Marine debris in B.C.

Marine debris encompasses waste that can be found in the marine environment or on coastal beaches.

The most common items found at B.C. shoreline clean-ups are:

• Cigarette filters
• Broken-down plastic pieces
• Food wrappers
• Other single-use plastic items.

Remote beach marine debris has a different make-up with more polyfoam (Styrofoam^TM) and rope and fewer cigarette filters.

What are the most practical ways to clean up marine debris and marine-sourced plastics already in the environment without the material ending up in landfills?

Prevention Ideas

• Best management practices for dock construction and maintenance

Reduction Opportunities

• Better dock materials and construction practices
• Awareness campaigns

End of Life Concepts

• Beach clean-ups

We have been collecting success stories to highlight the improvements that are happening. We are looking for robust solutions to protect our marine waters.

Thank you for your contributions. The next step will be presenting Minister George Heyman with a recommendations report.