In this final episode of the four-part series Tracing Trash from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic, we finally reach Newfoundland. Joined by Sydney Sullivan, Marine and Plastics Program Coordinator with the Atlantic Healthy Oceans Initiative (AHOI), we deep dive into the innovative solutions addressing plastic pollution from food packaging to the fishing industry. From Sydney's first-hand experiences, we learn about what is haunting the ocean, and how beauty is restored even after a major storm. Tune in as we explore the path ahead for AHOI and how each of us can raise our voice for ocean conservation—and act beyond the barriers and boxes we may find ourselves in!

Show Notes

⁠https://www.ahoi.ca/⁠ 

AHOI Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/atlantichealthyoceansinitiative/ 

Bonne Bay Marine Station:

https://www.newfoundlandlabrador.com/plan-and-book/attractions/14292656

CBC Article on AHOI Waste Report:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/recycling-waste-management-gros-morne-1.6389562

CBC Article on AHOI Ghost Gear Cleanup:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/newfoundland-fiona-cleanup-initiative-1.6671975

Global Plastics Treaty: https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/press-release/pivotal-fourth-session-negotiations-global-plastics-treaty-opens

Fishing Gear Coalition of Atlantic Canada: https://fgcac.org/

This episode features our guest, Angela Riley, the founder of Scotian Shores, which is a shoreline cleanup group in Nova Scotia. We learn about the personal motivations Angela felt to take action against plastic pollution, along with the tremendous efforts by her community to curb trash at sea, and the problem of grappling with 'legacy pollution'. Through their mission, Scotian Shores has gathered a ton of community support and collaborates with various other local organizations for their shared vision of a healthy, clean ocean. We also learn about some of the difficulties in sustaining such a bold mission, and also ways for listeners to discover their own ways to contribute to ocean conservation. Angela brings hope for finding solutions and reminds us we aren’t alone.

Show Notes

Scotian Shores website https://www.scotianshores.com/ 

Scotian Shores on Facebook ​​https://www.facebook.com/ScotianShores/ 

DFO Ghost Gear Fund (funding) https://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fisheries-peches/management-gestion/ghostgear-equipementfantome/program-programme/projects-projets-eng.html 

Plastic Oceans Canada Blue Communities (funding) https://plasticoceans.org/scotian-shores-joins-bluecommunities-global-movement/ 

Divert Nova Scotia (waste diversion partner) https://divertns.ca/ 

Fishing Gear Coalition of Atlantic Canada (waste diversion partner) https://fgcac.org/ 

Coastal Action (cleanup partner) https://www.coastalaction.org/ 

Coastal Restoration Society (cleanup partner) https://www.coastrestore.com/

Other shoreline cleanup groups in NS to support!

Friends of Scots Bay Salt Marsh https://www.facebook.com/groups/3071417469612128/ 

Nova Scotia Beach Garbage Awareness https://www.facebook.com/kleanitup18/  

Cape Breton Environmental Association https://www.cbenviro.org/ 

Trashformers https://www.acapcb.ns.ca/trashformers

In this episode, Anne Marie Asselin, founder of Organisation Bleue, shares her path into ocean conservation, entrepreneurship, and her contributions in shedding light on plastic pollution issues. Her Montreal-based NGO, currently celebrating its fifth anniversary, has been devoted to conducting research and raising awareness about plastic pollution in the eastern provinces of Canada. The NGO's data on plastic litter proved influential and was used by the Canadian government to draft regulations on single-use plastic. Assellin also speaks on her vision for the future, expressing hope in the increasing stewardship efforts by the younger generation and momentum in political action. Listen in to learn more about upcoming projects by Organisation Bleue and how you can get involved!

Show Notes:

The Blue Organization https://www.organisationbleue.org/en/the-organization

Interactive 5-Year Report https://pollutionplastique.ca/

Oceans Week https://oceanweekcan.ca/

UN Oceans Decade https://oceandecade.org/

This inaugural episode of Tracing Trash begins our journey exploring plastic pollution throughout the Atlantic Ocean Watershed, starting with the Great Lakes. Through an enlightening conversation with post-doctoral fellow, Dr. Zoie Diana and PhD candidate, Rachel Giles from the University of Toronto's Rochman lab, listeners gain insights into the sources and impacts of plastic pollution, along with possible mitigation strategies. From learning about 'bioindicators' and 'model animals' to recognizing the pivotal role of tiny organisms, this episode brings you one step closer to understanding the plastic pollution crisis and what you can do about it.

Show Notes:

U of T Trash Team https://uofttrashteam.ca/   

Rochman lab https://rochmanlab.wordpress.com/ 

Rachel Giles https://www.rachelkgiles.com/

Zoie Diana https://www.zoiediana.com/

Global Plastics Treaty https://www.undp.org/blog/global-treaty-end-plastic-pollution-sight

Coming soon, on World Water Day (March 22, 2024), tune into this new series on plastic pollution!