Clear the Coast is back for another season

With government funding at an end, we wondered how we would ever continue the essential work we’ve been doing to protect and restore habitat on Vancouver Island’s amazing northern shores. In 2024, we removed an all-time record of over 60 tonnes of plastic debris from the region—and there’s still more to get! 

Our supporters at Blue Friday came to the rescue again, running their November 2024 campaign to support our work for 2025. Lead sponsor Mustang Survival and dozens of small, sustainability-oriented businesses came together to devote a portion of their sales on the date formerly known as Black Friday to protecting the ocean that we all depend upon. Together, they raised over $30,000 for our work. 

And you, our loyal supporters over the years, have always been generous in your donations for this program. Most years, we’ve been able to add another $15,000 from your donations to support our volunteer teams with the boats, helicopters and trucks needed to find, collect and transport debris from our beaches to the recycling and landfill centre. If you haven’t done so already, I hope you’ll consider making a donation today to ensure our success in 2025! 

This year’s expedition will take place mid-June. We’ll be deciding on target beaches in consultation with our BC Parks supervisor, who will be doing some reconnaissance early this spring. The expedition will likely be seven days, with a travel day on either end. If you’re interested in joining us, please email kwristen [at] livingoceans.org, with a brief overview of your wilderness camping, beach cleaning or other relevant experience!