Nova Scotia funding coastal cleanup projects

A Nova Scotia beach is pictured. (Source: Government of Nova Scotia)

The Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture is once again offering funding to members of the seafood industry, community groups and other organizations to support shoreline cleanup projects.

Funding is available through the Marine Debris Clean-up Program for:

• shoreline cleanups – up to a maximum of $2,000 per event; applications will be accepted until Feb. 1, 2026, or until all available funds are allocated
• litter prevention projects – up to 50 per cent of eligible costs, to a maximum of $3,000 per project; applications are open until June 30
• marine debris recycling – up to 50 per cent of eligible costs, to a maximum of $5,000 per project; applications are open until June 30

“Clean coastlines benefit local communities and enhance the reputation of our seafood industry as a provider of top-quality products,” said Kent Smith, minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. “Our goal is to limit the amount of debris that reaches the shore and increase recycling from cleanup initiatives.”

Kelly Mackarous the coastal and marine program manager at Bluenose Coastal Action Foundation said the program inspires more collaborative efforts dedicated to clean coastlines.

“Through continued support from the Marine Debris Clean-up Program, Coastal Action has been able to continue a range of projects that not only target persistent marine debris on Nova Scotia’s shorelines but also strengthen our relationships with local partners,” Mackarous said.

June 8 is World Ocean Day, with events taking place throughout Nova Scotia, a province with 13,000 kilometres of coastline.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page