In order to solve the increasing problem of abandoned boats along its coastlines, Canada has announced C$6.85m in funding through the Abandoned Boats Programme, part of the Oceans Protection Plan.
A call for proposals under the Abandoned Boats Program was launched on April 3rd 2018, and will remain open until March 31st 2019. Additional calls for proposal will be issued later in 2019.
More than C$110,000 will be allocated to various organizations to assess 31 boats that litter shores on the East Coast: Assessments will identify safety issues, environmental impact, recycling value and costs regarding removing an abandoned boat. When an assessment is completed, applicants may apply for funding under the Abandoned Boats Program to have a boat removed and disposed.
The Oceans Protection Plan aims to protect Canada’s coasts and waterways.
Meanwhile, in order to reduce problematic ships, the Canadian government has proposed new legislation for wrecked, abandoned, and hazardous vessels. The Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act (Bill C-64) will bring the Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks, 2007, into Canadian law and toughen vessel-owner liability.