Sidney Pier cleanup removes 250 kg of marine debris

Volunteer divers recently conducted a cleanup operation at Sidney Pier to remove ‘ghost gear’ that poses a hazard to wildlife in the Salish Sea. Working in two teams, the divers cleared three large snags from the pier's back pilings.

The operation recovered approximately 250 kg of debris, which included 110 kg of rope and line, along with abandoned crab traps, netting, cable, and a shopping cart. Divers noted that lost fishing gear often accumulates against pilings due to currents, creating dangerous tangles for marine life such as seals, sea lions, dolphins, and orcas.

The event was a collaborative effort involving several organizations. The Emerald Sea Protection Society managed permits and safety protocols in coordination with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, while the Surfrider Foundation (South Vancouver Island Chapter) provided shore support and data collection. The Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea assisted with marine life handling and public engagement.