sweeps have found that up to 95% of litter washed up on beaches in Nova Scotia can be attributed to fishing related activities. The Ship to Shore program is a response to these and other concerns.

 

fishing waste, clean nova scotia, marine litter

Program Coordinator Ashley David and fisherman Phillip Stuart in West Green Harbour (photo by Martin Hellmich)

Ship to Shore works with fishers and harbours to spread the message on the importance of returning waste to shore for proper disposal. The campaign “Garbage. I Bring It Back.” has already rallied the support of nearly 300 fishermen and 20 harbours from across the province.

 

The program also partners with fishing harbour managers to highlight the value of offering proper waste and recycling facilities to users. More than 3,000 kg of waste has been diverted for recycling by participating harbours in the last 12 months. 

 

Through volunteer efforts by filmmaker, Marin Hellmich, the Ship to Shore program is developing a 12-minute documentary film. Through interviews with fishermen, the film demonstrates some of the challenges faced by the commercial fishing industry and showcases how members are making strides toward better waste management.

 


Watch the full Ship to Shore video!