The Howe Sound Marine Debris Fund helps us respond quickly when storm events occur and removes the barriers of costs for clean-up, coordination, and disposal. We collaborate with local stewards, community groups and partners, to coordinate clean-up and disposal efficiently. The goal is to remove debris from the ocean before it breaks apart and causes more pollution and harm to marine life and seabirds.

This fund is intended to reimburse costs for medium-sized debris, such as large pieces of styrofoam, styrofoam filled tires, pieces of docks, and remains of wrecked boats.

In 2024 the fund was used to quickly respond to a report of heavy creosoted timbers washed up on a remote beach on Bowen Island. The Ocean Legacy team successfully removed 16,870 kg (almost 17 tons!) of timbers and 113 kg of plastic, metal, and tarp.