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 2026 Event Summary
- 1,550 kg
- 1,250 kg
- Waste (landfill): 300kg
- Large items (Floats, barrels, etc.): 320kg
- Hard Plastic Fragments: 369.5kg
- Rope: 354kg
- EPS Foam: 109.5kg
- Beverage bottles: 97kg
Despite postponing original plans due to gale warnings, BC Marine Trails (BCMT) completed its annual Vargas Island marine debris cleanup from May 31–June 3.
A crew of ten volunteers collected and sorted marine debris from nine beaches across Vargas Island, including 595 plastic water bottles. On June 2nd, the team encountered a school group from TREK Outdoor Education Program, who joined the effort, making a marked difference in the debris collected on Ahous Bay. Together, these community-led efforts expanded the cleanup to a total of 12 beaches across Vargas.
Vargas Island residents also joined the effort on June 7, organizing 24 volunteers from neighbouring communities for a dedicated day of debris collection. Separately, Island residents collected and staged debris at two additional locations.
Western Canada Marine Response Corporation (WCMRC) transported the debris off-island from June 16–18. All materials are being processed through the Ocean Legacy Foundation’s depot in Ucluelet, where recyclable materials will be recovered and remaining waste responsibly managed.
2026 Event Information
Dates: May 27-31, 2026 – Participants must attend for the entire duration
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, Ocean Legacy Foundation
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 Surfrider Pacific Rim 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, 2026. For safety, the group must travel together, and volunteers must join for all 5 days. Launch (11am 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.
May 2026 Event Sign Up
The event is at capacity. Please check again next year!
