Richmond, British Columbia, Canada-based plastic pollution nonprofit the Ocean Legacy Foundation (OLF) has announced the launch of a new program designed to address the responsible disposal of fishing gear.
The new Marine Plastic Management Program (MPMP) will support fishers and aquaculture workers in repurposing marine plastics and supporting Canada’s circular economy.
Used fishing gear and other plastics will be used to create everyday products, including soap dishes, compost bins, garden planters, plastic lumber, park benches, picnic tables, and patio furniture out of what the program calls “Legacy Plastic,” a brand Ocean Legacy has developed to market its products made from marine, shoreline, and ocean-recovered plastics.
Canadian Minister of Fisheries Joanne Thompson called the program an example of how “Canada is taking meaningful action to address ghost gear and marine pollution."
"It is a practical example of how a green, circular economy can protect the oceans while supporting sustainable jobs and local industry on our coasts,” she said.
OLF Executive Director Chloé Dubois added that the project represents "a commitment to innovation and environmental leadership.”
“This program represents a transformative step forward in addressing the mounting challenge of marine plastic pollution. Through the integration of waste recovery, tracking, sorting, and recycling technologies, the MPMP makes it possible to close the loop on marine plastics by turning waste into valuable resources,” she said.
The OLF explained that participation in the program offers numerous benefits to businesses beyond plastic waste mitigation; those participating will make industry contacts, receive access to products made of Legacy Plastic at a reduced cost, and get support in their plastic-carbon footprint reporting, helping them prepare for regulatory changes that may appear in the future, the organization said.
Canadian Minister of Environment and Parks Tamara Davidson said that the “Ocean Legacy Foundation continues to be an inspiring leader in B.C.’s circular economy, working hard to create a more sustainable future through its successful marine clean-up and recycling initiatives.”
“The foundation’s new Marine Plastic Membership Program will help find innovative solutions to address the challenges of marine plastics,” she said.
