Hurricane Fiona had a devastating effect on communities across Atlantic Canada and Eastern Quebec. As part of the $300 million Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund, the Government of Canada is investing in efforts to retrieve, return, and responsibly dispose of this marine litter, as well as looking at ways to prevent fishing gear loss in the future.
Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard Joyce Murray has announced that up to $28.4 million will be available specifically for Hurricane Fiona ocean cleanup activities in a new call for proposals through the Ghost Gear Fund. This is in addition to the immediate funding of up to $1.5 million that supports 11 partners for cleanup this fall in areas hit by the storm.
‘Hurricane Fiona’s devastation extends beyond the shore. Getting this lost fishing gear out of the water as quickly as possible is a priority for the Government,’ Joyce Murray said.
‘The Ghost Gear Fund will help reunite fish harvesters with their usable fishing gear, so they can continue their work feeding a hungry world. We remain dedicated to supporting Atlantic Canada and Eastern Quebec as communities rebuild.’
