Over 430,000 elastic lobster bands have been cleaned up off Nova Scotia’s shorelines over the last year by a local organization, but they say the problem has persisted.
Bands are being dumped from outflow pipes at lobster plants. Volunteers with Scotian Shores have picked them up but are now renewing their call to have something done about it.
In January, Project Manager Angela Riley first flagged the issue, saying at that time 60,000 elastic lobster bands had been cleaned up and called for more effective filtration systems at outflow pipes.
Seven months later, in a video posted to social media at a beach in Clark’s Harbour Wednesday, shaking with rage Riley noticed an uncovered pipe dumping flow and many more bands into the ocean.
“Why is nothing being done about this!? Somebody needs to do something about all this garbage that is being washed out of these pipes,” pleaded Riley.
She said it was brought to her attention by a local fisher from Cape Sable Island.
“[They] reached out to tell me that the dumping of bands is happening again from the same outflow pipe that we’ve been watching,” said Riley.
However, local politicians are taking note.
Riley said not only did she hear from MLA for Kings West Chris Palmer, but also Fisheries Minister Kent Smith.
“Saying they hear us and have sent a letter to ALL local seafood buyers, processors and holding facilities reminding them to not litter anymore,” said Riley.
In his own video posted to social media, Smith thanked Angela for her work.
“We really appreciate cleanups,” said Smith. “She’s highlighted for us and noted where we can do better and we will.”
