The Provincial Government is providing $12,000 to the Marine Institute's Ocean Net Friends of Beaches Network to conduct 50 beach, shoreline and underwater cleanups between June and October. The funding for this initiative is being provided through the $300,000 Coastal and Ocean Program, which was allocated in Budget 2010: The Right Investments - For Our Children and Our Future.

"The Ocean Net Friends of Beaches Network provides opportunities for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to expand their knowledge on the importance of ocean conservation and the marine environment," said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. "My department is very interested in supporting initiatives that encourage sustainable use of the province's coastal areas. Public initiatives such as beach cleanups can play a key role in achieving this goal."

Through this initiative, the network will bring together up to 1,000 community volunteers and establish five Friends of Beaches chapters across the province. The chapters will manage specific marine sustainability issues of their local marine environment.

"The Marine Institute recognizes the opportunity for communities and youth to get engaged in marine sustainability issues and make a positive difference here in Newfoundland and Labrador," said Glenn Blackwood, Executive Director of the Marine Institute. "The Ocean Net network of volunteers care about our oceans and it is inspiring to see what they are able to accomplish."

Each Friends of Beaches chapter will conduct a minimum of two cleanups, inviting members of the community to take part in the cleanup events while learning of the marine sustainability issues being addressed.

"This project is aligned with the overall mandate of the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture to promote and encourage the sustainable use of the province's marine environment," said Minister Jackman. "I commend the Friends of Beaches Network for their hard work. My department looks forward to working with them on this important and valuable project."

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