Ocean Legacy Foundation (OLF), an organization accredited by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and global leader in marine plastic recovery and recycling, is proud to announce the launch of its Marine Plastic Management Program (MPMP), an innovative initiative designed to support British Columbia’s fishing and aquaculture industry in responsibly managing fishing gear disposal while driving Canada’s circular economy. The MPMP is part of OLF’s Strategic Management of Ghost Gear in Coastal Land, an initiative endorsed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) Ocean Decade under the Ocean Practices of the Decade Programme.
“At the heart of the Marine Plastic Management Program is a commitment to innovation and environmental leadership,” said Chloé Dubois, Executive Director, Ocean Legacy Foundation. “This program represents a transformative step forward in addressing the mounting challenge of marine plastic pollution. Through the integration of waste recovery, tracking, sorting, and recycling technologies, the MPMP makes it possible to close the loop on marine plastics by turning waste into valuable resources.”
By participating in this program, businesses join a growing network of changemakers who are reducing plastic leakage into ecosystems and improving material traceability. The program supports plastic-carbon footprint reporting and aligns with extended producer responsibility (EPR) principles, helping businesses prepare for regulatory shifts while promoting long-term environmental and operational resilience.
“Ocean Legacy Foundation continues to be an inspiring leader in B.C.’s circular economy, working hard to create a more sustainable future through its successful marine clean-up and recycling initiatives,” said Honourable Tamara Davidson, Minister of Environment and Parks. “The Foundation’s new Marine Plastic Membership Program will help find innovative solutions to address the challenges of marine plastics, and I am excited to see the positive impact this work will have on communities and the environment.”
“Canada is taking meaningful action to address ghost gear and marine pollution, and we’re seeing the results,” said The Honourable Minister of Fisheries, Joanne Thompson. “With support from our Ghost Gear Program, the Ocean Legacy Foundation is transforming marine waste into everyday useful products. It’s a practical example of how a green, circular economy can protect the oceans while supporting sustainable jobs and local industry on our coasts.”
Membership Benefits
The MPMP offers businesses a range of benefits designed to drive the recovery, recycling, and reintegration of marine plastics into the plastic supply chain. Members gain access to enhanced ESG reporting, a tier-specific annual membership decal, up and coming plastic-carbon accounting metrics, access to products which use their gear as well as a swath of other benefits.
To learn more about the Marine Plastic Management Program and how your business can participate, please visit: oceanlegacy.ca/marine-plastic-management-program-mpmp/.
