Vargas Island Marine Debris Removal

Since 2022, BC Marine Trails has partnered with the Ahousaht Nation, Surfrider Pacific Rim, and Western Canada Response Corporation (WCMRC) in an annual marine debris cleanup of Vargas Island. BCMT volunteers circumnavigate the island by kayak over a five day period, stopping to clean beaches along the way, removing debris that threatens the coastal ecosystem. After the event, the WCMRC team retrieves the collected debris using a landing craft, ensuring it is properly disposed of or recycled through Ocean Legacy’s Plastic Depot in Ucluelet.

Building on this work, BC Marine Trails has helped expand marine debris cleanup efforts across Clayoquot Sound, including the establishment of designated drop zones on Vargas and Flores Islands. These zones provide paddlers, boaters, and hikers with a simple way to collect and store debris, which is later removed by WCMRC for proper disposal and recycling. By making it easier for recreationists to take part in cleanup efforts, this program reduces plastic pollution and supports the long-term health of Clayoquot Sound’s coastal environment.