Environment
Volunteers Rally for Coastal Cleanup on Nova Scotia Beaches
Hundreds turned out across the province this weekend to collect debris and raise awareness about marine pollution affecting Atlantic coastlines.
Published: May 19, 2025 at 01:04
By: By Stephen Wilson, Great White Press
Over 500 volunteers turned out across Nova Scotia this past weekend for a series of coastal cleanups organized to tackle mounting marine debris. From the South Shore to Cape Breton, participants gathered along beaches, harbors, and coves with gloves and garbage bags in hand.
The effort was led by the Clean Coastlines Coalition, a partnership of environmental nonprofits, schools, and local businesses. The annual initiative aims not only to clear debris but also to raise awareness about the human impact on ocean ecosystems.
This year’s cleanup focused on microplastics, abandoned fishing gear, and general waste accumulation following a stormy winter. “We found everything from tires to plastic toys buried in the sand,” said volunteer leader Karen O’Neill on Martinique Beach.
Students from Halifax West High School joined the event as part of a service learning project. “We talk a lot about climate change in class,” said Grade 11 student Priya N., “but actually doing something to protect the environment feels empowering.”
In Lunenburg County, divers teamed up with kayakers to remove submerged trash from shallow inlets. Over 300 kilograms of debris was hauled out, including metal piping, netting, and even an old shopping cart.
Volunteers catalogued each item collected as part of a national database maintained by the Ocean Conservancy. These records help researchers identify pollution trends and guide future cleanup strategies.
“We’re not just picking up garbage—we’re gathering data,” explained marine biologist Dr. Steven Rook. “This information informs policy, such as banning certain single-use plastics or implementing better waste disposal at sea.”
Several local businesses supported the cleanup by donating supplies, snacks, and water. Eco-minded sponsors included a brewery offering post-event refreshments and a gear store that handed out reusable gloves.
Municipal leaders also made appearances, thanking volunteers and pledging continued investment in public shoreline maintenance. Some towns, like Shelburne, announced new signage campaigns to educate visitors about littering penalties.
Despite the hard work, spirits remained high. Families, students, and retirees worked side by side, some sharing stories of why protecting the ocean matters to them personally. “I grew up near these waters,” said one participant, “and I want my grandkids to do the same.”
The Clean Coastlines Coalition has announced another event planned for fall to follow up on areas too remote to access this time. Registration will open in late August for interested community members.
As Nova Scotia’s summer tourism season approaches, the cleanup serves as a reminder that preserving natural beauty is everyone’s responsibility—and it starts with a single piece of trash picked up and properly discarded.