# Salish Sea marine debris cleanup

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/salish-sea-marine-debris-cleanup
> Updated: 2026-10-21T18:11:00.000Z. Sources: 30. Developments: 2.

Volunteer divers and community organizations conducted a cleanup operation near Sidney Pier in the Salish Sea to remove ‘ghost gear’ that threatens local wildlife. The operation, which took place around October 4, involved removing approximately 250 kg of debris, including rope, line, abandoned crab traps, netting, and cable.

The effort was a collaborative project involving the Emerald Sea Protection Society, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Surfrider Foundation, and the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea. Divers noted that lost fishing gear often accumulates against pilings, creating hazards for marine life such as seals, sea lions, dolphins, and orcas.

Ryan Swan, a diver from Langford and creator of the YouTube channel ‘Be Sea Adventures’, documented the efforts to promote education and ocean conservation. Swan released video footage of the permitted cleanup to increase awareness of the issue, noting that while the project’s impact is small compared to the total amount of ghost gear lost in oceans annually, the goal is to engage viewers through educational elements. Swan has previously used his platform to highlight rare species, such as the ancient cloud sponges found in the Saanich Inlet.

## Claims

- A team of volunteer divers and community partners performed a permitted ghost gear cleanup on October 4. (reported by 7 sources)
- Approximately 250 kilograms of abandoned crab traps, nets, rope, cable, and line were removed from the water. (reported by 7 sources)
- The cleanup took place in the Salish Sea near Sidney, specifically between two piers at the base of Beacon Avenue. (reported by 7 sources)
- Ryan Swan operates the Be Sea Adventures YouTube channel. (reported by 7 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-21: Salish Sea ghost gear cleanup documented by YouTuber

YouTuber Ryan Swan documented a volunteer dive team's successful removal of 250kg of abandoned fishing gear from the Salish Sea near Sidney to promote ocean conservation.

28 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/salish-sea-cleanup-removes-250-kilograms-of-ghost-gear

### 2026-10-11: Sidney Pier cleanup removes 250 kg of marine debris

Volunteer divers recovered 250 kg of abandoned fishing gear and debris from Sidney Pier to protect marine wildlife in the Salish Sea.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sidney-pier-cleanup-removes-250-kg-of-marine-debris

---
Cite as: Salish Sea marine debris cleanup. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/salish-sea-marine-debris-cleanup