Since 2022, BC Marine Trails has partnered with the Ahousaht Nation, Surfrider Pacific Rim, and Western Canada Response Corporation (WCMRC) in an annual marine debris cleanup of Vargas Island. BCMT volunteers circumnavigate the island by kayak over a five day period, stopping to clean beaches along the way, removing debris that threatens the coastal ecosystem. After the event, the WCMRC team retrieves the collected debris using a landing craft, ensuring it is properly disposed of or recycled through Ocean Legacy’s Plastic Depot in Ucluelet.
Building on this work, BC Marine Trails has helped expand marine debris cleanup efforts across Clayoquot Sound, including the establishment of designated drop zones on Vargas and Flores Islands. These zones provide paddlers, boaters, and hikers with a simple way to collect and store debris, which is later removed by WCMRC for proper disposal and recycling. By making it easier for recreationists to take part in cleanup efforts, this program reduces plastic pollution and supports the long-term health of Clayoquot Sound’s coastal environment.
Current progress
May 2025 Event Summary
- 3,770 lbs
- 2,823 lbs
From May 27–31, a dedicated crew of nine BC Marine Trails volunteers undertook a multi-day marine debris cleanup across Vargas Island joined for a day by 19 more volunteers from Surfrider Pacific Rim and Surfrider Vancouver Island for a focused effort on Dick & Jane’s Beach. Vargas residents also led a cleanup on the island’s east side, adding three super sacks to the total haul — including dock floats, boat fragments, and more.
Thanks to Western Canada Marine Response Corporation (WCMRC) crews, the collected debris was removed by landing craft and delivered to the Ocean Legacy Foundation depot in Ucluelet for recycling, where 2,823 pounds of collected debris will be recycled — the remainder sent to landfill.
Dates: May 27-31 2025
Time: 9am-5pm each day spent cleaning beaches, or paddling/ moving camp
Location: Vargas Island, BC
Partners: Pacific Rim Surfrider, Maaqtusiis Secondary School, Western Canada Marine Response Corporation
This 5-day trip will be a circumnavigation of Vargas Island with stops at most of the major recreation beaches. At each stop we will work as a team to collect any marine debris that has accumulated & package it for later removal. On Ahous bay, we will meet with the Ahousaht Guardians and the Ahousaht Secondary school kids to do a joint beach clean of this sprawling west facing beach. Participation requires expertise navigating class 3 waters — hazards include: swell, boomers, surf landings, surf launches. Volunteers must be prepared with your own kayak, weather appropriate clothing, safety equipment, camping gear, food, water and a positive attitude ready to make a difference!
The event will take place from May 27-31, 2025 — volunteers must join for all 5 days. Launch (10am on day one) and return (mid-day on the 31) to First Street Dock in Tofino (parking passes provided).
Volunteers will be required to provide their own kayak and food. Protective equipment will be provided by BCMT, including gloves, bags, and safety gear.
Please note that this event involves physically demanding work. Volunteers should be prepared to walk on uneven terrain, lift and carry debris, and work in varying weather conditions.
