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Why Cleanup?
"...MARINE MAMMALS COMBAT ENTANGLEMENT AS A WAY OF LIFE..."
Clayoquot Sound is an ecologically rich ecosystem suffering from the impact of ocean plastics and marine debris.
Home to First Nations communities (Hesquiaht, Ahousaht, Tla-o-qui-aht) the District of Tofino, a plethora of visitors, part time residents and colorful characters, the biodiversity of our landscape is mirrored closely by the diversity of its human inhabitants. Drawing from this diversity and the reliance we have upon the industries of fishing, aquaculture and eco-tourism, the link is clear between healthy landscapes and thriving wildlife and sustainable economic growth and development.
Clayoquot Sound acts as an aggregator for ocean plastics and marine debris from both domestic and international sources. Commercial fishing gear, jettisoned shipping containers, styrofoam insulation and household plastics are all prevalent examples of pollution that is turning Clayoquot Sound into a landfill. As a result, cetaceans and other wildlife combat entanglement as a way of life. Whales perish in lost fishing gear, birds choke on plastics mistaken for food and the integrity of the ecosystem as a whole declines.
Remote coastal regions of Clayoquot Sound have accumulated critical levels of pollution and demand immediate attention. Pollution removal from these remote regions requires considerable logistical planning and specialized technical experience. This is where Clayoquot CleanUp can make a difference. By implementing a comprehensive ocean plastics and marine debris removal program, we can properly maintain that rich balance of biology and economy in Clayoquot Sound.
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