Clean Coast, Clean Waters
Last updated on May 21, 2025
On this page
- Clean Coast, Clean Waters project categories
- Program funding partners
- Marine debris protection
- Protecting our coast
- Find out more
- Contact us
Clean Coast, Clean Waters
Through the Clean Coast, Clean Waters Initiative Fund, B.C. has provided funding to First Nations, local communities and businesses to remove debris and derelict vessels from B.C.’s coastline.
To date, this program has:
- Removed over 2,100 tonnes of marine debris, including 215 derelict vessels
- Cleaned more than 6,400 kilometres of shoreline; and
- Created or maintained nearly 2,400 well-paying jobs
Project categories
Shoreline Clean-up
Project example: A portion of Clean Coast, Clean Waters funding is allocated through a partnership between the province and Coastal First Nations-Great Bear Initiative which includes eight nations (across nine communities) located along the Pacific Central and North Coasts to Haida Gwaii. These shoreline clean-ups have focused on strategic food gathering locations and areas of high cultural significance and creating capacity for youth employment and elders for mentoring. Learn more about Coastal First Nations Great Bear Initiative: 'We're Water Beings' Heiltsuk Youth Clean Their Shores | Coastal First Nations
Derelict Vessel Removal
Project example: Coastal Restoration Society led a derelict vessel removal project in the village of Opitsaht. In partnership with the Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Park Guardians, the project removed 9 boats from the waterfront. Opitisaht Vessel Removals | CCCW
Derelict Aquaculture
Project example: In 2024, Clean Coast, Clean Waters was expanded to include a new project category aimed at cleaning up old aquaculture sites at risk of causing pollution. A clean-up on the Sunshine Coast by Ocean Legacy Foundation removed damaged floating structures made with polystyrene before they broke down further.
| Funding partners | Website |
|---|---|
| Campbell River Association of Tour Operators | https://explorecampbellriver.com/ |
| Coastal First Nations - Great Bear Initiative | https://coastalfirstnations.ca/ |
| Coastal Restoration Society | https://www.coastrestore.com/ |
| Emerald Sea Protection Society | https://www.emeraldseasociety.ca/ |
| Highlander Marine Services | https://www.highlandermarine.ca/ |
| K’yuu Enterprise Corporation | https://www.kyuu.ca/ |
| Lax Kw'alaams Fishing Enterprises | https://laxbdl.com/ |
| Let's Talk Trash | https://letstalktrash.ca/ |
| Living Oceans Society | https://livingoceans.org/ |
| Metlakatla Stewardship Office | https://www.metlakatla.ca/overview/stewardship |
| Misty Isles Economic Development Society | https://www.mieds.ca/ |
| Ocean Legacy Foundation | https://oceanlegacy.ca/ |
| Quatsino First Nations | https://quatsinofn.com/ |
| Rugged Coast Research Society | https://www.ruggedcoastresearchsociety.com/ |
| Small Ships Tour Operators Association | https://www.wilderness-tourism.bc.ca/sstoa |
| Songhees Development Corporation | https://www.songheesdevco.com/ |
| Spirit of the West | https://www.kayakingtours.com/ |
| Surfrider | https://surfrider.ca/ |
| Tsleil-Waututh Nation | https://twnation.ca/ |
| Wilderness Tourism Association | https://www.wilderness-tourism.bc.ca/ |
| Wuikinuxv First Nation Stewardship Department | https://www.wuikinuxv.net/stewardship |
Marine debris protection
Ocean plastic is an important and emerging focus for environmental protection in the province.
Learn more about the work that began in 2019 on ocean plastics and marine debris clean up.
Protecting our coast
The B.C. Coastal Marine Strategy establishes the province's first shared vision for the B.C. coast. The strategy will guide our decisions over the next 20 years and help ensure we are prepared for the opportunities and risks that tomorrow may bring us.
Learn more about the B.C. Coastal Marine Strategy.