CORNER BROOK, N.L. — ACAP Humber Arm is helping expand the work undertaken by the Clean Harbour Initiative with some support from the provincial government.
In a news release issued on Monday, the province announced that ACAP Humber Arm had received a $25,000 through the Special Assistance Grant Program.
ACAP Humber Arm is a non-profit organization serving the Bay of Islands and Humber Valley coastal regions in western Newfoundland.
It will provide oversight and administrative support to the Clean Harbours Initiative, which removes trash, including tires, plastic bags and ghost nets, from the province’s harbours.
Sheldon Peddle, executive director of ACAP Humber Arm, said marine debris is more than what is seen on the shoreline.
“It is also what sits on the sea floor, often out-of-sight, out-of-mind.”
He said sub-surface marine debris has a detrimental impact on the environment, tourism, shellfish harvesting and fisheries, and is also a safety risk to recreational users.
Shawn Bath, founder of the Clean Harbours Initiative, said the funding enabled the group to get the two motors it needed for its boat to be able to continue to clean harbours at a greater scoop and in a safer manner.
The news release said the work of the Clean Harbours Initiative complements the efforts of the province to reduce plastic waste and protect the environment for future generations.
The funding was announced by Derek Bennett, minister of Environment, Climate Change and Municipalities, who noted the important work done by both organizations.
