2016-2017

News Release

REF NO.: 98

SUBJECT: The challenge is on: Marine Institute launches provincewide cleanup

DATE: June 8, 2017

Note to editors:

The Fisheries and Marine Institute (MI) is challenging residents of Newfoundland and Labrador to help tackle one of the greatest threats facing our oceans: litter.

From June 8 to Oct. 31, MI Ocean Net is encouraging citizens to clean up river beds, local beaches and park spaces in their communities.

Every year, five to 12 million metric tonnes of debris enter our oceans, much of which stems from land-based sources. The 2017 provincewide cleanup aims to register as many events as possible across the province to help combat the growing issue of marine debris.

MI Ocean Net is dedicated to mobilizing volunteers to take an interest in lifelong marine sustainability and in protecting the marine environment.

This year’s event is being held in partnership with The Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup, one of Canada’s largest community-led, volunteer-powered conservation programs. The Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup, presented by Loblaw Companies Limited, is a conservation initiative of the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre and WWF-Canada, which aims to promote the understanding of shoreline litter issues by engaging Canadians to rehabilitate shoreline areas through cleanups.

The challenge is on! Find out more with this short video.

Take action and register today. Please contact Tiffany Martin or at (709) 778-0328.

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